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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 22, 1978 (2)OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA MAY 22, 1978 The meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges - present It was noted that Mayor Nawrocki was out of town. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Father Vincent Colon of Immaculate Conception Church. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 8 and the recessed meeting of May 9 and reading be dispensed with. Councilman Norberg noted a correction in spelling in the May 9 minutes and asked that the following statement be added to the City Hall Remodeling discussion: "Councilman Norberg voted against the motions to authorize the City Manager to take bids on remodeling because he felt the remodeling project was too extensive." Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, that bills as listed be paid out of the proper funds. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to amend to except from the bills as listed checks #25472 and #25541. Roll Call on motion to amend: All Ayes Roll Call on amended motion: All Ayes CONDEMNATION HEARING 1203 42nd Avenue N.E. City Manager Bocwinski stated that the Building Inspector and the City Attorney have been working on the removal of this building. The City Attorney handed out a notice regarding the removal of the building. Arden Hovland, Building Inspector, read the following findings: 1. The roof is improperly braced, sagging, and contains holes. The rafters are 2" X 4'Is, tWO feet on center; sixteen inch (16") centers are required. May 22, 1978 Page 2 2. Plumbing is improperly vented and deteriorating. The house contains no bat h room. The electrical service is undersized, using 30 ampere service. The electrical service is not up to code as many rooms have no receptacles whatsoever. 4. The building has no central heating. 5. Paint and plaster is falling off the walls. 6. The wooden floors are badly heaved. 7. The house contains no insulation. 8. The outside stairs are dangerous; steps contain loose treads, are too steep, and are deteriorating and rotting. 9. The building is abandoned. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to accept the findings of fact as presented by the City Attorney and the Building Inspector. Roll Call: All Ayes Ms. Helen Kocur stated that she had a purchase agreement with Mrs. Gable, property owner. A discussion was held on what has been done to the property in the past and the current standing of the litigation between Ms. Kocur and Mrs. Gable. ORAL PETITIONS None were presented. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: Ordinance Repealing Minneapolis Electrical Fee Schedule The City Manager explained that the ordinance is to repeal the existing Minneapolis fee schedule and establish a state fee schedule. A first reading of proposed ordinance #888 was held. Resolution Adopting the State Board of Electricity Fee Schedules Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to waive reading of the resolution as sufficient copies were available to the public. Roll Call: All Ayes Discussion followed on certain sections of the resolution as they would pertain to Columbia Heights. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to table this until the next regular meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes May 22, 1978 Page 3 Resolution Authorizing Application for Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Funds Councilman Hentges stated that this is the third year that Columbia Heights will be applying. The City is eligible for $39,204. City Manager Bocwinski read the following resolution: RESOLUTION 78-16 AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR MHFA HOUSING REHABILITATION GRANT FUNDS WHEREAS, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, State of Minnesota, has been authorized to undertake a program to provide grants of funds to property owners for the purpose of housing rehabilitation; and WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights, MN, has developed an application as an Administering Entity for the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Home Improvement Grant Program; and WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights, MN, has demonstrated the ability to perform the required activities of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Home Improvement Grant Program; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights, MN is hereby authorized to make application to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for a grant of funds pursuant to the Home Improvement Grant Program; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights, MN is hereby authorized as an entity to be charged with the administration of funds made available through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Home Improvement Grant Program, in the City of Columbia Heights. Passed this 22nd day of May, 1978 Offered by: Norberg Seconded by: Logacz Roll Call: All Ayes Other Ordinances and Resolutions The City Manager read the following resolution: RESOLUTION 78-17 WHEREAS, the business of the City of Columbia Heights demands clear thinking of its officials and cool decisions, and WHEREAS, citizens who come to Council meetings deserve the courtesy of expeditious and clearly considered actions, and May 22, 1978 Page 4 WHEREAS, late and long meetings of the Council counter those objectives, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that in the future, this Council wii] take up no new item for discussion after ]]:30 p.m. local time. Offered by: Norberg Seconded by: Logacz Discussion followed on what constitutes New Business. Councilman Logacz stated he thought the Council members should discuss any questions they had on items on the agenda with the staff prior to the meetings. Councilman Norberg stated he felt this resolution will cause the Council and staff to get their work done more efficiently. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg Hentges - Nay Aye Resolution is adopted. COMMU~']ICATIONS: Self Insurance The City Manager stated that the League of Minnesota Cities is asking for input from the Cities on self insurance. He read the questions on the survey and recommended a vote of yes from the Council on each of them. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, that the Council concur with the recommendations of the City Manager for liability/property and health insurance. Discussion followed on the health insurance aspect of the survey and how it would affect the employee's choice of coverage. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to vote on the three questions separately, the reason being that he cannot support all three questions. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to table this proposal until the next meeting. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges - Aye Norberg - Nay PCA Permit - Cheery Heights The City Manager noted that the Minnesota PCA has approved the extension of sewer lines to service the Cheery Heights subdivision. Establishment of HRA for Anoka County The City Manager noted that all members of the Council received a letter from the Anoka County Board stating their estab]ishment of a Housing and Redevelopment Authority. May 22, 1978 Page 5 Subdivision Request - William R. Hultgren The City Manager stated that Mr. Hultgren is intending to sell a 5' strip of his parcel to his abutting neighbor for a garage and driveway. No variances would be required and all side yard requirements would be met. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, that the request be granted. Roll Call: All Ayes PCA Violation - Minneapolis Electric Steel The PCA has noted that Minneapolis Electric Steel Castings has replaced some equipment that should reduce the particulates emitted into the air. Discussion continued on the noise limit being exceeded because the Company leaves their door open. OLD BUSINESS: Policy on Damage to Private Property Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, that the City may reimburse for damage to private property resulting from water main breaks, sanitary sewer line back-ups, storm drain ruptures, and/or in repair of such situations. Further, that this reimbursement be limited to the amount stated in the deduct clause of City insurance policies. Discussion followed on whether this applies only in the City's liability and if the City should do this as a goodwill gesture to the citizens. The intent is that the City will pay the $250 deductible part of a claim. Councilman Norberg stated that he doesn't think the policy is stated clearly enough and doesn't want the City to pay the $250 automatically on all claims. The City Manager read three optional motions for the Council's reviewal. Councilman Norberg stated that what is missing is a good set of guidelines. He would want the City Manager and City Attorney to confer on these matters and the Council to review each of them. Substitute motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, that the City reimburse for damage to private property resulting from water main breaks, sanitary sewer back-ups, storm drain ruptures, and/or in repair of such situations, when it is shown by the City's insurance carrier that negligence on the part of the City was not evident; and, such payments be reviewed by the City Manager and City Attorney before claims are settled and that the City Manager and the City Attorney prepare a set of guidelines for reviewing each individual case within six months. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg - Aye Hentges - Nay RECESS at 9:40 p.m. RECONVENE at 9:50 p.m. May 22, 1978 Page 6 Appointment of Chairman to Insurance Commission City Manager Bocwinski stated that he had checked with the likely candidates and there were two possibilities. Motion by Norberg, to appoint Wally Wahlberg to be Chairman of the Insurance Commission. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to table his matter until the Council can interview the applicants. Roll Cai]: All Ayes Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, that the City Manager bring the question back at the next regular meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes Reclassification of Accountant Position The City Manager stated that he recommends that the position of accountant be reclassified and a change be made in the salary range. Basis of the recommendation is contained and outlined in his memo to the Council. Discussion on the difference in ranges and job descriptions between Accountant I and II positions. Councilman Norber9 stated that he wasn't too enthusiastic about the proposal. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to table this request until the next regular meeting. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges Norberg Nay Aye Bids on Cab Enclosures Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to award the bid on cab and canopy installation to Kolstad Company in an amount of $3,645, and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes Bids on Fire Hose Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to award the contract on 800 feet of fire hose and couplings to Oswald Fire Hose in an amount of $3,853.35, and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes May 22, 1978 Page 7 Bids on Plaque for LaBelle Park The recommendation is to award the contract to Specialty Sales. John Murzyn, Park Superintendent, stated that the V.F.W. has donated $200 and may give an additional $200 for the flag base and pole. The base, pole, and flag may cost an additional $830. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to award a contract for a bronze plaque with sculptured art work to Specialty Sales, Inc., in the amount of $2,186.OO, and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the necessary contract documents, an additional $814 be allowed for base and flagpole and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into contract for same, money to come from unexpended Park Board balances. Roll Call: All Ayes Appraisal of Property Adjacent to 5109 Washington Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the City Manager be authorized to negotiate the sale of City owned property adjacent to 5109 Washington and report back to the Council. Roll Call: All Ayes List of City Owned, Tax Forfeit Property Motion by Hentges, to table this until the second meeting in July. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Norberg, to authorize the City Manager to seek appraisals on City owned properties, acquired as tax forfeit, and to negotiate the sale of such properties. Councilman Norberg questioned what the intent of the City Manager is on the sale of the property. The City Manager replied that the appraisals would be on an "as interested" basis and with the interested property buyers. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg - Aye Hentges - Nay Building at Southwest Park City Manager Bocwinski stated that the architect on the job feels he is responsible for any cost of hardware not included in the specs and that the City is not responsible. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, that the City Manager be instructed to write a letter to Mr. Sheehy indicating that he has hope of recovering his costs from the architect directly and he should pursue this. Roll Call: All Ayes May 22, 1978 Page 8 Issuance of Beer License to Frank Pastuszak, Sr. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to ratify the action of the City Manager regarding the issuance of a temporary beer license to Frank Pastuszak, Sr., and to approve the waiving of applicable fees. Roll Call: All Ayes Execution of Contract Assignment Regarding Tree Planting Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to ratify action of the Mayor and City Manager regarding execution of a contract assignment from Tree Service, Inc., to Natural Green, Inc., for the Cityls 1978 tree planting program. Roll Call: All Ayes NEW BUSINESS: Authorization to Call for Bids on Sullivan Lake Dredging Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, that the City Manager be authorized to take bids on the dredging of Sullivan Lake, bids to be opened at 2:00 p.m. on June 22, with a report to the Council at its regular meeting of June 26, 1978. Roll Call: All Ayes 1978 Fireworks Display Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into contract with Arrowhead Company for $3,000 for the 1978 Fireworks display, the funds to be taken from the Council budget. Roll Call: All Ayes Bids on Tennis Court Construction and Lighting Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, that the bid on tennis court construction be awarded to Bituminous Roadways in the amount of $26,455.00 with deletions of $173.OO for coloring of the practice court area and $360.O0 for horizontal center rail from the fencing (except in corners and gates), and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, that the bid on tennis court lighting be awarded to Edina Electric Company in an amount of $8,031.12, and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes May 22, 1978 Page 9 It was noted that the budget will be approximately $5,200 short on the construction of the tennis courts. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, that the Council authorize an additional $5,200 out of the general unallocated surplus for the Park Board for the construction of tennis courts and lighting for same at Huset Park. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to amend the motion to $2,500 with the balance being drawn from unexpended balances of the Park Board. Roll Call on amendment: Norberg, Hentges - Aye Logacz, Heintz - Nay Amendment fails Roll Call on main motion: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges Norberg - Nay Aye Request to Retain Architect Motion by Logacz, seconded by Norberg, that Bob Diedrich be retained to design and prepare the plans and specifications for the proposed Prestemon Park building in the amount of $1,875.00 and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into an agreement for said architectural services. Discussion followed on why the City cannot use the blueprints from previous park buildings. Councilman Norberg suggested the City Attorney review the contracts with the architect to put an end to the practice of having to retain an architect for each building. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg - Aye Hentges - Nay Bids on Water Meters Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to award the purchase of 36 3/4" water meters to the Neptune Meter Company at a per unit cost of $67.85. Roll Call: All Ayes Request for Hearing City Manager Bocwinski recommended no action be taken on the installation of curb, gutter, base and bituminous surfacing at this time. He requested a public hearing be held in late November or early December. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to request the City Manager to bring the matter before the Council in late November or early December to set a public hearing date. Roll Call: All Ayes May 22~ 1978 Page 1 0 Request for Hearing The City Manager stated that he would also like to defer the matter of the installation of curb and gutter on 5th Street from 37th to l~Oth Avenue until the same time as the other improvements hearing. Discussion followed. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the City Manager be authorized to call for a hearing for curb and gutter on 5th Street from 37th Avenue to 40th Avenue including the 38th Avenue side road, to be held on June ]2. Roll Call: All Ayes Wage Adjustments No Council action required on the two proposed increases. Stu Anderson, Police Chief, has recommended a starting salary for the two new police officers equal to the 6 month level. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, that the Mayor be authorized to depart from the police pay schedule in the instance of the two policemen being hired as only experienced policemen are available and that the permissable deviation be $83.00. Roll Call: All Ayes Increase in Percentage of Fee Payment to Part Time Inspectors Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to table this matter until the next regular meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes Bids on Sidewalk Replacement Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the City Manager to advertise and receive bids on hazardous sidewalk replacement, the bids to be opened on June 14. Roll Call: All Ayes Garage Sale Signs Councilman Norberg stated he believes the ban on the placing of signs for garage sa]es is poorly enforced. Discussion continued on the ordinance and its enforcement. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to appoint Norberg sign inspector. Councilman Norberg is to write a job description. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges Heintz - Nay Aye May 22, 1978 Page 11 CITY MANAGER REPORTS: These items were explained in his memo to the Council. LICENSES Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, that the licenses as listed be approved upon payment of proper fees. Councilman Norberg questioned the license of the ice cream truck going around Columbia Heights and asked that it be looked into. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to pay the bill covered by check #25472 to Robert Diedrich in the amount of $358.75 out of the proper fund. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the City Manager and Mayor to submit the application and remit $100 for the liquor license for the Field House. Roll Call: All Ayes COUNCIL RECORDING EQUIPMENT Councilman Norberg stated that he is recommending the purchase of the Lanier recording equipment for use at City Council meetings. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to purchase from Wahl and Wahl, a Lanier Advocate II as per the proposal. Roll Call: All Ayes The City Manager was requested to make a recommendation at the next regular meeting as to the funding of the equipment. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Norberg, to adjourn at 11:25 p.m. Roll Call: All Ayes ~cretary E~. "Sebe" Heintz, CO~uncil Prelident