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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApr 10, 1978OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA APRIL 10, 1978 The meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - present INVOCATION The invocation was given by Father Vincent Colon of Immaculate Conception Church. PRESENTATIONS The agenda called for a certificate of appreciation to be awarded to Robert Nelson upon the end of his term as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mayor Nawrocki noted that Mr. Nelson has agreed to continue working on the Commission through the summer and added that he hoped the conflict of schedules may be worked out to allow Mr. Nelson to stay on the Commission. No certificate was presented at this time. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the minutes of the March 27 meeting be approved as submitted in writing and reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to defer the payment of bills until later in the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes ORAL PETITIONS Mayor Nawrocki noted that this was intended to be an informal time for anyone from the audience to bring up an item that wasn't on the agenda. No oral petitions were presented. The Mayor stated that this was the first official meeting of the new City Manager and wished him well. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS City Manager Bocwinski requested that the reading of the resolution opening and maintaining an account with Merrill Lynch be waived as sufficient copies were available to the public. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to dispense with the reading of the resolution based on copies being available to the public. April 10, 1978 Page 2 Councilman Hentges stated he wanted the resolution read because of the different interpretations which could be made. Roll Ca]]: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki - Aye Hentges - Nay Motion fails because a unanimous vote is required to waive a reading. The City Manager read the resolution. RESOLUTION 78-11 BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights be, and it hereby is, authorized and empowered to open and maintain an account with Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, Inc., and its successors, by merger, con- solidation or otherwise, and assigns, hereinafter called the brokers, for the purchase and sale of governmental securities, including purchase agreements based on such securities, on exchanges of which the brokers are members or otherwise, and that any of the officers hereinafter named be, and they hereby are, authorized to give written or verbal instructions by telephone, or telegraph, or otherwise, to the brokers to buy or sell governmental securities, either for immediate or future delivery and, if they deem proper to secure payment therefor with property of this corporation; and they shall at all times have authority in every way to bind and obligate this corporation for the carrying out of any contract, arrangement or transaction which shall, for or on behalf of this corporation, be entered into or made with or through the brokers; and that the brokers are authorized to receive from this corpora- tion, checks and drafts drawn upon the funds of this corporation by any officer or employee of this corporation, and to apply the same to the credit of this corporation or to its account with said brokers and said brokers are authorized to receive from said officers or from any other officer or employee of this corporation, governmental securities for the account of this corporation with said brokers; said brokers are further authorized to accept instructions from any officer herein named as to the delivery of governmental securities from the account of this corporation and at their direction to cause certificates of governmental securities held in said account to be transferred to the name of any officer hereinafter named or of this corporation in the discretion of said officer; and delivery to any such officer of such governmental securities, issued as directed by him, shall be deemed delivery to this corporation; and any such officer shall have the fullest authority at all times with reference to any transaction deemed by him to be proper to make or enter into for or on behalf of this corporation with the brokers or others. All confirmations, notices, and demands upon this corporation may be delivered by the brokers verbally or in writing, or by telegraph, or by telephone to any such officer and he is auth- orized to empower any person, or persons, that he deems proper, at any time, or times, to do any and all things that he is hereinbefore authorized to do. That this resolution shall be and remain in full Force and effect until written notice of the revocation hereof shall be deli- vered to the brokers. The officers herein referred to are named as follows, to-wit:: John E. Schedler, Finance Director Robert S. Bocwinski, City Manager April 10, 1978 Page 3 Passed this 10th day of April, 1978 Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Logacz Discussion followed on the nature and terms of the securities, the City Clerk's authority to make the decisions required, and if other companies besides Merrill Lynch should be included. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg, Hentges - Nay Resolution passes ORDINANCE ON MIDLAND PURCHASE AGREEMENT City Manager Bocwinski stated that he had an ordinance dealing with the purchase agreement with Midland Coop. The City Attorney added that the ordinance is to alert the public to the subject matter. A first reading of ordinance 885 was held. CITY MANAGER REPORTS: Bids on Tree Planting - The City Manager reported that the bids on tree plantings had been opened on Friday, April 7. Earl Gustafson, Public Works Director, stated that the low bidder is Tree Service, Inc. in the amount of $24,945. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, that bids for replacement trees be awarded to Tree Service, Inc. based on low competitive bidding and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Discussion followed on the public's ability to purchase trees under this contract, the budgeted amount for the contract as opposed to the bid amount, and the number of trees which will be purchased. Roll Call: All Ayes Soil Borings at Prestemon Park - The City Manager recommended the City enter into an agreement for soil borings in Prestemon Park, cost estimated to be between $700 and $800. The purpose of the borings is to determine the conditions of the soil prior to construction of a new park building. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the City Manager to call for soil borings at Prestemon Park, cost not to exceed $800, based on the recommendation of the Park Board. Discussion followed on the number of borings required, depth of borings, and the cost of the borings. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to amend the motion to read cost not to exceed $1,600. Roll Call on amended motion: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges - Aye Nawrocki Nay April ]0, 1978 Page 4 Bids on Construction of Tennis Courts - The City Manager stated that the City is interested in advertising and receiving bids for two tennis courts and lighting for same. This will be funded 50~ by grants and 50% by the City. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the City Manager be authorized to advertise for bids for two lighted tennis courts, bids to be opened Thursday, May 4 at 2:00 p.m., a report to be made to the following Council meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes At this time the City Manager reported on several items of information to the Council. Schools and Conferences The Fire Chief has requested that six members of the Fire Department staff attend the Minnesota State Fire School. The cost is estimated to be $365. The City Manager recommended approval. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to authorize six members of the Fire Department to attend the Minnesota State Fire School at a cost of $365. Roll Call: All Ayes Police Car Bids - Stu Anderson, Police Chief, reported that approximately Four months ago the Council authorized the purchase of two police cars on the Hennepin County bid. The dealer has been unable to deliver the type of car ordered. Mr. Anderson asked the Council for authorization for the Police Department to purchase two police cars on the Anoka County bid in the amount of SlO,700, approximately $1OO less t¼an the Hennepin ~'ounty bid. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the City accept the bid under the Anoka County police car bidding for two squad cars for the City and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes Stacking Chair Bids - The City Manager requested authorization to enter into an agreement with the University of Minnesota for 105 stacking chairs for the new court room at a total cost of $4,371.84. This chair is not available through the Hennepin County bid. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the City Manager be authorized to purchase 105 stacking chairs in the amount of $4,371.84 under a joint purchasing agreement with the University of Minnesota and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg, Hentges - Nay April 10, 1978 Page 5 CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS City Attorney Kalina requested authorization of the Council to hire Jim Kurth to survey the property which will be sold to Midland. Midland has agreed to pay one-half the bill, the amount should be under $2,000. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into agreement to hire the surveyor for the Midland property and that Midland will pay one-half the cost. Roll Call: All Ayes PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Bill Hart, 5078 Central Avenue N.E. Request for Variance - Appeal from Denial Arden Hovland, Building Inspector, stated that Mr. Hart has withdrawn his appeal and the decision of the Planning and Zoning Commission stands. 2. David Spake, 4521 7th Street Request for Variance Arden Hovland stated that the request is in order to double the size of the home. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the variance request be granted. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay 3. Victoria Banker, 4333 Monroe Street Request for Variance Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the Council concur with the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation. Mayor Nawrocki stated that there was a letter presented by Mrs. Banker, signed by the neighbors, stating that they do not object to the addition. Discussion followed on the hardship which required the variance. Councilman Norberg asked the Council to consider what is happeni~g to the zoning ordinance as a result of the variances being given. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay 4. Review of Sign Code Councilman Heintz recommended that the Council meet as a group to discuss changes in the draft of the sign code. The Mayor noted that the Council will be meeting next Monday, April 17, for a public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant application and suggested an informal meeting be held after the hearing to discuss the proposed sign code. April: 10, 1978 Page 6 5. Lion's Club Community Billboard Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, that the billboard be placed on 40th Avenue adjacent to the City Hall, per recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Discussion followed on whether the City is exempt from the sign code. It was noted that the sign will meet the present code, but may not be within the sign code at some future date. Roll Call: All Ayes STREET LIGHTS & FENCE FOR CITY OF HILLTOP Hilltop is asking the City to put a street light approximately 120 feet north of 46th Avenue on the walkway that extends from 46th and Monroe to 46½. George Brown, City Engineer, reported that Northern States Power has recommended a 175 watt mercury at a cost of $80.40 per year, or a lO0 watt sodium light to cost $94.20 per year. There is no charge for installation. Discussion followed on how the light would affect the neighbors, why Columbia Heights was being asked to put in the light, and if Hilltop would pay one-half the cost. Motion by Norberg, to call a hearing for May 8th to include the Councils from Hilltop and Columbia Heights to consider the question of block lighting in that area and invite to that hearing the adjacent property owners. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to defer further consideration of this matter pending its discussion by the Hilltop Council on the 50-50 cost sharing proposal. Roll Call: Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki Heintz, Norberg - Nay Aye George Brown reported on a 1970 resolution he had which stated that Hilltop would donate the land for a walkway if Columbia Heights would put it in. No mention of a fence along the property was made in the resolution. Discussion followed on sharing the cost of a fence with Hilltop. Motion by Heintz, that the request for additional fencing be denied. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to table this until the City can meet with Hilltop and can agree on cost sharing for the fence. Roll Call: Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki Heintz, Norberg - Nay Aye RECESS 10:27 p.m. RECONVENE 10:45 p.m. April 10, 1978 Page 7 TRAFFIC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. One Hour Parking, 3910 Central Ave. Councilman Hentges stated that this is currently the only property on the block without a one hour parking sign. The sign would make for uniform parking restrictions on the entire block. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, that the City concur with the Traffic Commission for a one hour parking sign at 3910 Central Avenue. Roll Call: All Ayes 2. Mobil Oil Corporation, 5280 Central Ave. Conditional Use Permit Mayor Nawrocki questioned if the agreement made with Mobil Oil was in conjuction with the existing useage of the property or if it carried over to any use of the property. The City Attorney answered that the agreement with Mobil Oil doesn't change because the use of the property changes. George Brown presented a blueprint of the Mobil Oil station and property. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to concur with the Traffic Commission recommendation for a conditional use permit at 5280 Central Avenue. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay 3. Handicap Parking Signs at 530 Mill Street 4025 Central Avenue Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to concur with the Traffic Commission that the handicap signs be authorized for 530 Mill Street and 4025 Central. Stu Anderson asked for two spaces at the Field House, 530 Mill Street. Roll Call: All Ayes RESOLUTION FROM NEW BRIGHTON City Manager Bocwinski reported that he had received a resolution from New Brighton requesting an environmental assessment regarding relocation of the National Guard Helicopter Base to the Anoka County Airport. This item was for the Council's information, no action was required. MTC BUS SHELTER SITES City Manager Bocwinski stated that he had received a letter from the MTC stating that the deadline for site requests has been extended from April 1 to May 1. Discussion followed on the bus shelter sites Columbia Heights will be receiving this year. No further action was taken. April 10, 1978 Page 8 RECREATION AND COMMUIIITY SERVICES COMMISSION AGREEMENT Dr. Ostendorf was contacted after the last Council meeting and informed of the Council's concern over the language changes in Section 6 of the agreement. Dr. Ostendorf felt Mr. Laliberte and the Council should rework the agreement. The Mayor stated that he had talked with Mr. Laliberte and submitted a letter from him with the proposed rewording of Section 6. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the agreement with the School Board relative to the Recreation and Community Services Commission with the change as suggested in the School Board Chairman's letter of April 10 and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into the agreement with same. Councilman Norberg stated he doesn't feel the agreement remedies the situation. He also doesn't agree with the establishment of an even number of people on the governing body. City Attorney Kalina stated that he will have an ordinance ready on this Commission at the next Council meeting. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to table this agreement until the next meeting when the ordinance is ready to be read. Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges - Aye Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Nay Motion fails. Roll Call on motion to authorize agreement: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg, Hentges - Nay Motion passes. ACQUISITION OF PUMPER TRUCK BY CITY OF ANDOVER City Manager Bocwinski suggested he contact the City of Andover and attempt to resurrect the previous proposal for the pumper truck in exchange for dumping privileges. Discussion followed on the possibility of selling the truck. Councilman Logacz stated he thought the City should give the truck to Andover as a good will gesture and added Andover might reciprocate in some form to Columbia Heights. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the City Manager to advertise for the sale of the fire truck. Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Logacz, Heintz - Nay SUBDIVISION REQUEST Councilman Hentges stated that the attorney for Columbia Metal Fabrication had requested a resolution on the subdivision request. City Attorney Kalina stated that a resolution was not necessary. Discussion followed on the reason for the subdivision request, plans were presented. April 10, 1978 Page 9 Motion by Norberg, seconded by the Chair, that the subdivision request be granted. Roll Call: All Ayes LICENSES Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, that all licenses be granted upon payment of the proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that bills as listed be paid out of the proper funds. Roll Call: All Ayes OLD AND NEW BUSINESS Burlington Northern Trees - The City Manager stated that he recommends the City accept Burlington Northern's proposal for planting trees as it is now. He pointed out that the City's agreement with them makes no mention of the number of trees that Burlington Northern would plant. Discussion followed on whether or not Burlington Northern intends to fulfill their part of the agreement to screen the tracks and how many trees would be required to do so. Mayor Nawrocki suggested that the City Manager and the City Attorney talk witb Burlington Northern representatives about the City's concern. Traffic at 53rd Avenue and Central - Councilman Norberg stated that he has gone through the intersection at 53rd and Central at least seven times this past week and seen several near accidents. He stated he would like to see the Highway Department put up the signs they had agreed to. Councilman Hentges stated that the signs would come at the end of the construction on Central Avenue. Councilman Norberg also stated that he thought the policing of the fire lanes at Zayre's and other shopping areas was not adequate. Arbor Day - Councilman Logacz stated that the Jaycees were going to receive a grant from H. B. Fuller Company in the amount of $2,000 for tree planting. He will report to the next Council meeting on the Jaycees' plans for Arbor Day. Flood Insurance - The Mayor noted that he had sent out letters to the Council on the flood insurance program. George Brown stated that there should be an ordianance enacted dealing with the program. The City Attorney was asked to have an ordinance for the next regular meeting. Street Lighting at Gould and Reservoir - Councilman Logacz stated that he had asked about the possible change of the light intensity on Reservoir Boulevard. He has received a report and questioned how it would work in terms of assessments to change the lighting. He would like an answer to tell the residents. April 10, 1978 Page 10 Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to direct the City Manager to change the lighting to sodium vapor. Stu Anderson suggested the City have a policy on this for future questions from residents in other parts of the City when they want their lighting changed. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to table for further staff action to recommend a policy on such conversions. Roll Call: All Ayes Council Recording Equipment - Councilman Norberg reported that he is working on the matter. Annual Report The Mayor stated that he received a copy of the annual report for 1977. He suggested the Council get together to discuss and ask questions. The Council will be meeting April 25 for a pub]lc hearing at 7:00 p.m. and the Nayor suggested an informal meeting on the annual report be held afterward. City Hall Addition - City Manager Bocwinski reported that he had sent a memo to the Court Administrator stating that the City has reviewed the request of the Court and explained how much space could be given them. The judges stated they need an additional 80 square feet for an attorney's conference room. Lengthy discussion followed on possible rearrangements of the space. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, that the plan dated 4-6-78 be the final Council plan. Roll Call: All Ayes Discussion continued on the remodeling of the present police department cell area and proposed staff lounge. The Council agreed to have the staff go back to the architect and rework the remodeling of the present office space. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to adjourn at l:OO a.m. Roll Call: All Ayes Council Secretary Bru'~'e G. Nawrocki, Mayor