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