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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMar 13, 1978 (2)OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA MARCH 13, 1978 The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki - present Councilman Heintz attended the special meeting but became sick and went home. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to table this until later in the meeting. Roll Call: Ail Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, that all bills as listed be paid out of their proper funds. Roll Call: Ail Ayes CONDEMNATION HEARING Arden Hovland, Building Inspector, explained that the owner of the property at 4324 6th Street had indicated he would add on to the house when it was purchased but hasn't done so yet. The house was built approximately 60 years ago. No one is living in the house at the present time. City Attorney Casper reported on the findings as the result of an inspection of the house and presented an order to repair the house within 14 days. Mr. Hovland suggested that 14 days is not long enough for someone to repair the house and asked that it be changed to 45 days in the order. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, that after hearing the report of the building inspector concerning the condition of the premises at 4324 6th Street N.E., including the residential type building and adjoining shed, and after reviewing the proposed findings of fact and conclusions in this matter before the Council, it is moved that the findings of fact and conclusions be adopted and an order to repair or raze be issued and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute the order. Roll Call: Ail Ayes INVOCATION At this time Reverend William McEachern of Oak Hill Baptist Church arrived and gave the invocation. March 13, 1978 Page 2 BID ON SANITARY SEWER REPAIR City Manager Anderson reported that the Public Works Director is requesting authorization to repair a sanitary sewer by using a method which would not require excavation. The sewer is located west of Reservoir Boulevard between 42nd Avenue and McLeod Street and has been causing problems for some time. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Loqacz, to authorize the City Manager to expend up to $800 to repair the sanitary sewer. Earl Gustafson, Public Works Director, explained how the pipe can be fixed by use of a TV camera and chemicals. Roll Call: Ail Ayes BID REQUEST FOR TREE PLANTING The City Manager noted that he would like authorization to call for a bid on the purchase and planting of trees for reforestation in conjunction with the shade tree program. He would like to have the bid opening on April 7 at 2:00 p.m. There is budgeted money for this program. Discussion followed on the purpose and cost of the program and its availability to the public. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the City Manager to call for bids for the purchase and planting of 200 trees on public and private property, bids to be opened on April 7 at 2:00 p.m. with a report to the following regular Council meeting. Roll Call: Ail Ayes BID ~QUEST FOR CHEERY HEIGHTS CONSTRUCTION City Manager Anderson requested authorization to call for bids on the Cheery Heights and Columbia Court construction with an opening of April 20 at 2:00 p.m. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the City Manager to call for bids for Cheery Heights and Columbia Court construction, bids to be opened on April 20 at 2:00 p.m. Discussion followed on separating the bids for the two projects. The Mayor suggested calling for the bids as individual projects and as one combined project. A contractor's bid will not be thrown out if he chooses to bid on only one project. Roll Call: All Ayes March 13, 1978 Page 3 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION 78-9 BEING A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN PARKLANDS AS JOSEPH E. WARGO COURT WHEREAS, the Honorable Joseph E. Wargo has distinguished himself both as a private citizen and public official, beginning with his graduation from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1938, and his return in the same year to Columbia Heights to enter the private practice of law; and WHEREAS, Joseph E. Wargo proceeded to serve Columbia Heights as its City Attorney continuously and capably from 1945 to 1957; and WHEREAS, Joseph E. Wargo was appointed Municipal Judge in 1957, where he presided until 1967 when elevated to the office of Anoka County Court Judge, the position he now holds; and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights, its Council and citizens note the substantial efforts and generous financial support Joseph E. Wargo has given to charity, in particular the Variety Club Heart Hospital; and WHEREAS, the City Council further acknowledges the open hand that Joseph E. Wargo has demonstrated to his City in donations of substantial monies for construction and improvement of the City Park presently located at 41st Street and Central Avenue; and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights intends to hereby recognize the long and celebrated career and the generosity of Joseph E. Wargo; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the aforedescribed City Park shall, and the same hereby is, officially designated "Joseph E. Wargo Court", in honor and tribute to the public servant and the man whose name it shall hereafter bear. Passed March 13, 1978 Offered by: Hentges Seconded by: Logacz Roll Call: Ail Ayes PLANNING AND ZONING RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Dale Erickson, 1317 42~ Avenue Request for Variance and Lot Split Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to approve the variance to split the lot equally into two 55' x 135' lots with a 5' width variance for each lot. Roll Call: Ail Ayes March 13, 1978 Page 4 2. Mobil Oil Corporation, 5280 Contral Conditional Use Permit Councilman Hentges recommended that this be sent to the Traffic Commission for their recommendation. The City Manager stated that he had talked with Councilman Heintz who also thought the matter should be sent to the Traffic Commission. Representatives from Mobil Oil Corporation were present to answer questions from the Council. Discussion followed on the proposal for a self service repair and fuel station and the traffic patterns which would result from same. A blueprint cf the proposed operation was presented to the Council. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, that the request for a conditional use permit for the Mobil Oil property at 53rd and Central Avenue be returned to the Traffic Commission for recommendation and report back to the Council. Roll Call: All Ayes CONDEMNATION HEARING The City Manager noted that the owners of the property at 4324 6th Street, which had been discussed earlier in the meeting, had just arrived. The Mayor told them that the condemnation had been approved. Mr. Avery, property owner, asked if the house would be torn down. The Mayor answered that it would be if necessary repairs weren't made within a specified period of time. Mr. Avery asked for 60 days to tear the house down himself. Discussion followed on the City's and the owner's options. It was agreed that someone from the City will check the razing progress in 45 days. 3. Philip Millage, 4220 6th Street Request for Variance Arden Hovland stated that Mr. Millage has requested a variance to add on to the front of his house. He presented a drawing showing what the addition would consist of. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, that a variance be granted of 5' on the front yard setback based on the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation. Roll ,gall: Ail Ayes 4. Paul Joswick, 4107 5th Street Request for Variance Mr. Hovland reported that Mr. Joswick is requesting a 5' variance for his garage to preserve as much of his rear ya~'d as possible. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to grant the 5' variance as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: Ail Ayes TRAFFIC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Two hour parking signs at 501 and 503 Mill St. Minneapolis Electric Steel workers are parking in front of resident's homes. March 13, 1978 Page 5 A1 Kordiak and Councilman Heintz are requesting the two hour limit signs to control the parking. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize two hour parking signs at 501 and 503 Mill Street based on recommendation of the Traffic Commission. Roll Call: Ail Ayes 2. Placement of Guard Posts at 3967 Polk St. The garage at 3967 Polk has been hit twice. The guard posts will allow some extra protection for the garage. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to authorize placement of guard posts at 3967 Polk Street based on recommendation of the Traffic Commission. Roll Call: Ail Ayes PAYMENT OF SCHOOL ZONE PROJECT The City Manager reported that the price of the school crossing speed zone beacons was estimated at $4,000 at the beginning of the project. The actual cost is $3,081.02. He requested authorization to pay that amount from the unallocated surplus in the general fund. Councilman Hentges stated he felt the money should come out of general revenue sharing. Motion by Logacz, seconded by the Chair, that payment of $3,081.02 for speed zone control work on 49th Avenue be authorized, said money to come from the unallocated surplus in the general fund. Roll Call: Ail Ayes MIDWEST VAN EASEMENT Motion by Hentges to table the acceptance of the easement until April 10 at the regular Council meeting. Discussion followed on the traffic flow caused by the businesses, how the future construction of stop lights at 50th and Central would affect it, and how this would affect Mr. Harris, the property owner, and his immediate plans. Councilman Hentges withdrew his motion. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to accept the easement from Midwest Van. Roll Call: Ail Ayes SCHOOLS AND CONFERENCES: 1. Don Johnson, Fire Chief Fire Instructor's conference Mayor Nawrocki noted that Chief Johnson has proposed using his motor home for travel. He could then take Captain Shafer along for an additional cost of only $30. March 13, 1978 Page 6 Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to authorize attendance at the Fire Instructor's Conference for the Fire Chief and Captain Shafer. Roll Call: Ail Ayes 2. Dean Ottersen, City Planner Economic Development Conference The City Manager is recommending Dean Ottersen's request te attend the Economic Development Conference be granted based en the City Planner leaving en the 24th and returning on the 26th. Hotion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, that the City Planner be authorized te attend the Economic Development Conference May 24 through 26 in accordance with the restrictions of the City Manager. Roll Call: All Ayes 3. Stuart Anderson, Police Chief and Nick Casper, Attorney Police Liability Workshop Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, that attendance be authorized for the Police Chief and the City Attorney Casper to attend the Police Liability Workshop in San Francisco from Hay 21 through 24. Discussion followed on the benefits attendance would bring to the City Attorney and the City. Roll Call: All Ayes Recess at 9:27 p.m. Reconvene at 9:50 p.m. LATE REQUESTS Councilman Logacz stated that the Recreation Commission would like to have a member assigned to the Commission at the next regular Council meeting as they are one member short. A discussion was held on the alley easement behind Sir Waxer. Councilman Hentges stated a "dead end" sign on Gould Street at the alley entrance would solve the problem of people making U turns in the alley. Earl Gustafson stated that he would check on how the easements on this block were written. The Mayor stated he had circulated copies of the federal flood insurance program. He wanted the Council to be aware that a final plan is out and the deadline for inquiries is past. March 13, 1978 Page 7 LICENSES Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, that license applications as listed be granted upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: Ail Ayes CITY MANAGER REPORTS City Manager Anderson reported that the County is asking for a Board of Review meeting on Tuesday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m. He asked if this would fit the Council's schedule. The Mayor answered that he couldn't make it on that date. Tuesday, May 23 at 7:00 p.m. was suggested as an alternative date. The City Manager stated that there were 2 salary change recommendations which had been sent to the Council. He asked for comments. No action was needed from the Council. 