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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJul 24, 1978OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA JULY 24, 1978 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 Councilman Norberg. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to approve the minutes of the July l0 public hearing, the July 10 regular meeting, and the July 17 special meeting as presented in writing and reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that bills as listed be paid out of the proper funds. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to table this matter until later in the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes ORAL PETITIONS Mr. Robert Smeija, 4305 2nd Street, was present to discuss a problem he and his neighbors have been experiencing with water runoff during heavy rains since a curb and gutter were installed about two years ago. Several neighbors stated the problem they have been having with soil erosion caused by the runoff coming over their yards instead of staying in the street. Mr. Kotzer, 4201 2nd Street, stated he had several feet of water in his basement during the recent rains. The City Attorney stated that a formal notice of a claim must be submitted by the resident within 120 days of the incident. Mayor Nawrocki stated he would like the insurance company to make a report for the benefit of the residents involved. Discussion followed on the process of making a claim and expected response time from the insurance company. Mr. Walburg, Chairman of the Insurance Commission, stated he thought any insurance company should respond within 30 days and he will see to it that the residents are informed. Discussion followed on who is responsible for the damage and who the claim should be filed against. The City Manager stated that the amount of rain received was abnormally large and fell in a short time. There may not be anything the City can do about the problem. Earl Gustafson, Public Works Director, stated that it is difficult July 24, 1978 Page 2 to come up with a solution right now. He stated he would have an engineering report by the next meeting. Mayor Nawrocki stated that a notice will be sent to these neighbors when the engineering report is ready so they can be present to discuss the report's recommendations. Mr. Smeija also had a question about a fence he would like the City to install between his property and Gauvitte Park. The Mayor asked that this be looked into by staff and put on the next meeting agenda. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION Mayor Nawrocki stated that Mr. Hinrichs, Mr. Dustin, and Councilman Heintz have given their time to serve the City on various boards for many years. Mr. Dustin has served on the Recreation Commission for eight years, Mr. Hinrichs has served on the Downtown Development Council for five years, and Councilman Heintz has served on the Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Council for eight years. Mayor Nawrocki presented them all with certificates of appreciation. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: 1. Ordinance 886 - Flood Insurance Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to remove ordinance 886 from the table for discussion. Roll Call: All Ayes The City Manager reported that the City must take action prior to September 29, 1978 in order to qualify for the insurance plan established by the federal government. If the City did not enact the ordinance, the residents could not qualify for the insurance plan. People would then have trouble obtaining mortgages on homes within the flood plain areas. Mr. Walburg stated that residents will not be required to carry flood insurance. If they would need flood insurance or would care to buy it, it would be available to them. Discussion followed on how to get the insurance, what the rates may be, and for how much the property must be insured. Mayor Nawrocki emphasized that Mr. Walburg was not present to sell insurance but only to report on the ordinance. Councilman Norberg asked about the definition of structure on page 4 of the ordinance. Motion by Norberg, to amend the ordinance, page 4, the definition of structure to read as follows: "Anything affixed to the ground, not occuring naturally, enclosing space, constructed by man; principle use of which is human habitation, storage of goods or mechanisms, conducting of commerce or the making of goods or products.'l Motion dies for lack of a second. Discussion followed on the definition and the present requirements for obtaining a building permit. Councilman Norberg stated his concern that at some time in the future some City department may begin requiring permits for everything. Council- man Hentges stated his concern that the land would be considered unbuildable if anything happened to the house or commercial building that is presently there. Roll Call on ordinance 886: All Ayes July 24, 1978 Page 3 2. Resolution Regarding Partial Reimbursement of Police Training Expenses RESOLUTION 78-25 WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota has appropriated certain funds for police officer training, and \VHEREAS, the City of Columbia Hei9hts has sent police officers to trainin9 that meets the standards for partial reimbursement of expense incurred by local 9overnments, NOW, THEREFORE, The City Council of the City of Columbia Hei9hts authorizes the City Treasurer, John Schedler, to be the official applicant for the reimbursement of such funds. Passed this 24th day of July, 1978. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Norber9 Roll Call: All Ayes 3. Resolution Regarding Use of Midland Sale Proceeds RESOLUTION 78-29 BEING A RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING CERTAIN FUNDS RECEIVED FROM THE SALE OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TO MIDLAND COOPERATIVES, INC. BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that the $381,862.92 received for the sale of certain real estate to Midland Cooperatives, Inc. be and hereby is appropriated as follows: $15,000.OO Park purposes, including trees, shrub, planting and landscaping in Active Recreation area of Sullivan Lake Park. $38,215.00 Repayment of 1976 Capital Improvement Bonds $328,647.92 Unexpended General Fund Balances Passed this 24th day of July, 1978. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Logacz Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to amend the resolution that the $15,000 figure for park purposes be changed to $85,000 to include a park shelter building in the Sullivan Lake area and to amend the $328,647.92 to read $258,647.92. Councilman Hentges stated he feels the money should be used for the park and not put into the unexpended general fund. Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki Aye Logacz, Heintz - Nay July 24, 1978 Page 4 Discussion followed on the acquisition costs of the property. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to amend that the balance for the general fund instead be designated to a special fund reserved for development of the Sullivan Lake project. Councilman Norberg stated the idea is to keep these items together so that the balance sheet on this project does not get mingled with the general fund money. John Schedler, Finance Director, stated the money is in a separate account now, the 807 fund. Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges - Aye Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Nay Motion fails. Roll Call on amended resolution: Hentges, Nawrocki Aye Logacz, Heintz, Norberg - Nay Resolution fails. COMMUNICATIONS: l. Community Development Block Grant - Small Cities Program The City Manager stated that this was just to indicate to the Council that the City's pre-application has been approved and passed on to the staff. 2. Block Party Request John Kruse, 1038 44J Avenue, presented a petition signed by all but two families on the block requesting a block party to be held on August 27. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to grant permission for a block party for August 27 on 44½ Avenue. Roll Call: All Ayes LICENSES Mayor Nawrocki asked the justification for waiving the license fee for Arrowfast Printing for food and beer to be served at a softball tournament. A representative of the Arrowfast team stated the fee waiver was his request because he thought this was the standard procedure. RECESS at lO:06 p.m. RECONVENE at 10:31 p.m. The City Manager stated that t¼e staff recommendation is that the fee not be waived. July 24, 1978 Page 5 Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the licenses as listed be approved upon payment of proper fees and to deny the request for waiver of beer and food license fees for Arrowfast Printing. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to amend to include waiving the fees for the beer and food license for Arrowfast Printing. Discussion followed on the justification for the fee waiver. Councilman Norberg stated he thought some dollar amount should be charged so as not to establish a precedent of waiving fees. Roll Call on amendment: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay Roll Call on amended motion: All Ayes COMMUNICATIONS: 3. Letter from City of New Brighton Regarding 1-335 City Manager Bocwinski stated that he had received the resolution from New Brighton indicating that the traffic created in their community will be substantially increased by the removal of 1-335 from the interstate system. They are supporting the recommendation that 1-335 be reinstated as part of the highway system. This was submitted for the Council's information. 4. Other Communications The Mayor reported on a letter he had from Dean Otterson regarding the continuation of the planning function by A1 Carlson. There will be no billing to the City as the costs will be absorbed by CETA. This will continue until the City seeks out some other plan. He also had a letter from A1 Kordiak indicating that the County Board has adopted an ordinance dealing with field parties. The purpose is to legislate outdoor gatherings and to try to cope with the problem. Stu Anderson, Police Chief, stated he feels this is not necessary for Columbia Heights as the City does not have the same type of problem that some of Anoka County does. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Bids on Remodeling and Renovation of City Hall The City Manager reported that the bid tabulations for the remodeling of City Hall and parking lot addition have been received. The recommendation is that the remodeling bid be awarded to Barr/Nelson Incorporated in the base bid amount of $108,850 and that the Council appropriate $38,558 to cover the cost of the bids as received. Discussion followed on the amount of the previous bids and how much the City saved in the rebidding process. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the remodeling of the City Hall be awarded to Barr/Nelson Incorporated in the amount of $108,850 and the monies that have not been appropriated, in the amount of $28,845, come out of general unallocated funds, and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into contract for same. July 24, 1978 Page 6 Councilman Norberg stated he doesn't feel this should be approved until the City has a firm contract with the County for the court system. Mayor Nawrocki stated the agreement of the county representatives is as binding as any contract. Motion by Norberg, to amend the motion to make the approval of the bids contingent upon signing of a contract with the County for rental of space in the new facility. Motion dies for lack of a second. Roll Call on main motion: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg, Hentges - Nay Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the parking lot addition to City Hall be awarded to James Steele Construction Company in the amount of $11,900 based on low competitive bid and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same and that the amount of $5,900 conditionally be authorized from the unallocated general fund for this project to cover the unappropriated costs involved in this contract. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the amount of $5,808 be appropriated from unallocated general fund for additional costs in reroofing of City Hall building. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to waive the ll:30 rule and to extend the meeting until 12:15. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay 2. Other Old Business George Brown, City Engineer, reported on the Central Avenue signing. A representative from the federal highway administration stated to him that: he would not approve a change to include parking spaces at 42nd and Central. The alternative is for the City to pay 100% of the costs of the changes. Discussion followed on the plans as approved by the Council which included parking, and the highway department changes. Councilman Norberg stated he felt the highway department deliberately conned the City by designing the street in such a way that the federal highway department would not approve plans unless it was done the way the state wanted it. The Mayor stated he will attempt to set up some meetings with the appropriate people and try to get a reversal of the decision. July 24, 1978 Page 7 NEW BUSINESS: 1. Request to Install Midblock Lighting on Forest Drive City Manager Bocwinski reported that George Brown has recommended that midblock lighting be installed on Forest Drive. It has been the City's practice to install midblock lighting when the block is more than 660 feet long. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that the midblock lighting be installed in the appropriate places of Forest Drive. Roll Ca!l: All Ayes 2. Authorization to Acquire Lots on 42½ Avenue at Pierce Street Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to acquire the five tax forfeit lots on 42½ Avenue at Pierce Street. Discussion followed on the purpose of this acquisition. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to amend the motion to authorize the City Manager to get appraisals and look for possible buyers for the lots. Roll Call on amendment: All Ayes Roll Call on amended motion: All Ayes 3. Schools and Conferences Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that authorization, including expenses, be authorized for Arden Hovland to attend the 56th Conference on Education and Code Development October 1 - 6. Roll Call: All Ayes 4. Proposed Merit Increases Discussion on the merit increase recommendations. , 3~ merit increase of Gary Motion by Hentges seconded by Norberg, that the ~° Bennett be denied. Stu Anderson stated that Mr. Bennett is a sincere worker and the increase is earned. Roll Call: All Nayes The proposed merit increases will go into effect administratively. 5. Other New Business Equipment Replacement - Stu Anderson reported the theft of police equipment off one of the cars while it was at the repair shop. He requested up to $900 out of the revenue sharing to pay for replacement equipment. The claim from the insurance company will returned to the general fund. July 24, 1978 Page 8 Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the City Manager be authorized to purchase the replacement equipment in question and that the funding be out of the unallocated general expense and the proceeds of any insurance or other recoveries be returned to the unallocated general fund. Roll Call: All Ayes Stop Signs on 37th Avenue - Discussion followed on the placing of a stop sign on 37th Avenue and Madison Place. Earl Gustafson stated the City put up a sign on the westbound side of the street. This was done because of the complaints of local residents after Minneapolis changed their signing which left Lhe two stop signs at right angles. Councilman Hentges stated that some time ago the Traffic Commission did a traffic count and researched the number of accidents at this corner and found there were none. They decided there was no need for a four-way stop sign at this intersection. The Mayor said he felt the City made a mistake in not communicating their findings to the City of Minneapolis. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that the City Engineer be directed to communicate to the City of Minneapolis Columbia Heights' displeasure with the situation and give them 15 days to correct it at which time the City is directed to take down the stop signs on their side of the street. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges - Aye Nawrocki - Nay Annual School District Meeting - The Mayor read a letter he had received giving notice of the annual meeting between the school district representatives and local officials to discuss methods of reaching mutual cooperation. The meeting will be held on Thursday, August 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Senior High School. Para-Transit - The Mayor reported that MnDOT has revised the para-transit proposal and they have informally presented it to the staffs of Fridley and Columbia Heights. He asked for a special meeting of the Council next Monday, July 31, at 7:00 p.m. to listen to the proposal and consider it. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT The City Manager stated that he has appointed Rebecca Loader as library director at the beginning salary of $15,756. Discussion followed on the need for additional help at the library. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to continue the meeting until no later than 1:00 a.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Heintz Nay Motion by Heintz to adjourn at 12:36 a.m. Motion dies for lack of a second. July 24, 1978 Page 9 PAYMENT OF BILLS RESOLUTION 78-30 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: Ed Phillips and Sons Company Universal City Studios Lee Wards Eastman Kodak Northwestern Bell Northwestern Bell Title Insurance Co. of Mn. $3,939.36 179.50 53.39 898.99 2,187.25 53.55 30.00 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: Hentges Seconded by: Logacz Councilman Norberg left the meeting at this time. Roll Call: All Ayes Councilman Norberg rejoined the meeting. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, that bills as listed be paid out of their proper accounts. Roll Call: Ali Ayes Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to adjourn at 12:53 a.m. Roll Call: All Ayes ,,...._ _/×' ~l~Duncil Se~:~etary ' Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor