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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJul 17, 1978OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA JULY 17, 1978 Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - present STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF MEETING Mayor Nawrocki stated the purpose of the meeting was to hold a reopening of the public hearing on the sidewalk replacement program and to discuss the HRA Director/ City Planner position. PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION The City Manager reported that bids were received by the City and the low bidder was Boda Construction at $16,863.80 to perform the concrete work as specified in the specs. This will come to $2.03 per square foot, based on this bid, plus an adjustment of 30% for assessments, engineering costs, and contingencies, for a total of $2.64 per square foot. At the original hearing held about 1½ months ago, the estimate was $2.25 total per square foot. The purpose of this evening's meeting was to explain the difference in the amount of the assessment. DISCUSSION Mayor Nawrocki stated that the actual bids were more than 10% higher than the estimate and that the City's practice has been to reopen bids under these circumstances. Earl Gustafson, Public Works Director, explained the conditions under which sidewalks would be replaced. The Mayor explained that the work will be done this August and the assessments levied this fall. The City Manager stated the process to follow if the property owners wished to put in their own sidewalks. Discussion followed on a time limit for residents to complete doing their own work and why it should be the same as the contractor's time schedule. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, that the City Manager be authorized to proceed with the sidewalk repair and replacement project. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that the contract for the project in question be awarded to Boda Construction in the base bid amount of $16,863.80 and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract with same. IRoll Call: All Ayes I~RA DIRECTOR/CITY PLANNER Mayor Nawrocki noted that Councilmen Hentges, Heintz, and the City Manager formed an ad hoc committee and were asked to look into the present job description of the HRA Director/City Planner and make any suggestions. Since Dean Otterson, who presently holds this position, will be leaving in August, the timing seemed appropriate. July 17, 1978 Page 2 Councilman Heintz reported that the committee considered several proposals and had ruled out all but two possibilities. They are unanimously recommending the City hire their own planner and the HRA would hire their own director, but encourage both sides to work closely. The cost to the City would be no more than it presently is. Discussion followed on the City Planner's duties. The present situation was dismissed because the work load did not afford the employee time to do the planning appropriately. The City Manager stated that the City has outgrown the need for having one joint position. Councilman Norberg stated his concern that there will be a divergence between the two positions which may require more work be done between the two. Tom Sherohman, HRA Commissioner, stated that he was glad to see the committee bring this about so expeditiously. He thanked the committee for making their recommendation so quickly. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he was concerned about the accountability of a split position. He would prefer to see the present situation continued. He will go along with the report as recommended because so many people seem to want it that way. If it doesn't work out he will urge the Council to go back to the present arrangement. He stated he feels Dean Otterson had some strong talents which will be hard to replace and the HRA should make every effort to secure a person who will keep the downtown development going. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the City Council inform the HRA that the present agreement terminate and that they seek whatever employee/employees they wish to handle the function of the HRA Executive Director and that the City will provide for planning services and/or other related services as it sees fit. Councilman Norberg stated he thinks it is unwise to take this into consideration without legal counsel. Motion by Norberg to table this question until the next regular meeting. Motion dies for lack of a second. Mayor Nawrocki commented that the decision to be made does not hinge on a legality. It is a policy that this motion speaks to and that there is time before hiring any employee to take care of any possible legal questions. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, Roll Call: All Ayes Council Secretary to adjourn at 8:],~? p./n.,., / Bru~e..G. Nawrocki, Mayor