1. Midland Coop Project City Manager Anderson reported that he and Earl Gustafson had checked on the progress of the dredging permit for Sullivan Lake. The DNR position is that they would like a meeting with Pollution Control representatives and City staff. The architects have been in to talk to the City Manager. They hope to have a site plan presentation at the April Midland board meeting. Midland has its annual meeting coming up in April and they have asked for a letter of agreement for exclusive right on the land. They are also prepared to make payment of $5,000 for the signing of this letter. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into agreement with Midland Coop for the exclusive negotiations for the purchase of property located in the City of Columbia Heights generally described as consisting of 8 acres, more or less, in the northeasterly part of the Sullivan Lake property fronting upon 53rd Avenue N.E. In consideration for this exclusive right the Midland people will be paying $5,000 which shall extend negotiations for a period of 180 days and be applied toward the purchase price. In the event the agreement is not entered into within 180 days the $5,000 will be retained by the City as liquidating damages. Roll Call: Ail Ayes 2. Court Facilities - Remodeling Program The City Manager reported that the Court Administrator had been to see him about the space the City had agreed to provide the Court. The County is now asking that all the area that is presently the 2nd floor of the fire station be taken over by the Court. They need more room for judges and interview rooms. The possible purchase of another house by the City may be required. He is asking some direction from the Council in this matter. March 13, 1978 Page 8 Discussion followed on the proposed remodeling and the effect this change would have on the plans, the County's needs, the City's budget, and the possibility of changing the plans. The Mayor suggested telling the County that the City cannot accomodate their wishes. 3. Para-Transit Program City Manager Anderson stated he had sent information on this program to the Council previously. Mn/DOT's proposal doesn't include transportation to Southdale or Brookdale as was originally hoped for. They proposed two mini bus routes in Columbia Heights, one on the west side of Central and one on the east side of Central. He presented the proposed r©utes to the Council and asked for an indication on whether they wanted him to pursue the proposal with Mn/DOT. Councilman Hentges stated that he thought Columbia Heights was taken care of very well with its present MTC routes. Discussion followed on the proposed routes and their connection with Fridley. The Mayor stated he recommends that the Council support further exploration of the proposal. The idea is to provide supplementary kinds of service which isn't provided by regular route service. Mn/DOT will pay 90% of the demonstration costs. Councilman Logacz stated he thought the City should try the program for at least one year. He feels that the reason the City has poor ridership now is that the buses don't provide the convenience these mini routes would. Motion by Logacz, seconded by t-he Chair, that the Council express its interest in the project and authorize the City Manager to explore the matter further. Councilman Hentges stated he thought this was a mistake. Roll Call: Logacz, Nawrocki - Aye Hentges - Nay The City Manager asked if the Council was still committed to trying to complete all the Public Works road construction paving projects. Earl Gustafson reported on the status of the projects and what the problems are. The Mayor stated that the Council will be meeting Monday, March 20 to discuss the liquor operations and tlhe Public Works schedule will be reviewed at that time. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORT Earl Gustafson reported that he had met with Midland's engineer and architect twice and they had given him a copy of their proposed sequence of events for the project. Mr. Gustafson has requested them to keep him informed as to the progress of the project so the City can design the disposal sight for the dredgings. He stated he has received a letter from MTC setting plans for the bus shelter at 39th and Stinson. He has received assurance from Val Michelson Associates that their contractor will construct the slab. March 13, 1978 Page 9 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, that the minutes of February 27 be approved as submitted in writing and reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: Ail Ayes MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Nawrocki noted that he received a copy of the Citizen League News containing a report on a recent survey of property taxes. Out of 90 communities in which the survey was taken (on the basis of a $40,000 homestead) Columbia Heights has been approximately in the middle in the past, but this year the City ranked 63rd out of 90 on the terms of property taxes being paid on that particular house. He also received a letter from A1 Kordiak stating that the County would be purchasing a votomatic machine and asking if the City wished to take advantage of a joint purchase agreement. The City Manager said he would give the letter to John Schedler, City Clerk, to get his opinion. The Mayor also received a letter from Representative Simoneau stating that the portion of House File 1916 which would have taken away the City's ability to levy taxes to pay the costs of the police and fire pension funds has been taken out of the bill. He added that the previous week he attended the National League of Cities Congressional Conference in Washington, D.C. He talked with Senators Humphrey and Anderson and Congressman Fraser to ask if they could explore the possibility of the City's changing the HUD grants which have been causing so much controversy to allow for the sale of those homes as opposed to their rental. He doesn't think the chances of this are very great. He has received a letter from Senator Anderson indicating that the Senator will meet with HUD people and get back to the Mayor soon. At present the City is a member of the National League of Cities. The League set up a Small Cities Advisory Committee which the Mayor doesn't feel has accomplished very much. There is another group called the National Association of Smaller Communities which he would like the City to join for a fee of $250. He distributed brochures which explained the Association and stated he would bring the issue up again at a later meeting. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to adjourn at 11:10 p.m. Roll Call: All Ayes ' /~ Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor