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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMar 27, 1978OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA MARCH 27, 1978 The meeting was called to order at 8:03 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - present PRESENTATION BY V.F.W. AUXILIARY 230 Mrs. Downy, V.F.W. Auxiliary representative, stated that the awards were to show the Auxiliary's appreciation for the job the police and fire departments are doing in the community. She presented an award to James Kapala from the police department. Mrs. Markow of the Auxiliary presented an award to Mitch DeMars of the fire department. Councilman Norberg arrived during the presentations. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the minutes of the March 13 special meeting and the March 13 regular meeting be approved as submitted in writing and reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that all bills as listed be paid out of their proper funds. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to table this until later in the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes BID ON SOD FOR PARK DEPARTMENT The City Manager reported that the park department has taken informal bids for up to 5,000 yards of sod. The low bidder in informal bidding is Robinson Landscaping, delivered price of 50¢ per yard. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the award be authorized to Robinson Landscaping at 50¢ per yard based on low competitive informal bid. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON SUN SHELTER The City Manager stated that the Park Board is recommending the bid on a sun shelter for the Silver Lake beach go to Earl F. Anderson and Associates in the amount of $1,397.50 based on the low per square foot price of $2.91. March 2]7, 1978 Page 2 Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that award be made to Earl F. Anderson and Associates in the amount of $1,397.50 for a sun shelter for the Silver Lake beach based on low informal competitive bid. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON PUBLIC WORKS ROAD MATERIAL Earl Gustafson, Public Works Director, explained that the annual summer bids for street materials was taken. There were three categories of bidding. He reported on the low bidders for each category of bidding. Mitch DeMars, Street Superinten- dent, stated he believed it would be less expensive under certain circumstances to have City workers pick up the materials themselves instead of having them delivered. Discussion followed on which method would in fact be least expensive considering the salary of the personnel, time involved, and the distance traveled. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the bids for asphalting materials, plant mixed bituminous, and road aggregate be awarded to the indicated low bidders with the understanding that Commercial Asphalt and not McCrossan is low bidder on the standard mix and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract with same. Roll Call: All Ayes BID ON HOUSE AND GARAGE AT 545 MILL STREET The City Manager stated that bids were opened on March 24 for the house that the City owns at 545 Mill Street. No bids were received for the house and only one bid was received on the garage, that being from Don Aker for $25. He is recommending that the City let Mr. Aker have the garage and that the house be demolished. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, that the garage at 545 Mill Street be awarded to Don Aker for $25. Roll Call: All Ayes ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS The City Manager stated that he had reported several weeks ago on the sewer hook up project with Fridley. A resolution has been drawn up and reviewed by the City Attorney and the City Engineer. The City Manager is recommending the Council approve the resolution. Mayor Nawrocki questioned why the original cost of the project was estimated at so much more than the actual amount being charged the City. The City Manager explained the changes which have taken place in the project which affected the price. Discussion followed on the boundaries of the affected property and the cost of the project. March 27, 1978 Page 3 RESOLUTION 78-10 BEING A RESOLUTION APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL AMENDMENT TO THE 1965 STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT #12 AGREEMENT WHEREAS, Fridley and Columbia Heights do mutually agree to allow discharge into the cooperative joint-use storm sewer outfall line constructed by Fridley extending westerly to the outlet into the Mississippi River the storm water drainage from the Burlington Northern Inc. freight yard located jointly within the corporate limits of Fridley and Columbia Heights in an area between Main Street Northeast and the East River Road~ and WHEREAS, that Agreement provided that the permission of the parties was necessary to extend further use of the said outfall line, and WHEREAS, such permission was granted in consideration of a readjustment of the cost sharing between the parties based on the changes in proportionate participation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS: That the Mayor and City Manager be and herein are authorized to enter into a contract with the City of Fridley in accordance with the proposal attached hereto, the full reading of which is waived, providing for a refund of $17,876.85 from Fridley to Columbia Heights based on current proportionate participation under the Storm Sewer Improvement Project #12 Agreement. Offered by: Hentges Seconded by: Norberg Discussion continued on Burlington Northern's failure to plant some of the trees they had agreed to. The City Manager stated that he has been in contact with representatives of Burlington Northern and they state that at a meeting last summer with some City staff this part of the agreement was waived. City Manager Anderson said he has asked the staff involved for a report. Roll Call on resolution: All Ayes LION'S CLUB BULLETIN BOARD Mr. McCline of the Lion's Club was present to discuss two possible sites for a community bulletin board which the Lion's Club would like to buy and give to the City. One site being on 4Oth Avenue by City Hall and the other on Central Avenue north of Wargo Court. Mr. McCline presented a blueprint of the proposed bulletin board. Discussion followed on the construction of the board, placement of it, possibilities of vandalism, cost of upkeep, and if the board would violate the City's proposed changes in the sign code. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to authorize the Lion's Club to place a bulletin board in the City of Columbia Heights on 40th Avenue next to City Hall not to exceed 7 feet in height and 10 feet in length. March 27, 1978 Page 4 Motion by Norberg, seconded by the Chair, to refer this matter to the Planning and Zoning Commission, a report to be made to the next Council meeting. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Nawrocki - Aye Heintz, Hentges - Nay Motion passes The Mayor stated that he would like to thank the Lions for putting forth this project on behalf of the City. REQUEST TO PURCHASE CITY PROPERTY The City Manager reported that Mr. Roger Hegna, 5109 Washington Street, has asked to purchase ]4 feet of land on the south side of his property that had been kept open by the previous owner in the event an alley would be put in. The property has since been bought by the City. He has offered $500 for the land. Discussion followed on access to the City's other property in the area. The City Manager stated that the sale of this property would require a first reading of an ordinance. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to table this matter. Roll Call: All Ayes The staff was directed to inform owners of the adjoining property to determine if they would have an interest in the proper~y themselves and advise them of Mr. Hegna's plans to build a garage on the land. HEARINGS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT City Manager Anderson stated that the City is required to hold two hearings on the Community Development Block Grant program. He is recommending April 17 at 7:00 p.m. and April 25 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. JEFFERSON STREET SIDEWALK The City Manager reported that the Park Board had previously requested a blacktop sidewalk on Jefferson. The Council sent this proposal back to the Park Board for further consideration. The Park Board has reconsidered and is now recommending a concrete sidwalk the cost of which will be put on the assessment rolls as the full amount is not budgeted. Councilman Heintz stated that since the Park Board reconsidered at the request of the Council, the Council should pay the difference between the blacktop and the concrete sidewalk. Discussion followed on possible sources of funding. Motion bt/ Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the Park Board be authorized to install a concrete sidewalk on Jefferson Street between 40th Avenue and the railroad tracks, monies to come from Park Board funds. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to amend the motion to read that the additional money which is the difference in the cost between blacktop and concrete and estimated to be $1,900, not come from "general Park Board funds" but the unallocated general fund surplus of the City. Roll Call on amendment: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg, Hentges - Nay March 27, 1978 Page 5 Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to amend the motion to read that the additional money should come out of the federal revenue sharing monies instead of the City's general unallocated funds. Roll Call on amendment: Norberg, Hentges - Aye Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Nay Amendment fails. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he thought that since the Park Board was careful in their spending last year and saved $20,000, which they put back into the unallocated general fund, that's where the monies for the sidewalk should come from. Roll call on amended motion: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay Motion carries RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION AGREEMENT The City Manager reported that two meetings ago the Council passed an agreement with the School Board governing the operation of the City of Columbia Heights and District 13 Recreation and Community Services Commission. After the Council passed the agreement it was sent back to the School Board. They have made several changes in it. He passed copies of the agreement with changes to the Council. Councilman Norberg stated that he didn't like the agreement in this form because the City would not have any control over the Recreation Commission's goals. Heintz stated that he wasn't at all worried about the agreement and thinks it is a good one. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to approve the agreement with the changes made by the School Board. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to amend to except from the motion the changes that the School Board made in section 6 on page 2. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he agrees with the changes and the amendment. He said he is sorry that the School Board approved the agreement with the changes without the Councills approval. Roll Call on amended motion: Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Logacz, Heintz - Nay Motion carries Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to table the matter until the next regular meeting. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Heintz - Nay The Mayor asked that the City Manager relay the Council's feelings to the School Board for discussion at their meeting. March 27, 1978 Page 6 REQUEST FROM HILLTOP FOR BOUNDARY LINE FENCE The City Manager presented a blueprint which showed a proposed fence north of 46th and Monroe Street. He stated it was his understanding that some time ago the Council agreed to the plan for a fence along the boundary line between Hilltop and Columbia Heights. Hilltop is now asking for some action. Discussion followed on why the fence was not put in previously, the proposed location of the fence, and cost and size of the fence. The City Manager stated he would research the matter further. HRA LOW INCOME RENTAL PROPERTY Approximately 30 residents were present. Mr. Ray Smith, 4315 6th Street stated he had a resolution for the Council's consideration concerning the public hearing being called to discuss !ow income rental property in the City. He stated he felt that the City should be taking the action and holding the hearing not the HRA. He read the following resolution: That the City act on behalf of the population and invite the HRA to a public forum chaired by a neutral party. Mayor Nawrocki briefly reviewed what has been happening with regard to this problem and explained why he thought the HRA should be holding the meeting. A lengthy discussion followed on the objectivity of a meeting chaired by the HRA, the Council's ability to stop the project now, and what the residents Felt were one sided statements printed in the papers about the program. Councilman Norberg stated he understands the feelings of the people and is bothered by the fact that the Council doesn't seem to have any control over the HRA program. The Mayor asked if the people would like the Council to hire an outside advocate to serve as a mediator for the public hearing. Mr. Smith stated he thought the people know how they feel and what questions they want to ask. lie felt hiring an advocate wet, Id be a waste oF the City's money. The Mayor stated that he believes that the HRA is doing what they believe is for the best of the community. No one wants to lower the quality of life in Columbia Heights or go against the people's wishes. Councilman Horberg recommended waiting until after the public hearing to see what happens there. If any action is desired by the people after that hearing they can come back to the Council. Recess at ll:50 p.m. Reconvene at 12:08 a.m. ARBOR DAY Representatives from the Jaycees were present to discuss their proposed Arbor Day program. They would like to initiate a community wide program to be an annual event. Several ideas were discussed. Councilman Logacz suggested the Jaycees March 27, 1978 Page 7 appear at the next Park Board meeting and present their ideas there. The Mayor suggested Councilman Logacz work with the Jaycees and come up with some recommendations for the next Council meeting. CITY BUS INSURANCE Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to concur with the City Manager's recommendation to pay the City bus insurance. Discussion followed on funding for the insurance premium. Insurance was included as part of the budget for the year but not enough to cover the full amount because the premium has been raised. The Mayor stated he thought the additional amount over budget should come from the unallocated general fund surplus. The City Manager suggested having the bus charged to the department using it by the mile instead of by the hour. Roll Call: All Ayes Additional means of funding the insurance will be explored. SCHOOLS AND CONFERENCES Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to authorize attendance and expenses for Ed Geslin to attend the North American Snow Conference. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to amend the motion to include a written report be made to the Council. Roll Call on amendment: All Ayes Roll Call on amended motion: All Ayes LATE REQUESTS The Mayor requested permission to attend the Small Cities Advisory Council meeting in Kansas City. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to authorize attendance and expenses at all this year's meetings of the Small Cities Advisory Council for Mayor Nawrocki. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to amend the motion to include that a written report be made to the Council. Roll Call: Heintz, Norberg - Aye Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Nay Amendment fails Councilman Norberg stated that he didn't like giving a blanket approval to attend an unlimited number of meetings. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that no additional meetings of the Council are planned at this time. Roll Call on motion: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Abstain March 27, 1978 Page 8 PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that bills as presented be approved and paid out of their proper funds. Roll Cal]: All Ayes OLD AND NEW BUSINESS The Mayor noted that a proclamation has been written proclaiming Albert Kordiak Day. This proclamation will be read at Albert Kordiak's recognition dinner at the Field House on March 31. Councilman Hentges stated that the City has a memorial for the residents of the City who were killed during World War II but none for residents killed during the Korean and Vietnamese wars and suggested a memorial be dedicated to them. The Mayor asked the Council Secretary to find out if these names are available. Councilman Logacz stated that he is still waiting for an appointment to the Recreation Commission. The Mayor asked how many commissioners from other commissions and boards would be seeking another term. He requested a copy of this information when it becomes available. Councilman Norberg brought up the subject of a joint dispatching plan with Fridley. Fridley has stated they are not interested in the program. Discussion followed on the effectiveness of having dispatchers who do not know the area, recording procedures, and the expense involved of having a separate dispatching system in Columbia Heights. The Mayor also questioned the fact that the C'ity bas never been provided with the reports they have asked for from the County on the costs, savings, what has been accomplished, etc. on the central dispatching system currently being used. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to request the County dispatching operation for a detailed review and report of the operation, hew the City is benefitting from it, and the strong and weak points of the program so the Council can make an objective evaluation of whether it should be continued or not. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki Heintz - Nay Aye Councilman Logacz stated that he has received several calls from residents on Reservoir Boulevard stating that the street is too dark. They would like more street lights installed. The City Manager will investigate and report back. Councilman Norberg stated he has been contacted by a man who doesn't feel he should be paying the same license fee for his dime and nickel vending machines as others pay for cigarette and candy machines because the profit is not the same. The City Manager stated that he had another sin~iiar complaint previously and the City decided to charge the man $10 for his machines. The City Manager will look into this complaint further and report back to the Council. March 27, 1978 Page 9 LICENSES Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that all licenses be granted upon payment of proper fees and that Vendall Bulk Vending, 3707 N.E. 3rd Street, have its license fee waived on the basis of it being a non profit organization. Roll Call: All Ayes CITY MANAGER REPORTS The City Manager reported that several brands of recording equipment have been tried at the Council meetings. The budget last year allowed $1,000 for this equipment. The cost of the machines tested runs approximately $1,800. He recommended the Sony which records on 4 tracks. Motion by Hentges, seconded by the Chair, that Norberg work with the City Manager to get an adequate system for the Council chamber. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Abstain Since there were no bidders for the Johnson house at 545 Mill Street, the City Manager is asking for authorization to demolish it. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the City Manager to proceed with the removal of the house at 545 Mill Street. Roll Call: All Ayes CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS The City Attorney stated that he had sent copies of an agreement between the Herringers and the School Board on the Cheery Heights project to the Council members and asked if they had any questions. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into an agreement with Herringers and the School Board for the payment of improvements to the Cheery Heights project. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to adjourn at 2:11 a.m. Roll Call: All Ayes Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Council Secretary