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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFeb 27, 1978OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA FEBRUARY 27, 1978 The meeting was called to order at 8:02 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - present INVOCATION The invocation was given by Reverend Kenneth Behnken of St. Matthew's Church. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to table the minutes of previous meetings until later in the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that bills as listed be paid out of the proper funds. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to table the payment of bills until later in the meeting. Roll Call on motion to table: All Ayes BIDS: I. Purchase of Truck The City Manager reported that on Thursday, February 23, bids were opened to purchase a truck for the Street Department. The low bidder was Bill Boyer Ford in the amount of $10,124.37. This is in excess of the budgeted amount of $9,500. He recommends that the bid funds come out of the revenue sharing fund. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the bid for the vehicle for the Street Department be awarded to Bill Boyer Ford Trucks in the amount of $10,124.37 based on low competitive bid and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Councilman Hentges stated he thought the $9,500 budgeted originally should come out of the revenue sharing fund but that the extra amount should come from the Street Department budget. Discussion followed. Roll Call: All Ayes 2. Park Building Floor Mats City Manager Anderson reported that informal bids were taken by John Murzyn, Park Superintendent, for floor mats for several park buildings. Mr. Murzyn recommends purchasing the floor mats from Superior Products, St. Paul for a low informal bid of $1,096, money to come from revenue sharing account. February 27, 1978 Page 2 Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the purchase of floor mats in the amount of $1,096. Roll Call: All Ayes 3. Contract .Add-On for Blacktopping The City Manager stated that the Park Department is requesting authorization to amend the parking lot blacktopping project on Jefferson in Huset Park to include sidewalk from the alley south to the end of the park property by the railroad tracks. The cost to be $711.75, money to come out of the Park Department's bond issue. Discussion followed on whether the sidewalk should be concrete or blacktop. Mayor suggested asking the Park Board to reconsider their recommendation for blacktop and get some bids on concrete work. The Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to refer this matter back to the Park Board to reconsider their recommendation. Roll Call: All Ayes 4. Carpet Cleaning The City Manager reported that the maintenance contract the City has does not include carpet cleaning. Twice a year the City takes bids on this. Low bid was Rodrigue Maintenance in the amount of $550. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the bid to Rodrigue Maintenance in the amount of $550 based on low competitive informal bidding. Roll Calll: All Ayes 5. Copier for Pol ice Department The City Manager stated that the Police Department has taken three informal bids on a new copier, evaluating the initial price, the trade in value of the present machine, the guarantee and future contract service prices. He is recommending the A B Dick Copy Machine, Model 675, at a cost of S1,320, using the public works copy machine as a trade in. If the purchase is approved the Police Depart- ment machine will be used at the City garage. This is a budgeted item. Discussion followed on the Police Department's use of the Kodak copier in the office. Motion by' Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the City Manager be authorized to purchase an A B Dick Copier, Model 675 in the amount of $1,320 plus trade in of the public works copy machine, based on low informal competitive bid. Roll Call: All Ayes February 27, 1978 Page 3 LOW RENT PUBLIC HOUSING Approximately 50 people were present to discuss the HRA's plan for low rent public housing. The Mayor stated that he understood they had a petition to present to the Council. Mr. Stan Stachel presented the following petition which contained 1,176 signatures: We the undersigned object to the Columbia Heights HRA plan to buy up, rehabilitate, and rent; or to build and rent, private homes in the City of Columbia Heights, for several reasons: 1. We do not want any more property taken off the tax rolls this way, thus raising taxes of every property owner. 2. The City and the HRA should not be in the real estate business or house rental business. The present proposals for two houses, one at 4241 6th Street and another at 4508 Polk Street, indicate the HRA intends to pay unreasonably high prices and further waste our tax money by putting into these homes much more cost than their ultimate market value. We want to promote private home ownership, believing a person who owns his home is a more responsible neighbor and citizen and, if given the opportunity, will do a better job of maintaining his own property than will any government body. o These two houses are just the beginning and if the plan is allowed to proceed, every neighborhood in town will soon be faced with the problems resulting from rental housing run by the government. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, that the petition be accepted and placed on file. Councilman Hentges stated that it is the responsibility of HRA to help people find low cost rental property within the City. He stated that he will vote no on the motion because he feels there is a lot of misinformation being passed around by people. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki - Aye Hentges - Nay Mr. Stachel stated that the people also had a resolution to present. He read the following: RESOLUTION 78-5 WHEREAS a petition has been received by the City of Columbia Heights, the text of which is hereto attached, objecting to continuance by HRA in the City of the Scattered Housing Purchase and Rental program and February 27, 1978 Page 4 WHEREAS, said petition has been signed by 1,176 citizens of the City, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Columbia Heights does hereby withdraw its support of the program and by copy of this resolution: Requests that the Columbia Heights HRA terminate the program; Notifies the Metropolitan Council of this withdrawal; and Notifies HUD of this withdrawal. Offered by: Norberg Seconded by: Heintz City Attorney Kalina stated that the HRA is the unit of government handling the program and continued support from the Council is not necessary. Councilman Heintz asked if the Council could rescind approval of the program. The City Attorney answered that there was nothing that could stop the program now unless the HRA agreed to stop it. The Council is not in a position to demand that the HRA stop. However, any subsequent grant application would require Council support. Councilman Heintz asked if a referendum could be held at this fall's election. The City Attorney replied that the Council would have to authorize the referendum but the HRA could proceed with the program until a petition for a referendum reaches them. They would then have to reconsider action theylve taken. Councilman Heintz stated that he either misunderstood the program when it was originally voted on or he was misled. He stated that he is for the rehabilitation of o]d homes and their resale but doesn't agree with the HRA renting homes. Councilman Norberg questioned if the HRA would be bound by a referendum. He further stated that he thought it would be sensible for the HRA to discontinue the program for the time being. Councilman Hentges stated that there are 767 families in Columbia Heights eligible for this housing program. The federal government subsidizes many programs that benefit Columbia Heights and he doesn't feel iris wrong to give people decent homes to live in. Councilman Norberg stated he doesn't see why there has to be a federal government office in the rental business. He believes that the present rehabilitation program is sufficient. He stated he is concerned about who will pay the taxes on these homes. Discussion followed on whether the Council did a survey of need in Columbia Heights, the budget for the program, the senior citizen high rise, and whether the present condition of these homes warrants rehabilitating. Mayor Nawrocki stated that no one can be excluded from renting or buying a home, however, priority can be given to residents of Columbia Heights. Of the ]00 residents of the senior citizen high rise, 97 or 98 were originally from Columbia Heights. February 27, 1978 Page 5 Councilman Logacz stated that he wasn't aware of the rental part of the program when it was voted on in May. He added that even if a program is a good one, it cannot survive without the support ot the people. Therefore, he will not support the rental program. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he believes in letting the people talk, however, this item was not on the agenda and he feels the Council should study the matter and a public hearing should be held. Discussion continued on the possibility of a deteriorating neighborhood, the right of the Council to decide the issue, and other g~ant options that are available to people to enable them to purchase homes. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he has been and continues to be supportive of programs to help people with housing needs in the City of Columbia Heights and the City has a lot of people that have an assortment of housing needs. There are many programs available that people have taken advantage of (FHA or Gl loans) to purchase a house and these are federally funded and designed to help people get into houses. He feels the Council has been supportive of other kinds of programs to either grant money to help people fix their homes or low interest loans. The Mayor stated he has received some phone calls from people concerned that some minorities will be brought into Columbia Heights. He again stated that out of 160 instances where the City has helped people on housing, the majority of these people have been residents of Columbia Heights because of the City's being able to prioritize the requirements. Senior citizens and low income families would qualify for these homes. He added that whether these programs are good or bad is not the question. They exist and Columbia Heights should take advantage of them for its residents. The money is there and it is going to go to somebody somewhere. If Columbia Heights turns the program down it won't decrease the people's taxes, the money will just go to some other community. The Mayor stated that if the City does not want to get involved in the program, the federal government, the state government, and the Metro Council will come in and carry out the same programs. The Metro Council has before it a proposal to have a metropolitan HRA and they are considering having the Metro HRA administer the program throughout the metropolitan area. The Mayor stated that he went to the Metro Council to oppose this idea because the responsibility of maintaining the program and selecting the recipients will not be with local people, it will be with the Metro HRA. The Mayor suggested no action be taken now. He would like to see a public hearing set up to answer the people's questions. He added that he supports this program. Motion by Hentges, seconded by the Chair, to table this matter for reconsideration until after a public meeting. Roll Call: Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Logacz, Heintz, Norberg Nay Motion fails February 27, 1978 Page 6 Councilman Norberg stated that he doesn't feel anybody wants to turn their backs on other people's needs but the message seems to be ~'don't rent". His understanding of the Metro HRA matter is that they won't interfere in a community that has an HRA office. Mayor Nawrocki responded that the past policy of the Metro HRA has been not to interfere in a community that already has an HRA office but they are currently holding hearings on the subject of getting directly involved in rental property. Roll Call on Resolution: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg Hentges, Nawrocki - Nay Aye Resolution is adopted. Recess at 10:O6 p.m. Reconvene at 10:45 p.m. ORDINANCE 884 Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that the reading of the ordinance to change the name of the Human Rights Commission to the Human Services Commission be waived since sufficient copies were available to the public. Roll Call: All Ayes ORDINANCE 884 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, PERTAINING TO A NAME CHANGE OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION TO THE HtJMAN SERVICES COMMISSION The City of Columbia Heights Does Ordain: Section I. Section 3.302 of Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, which reads as follows, to-wit: 3.302(1) The Human Rights Commission is hereby established under the control and direction of the Council. The Commission shall act in a strict- ly advisory capacity to the Council and have no legislative, judi- cial or quasi-judicial powers of law enforcement, except in the per- formance of duties prescribed by 3.302 (4). 3.302(2) The purpose of the Human Rights Commission is to aid and advise the Council in the promotion of equal opportunity in employment, housing, public accomodations, public services, education and such other affairs that affect the social well being of the citizens of Columbia Heights. In furtherance of such purpose, the Commission shall: (a) study and review programs and policies and aid the Council in soliciting the cooperation of agencies, organizations, and individuals in the City in an active program directed to create equal opportunities and eliminate discriminatory practices as described in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 363. February 27, 1978 Page 7 review all reports or complaints of discrimination in the City and report its findings to the Council, subject to the conditions prescribed by 3.302 (4). (c) advise and aid the Council on the implementation of such recommendations as the Council determines appropriate to cooperate with the State Department of Human Rights; (a) recommend to the Council from time to time such action as may seem advisable to create better human relations in the City and perform such other functions concerning humar rela- tions as the Council may determine. 3.302(3) The Human Rights Commission shall be composed of nine (9) members from among residents of the City who are at least 18 years of age. One member shall be designated from the Council, who shall serve at the will of the Council. (a) Members of the Commission shall serve for a term of three years commencing and ending in the month of April. The terms are to be staggered so that each year no more than three (3) Commissioners are appointed to a full term. (b) The Commission shall be composed of the widest possible repre- sentation of the various peoples and institutions within the City and, if possible, no more than two members shall reside in any voting precinct. (c) The Council may terminate the appointment of any Commissioner by a majority vote without cause and without a hearing. 3.302(4) Upon direction of the Council, the Human Rights Commission may study and make a report to the State Human Rights Commissioner on any matter referred to it by the State Department of Human Rights. Upon direction of the Council, the Human Rights Commission may con- duct an investigation of such matter and make such recommendations as are necessary and appropriate. (a) The Human Rights Commission may refer any complaint of dis- crimination to the State Department of Human Rights where such complaint had not been initiated before said state agency. (b) The Human Rights Commission may advise any person making a complaint before the Commission that such person has the option of filing a charge with either the Human Rights Commission or with the State Department of Human Rights. The complainant shall be further advised that selection of one option precludes filing a charge with the agency not selected. shall be amended to read as follows: SECTION 2 HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION 3.302(1) The Human Services Commission is hereby established under the control and direction of the Council. The Commission shall act in a strictly advisory capacity to the Council and have no legislative, judicial or quasi-judicial powers of law enforcement, except in the performance of duties prescribed by 3.302 (4). February 27, 1978 Page 8 3.302(2 3.302(3 3.302(4) The purpose of the Human Services Commission is to aid and advise the Council in the promotion of equal opportunity in employment, housing, public accomodations, public services, education and such other affairs that affect the social well being of the citizens of Columbia Heights. In furtherance of such purpose, the Commission shall: (a) (b) study and review programs and policies and aid the Council in soliciting the cooperation of agencies, organizations, and individuals in the City in an active program directed to create equal opportunities and eliminate discriminitory practices as described in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 363. review all reports or complaints of discrimination in the City and report its findings to the Council, subject to the conditions prescribed by 3.302 (4). (c) (d) advise and aid the Council on the implementation of such recommendations as the Council determines appropriate to cooperate with the State Department of Human Rights; recommend to the Council from time to time such action as may seem advisable to create better human relations in the City and perform such other functions concerning human rela- tions as the Council may determine. The Human Services Commission shall be composed of nine (9) members from among residents of the City who are at least ]8 years of age. One member shall be designated from the Council, who shall serve at the will of the Council. (a) Members of the Commission shall serve for a term of three years commencing and ending in the month of April. The terms are to be staggered so that each year no more than three (3) Commissioners are appointed to a full term. (b) The Commission shall be composed of the widest possible repre- sentation of the various peoples and institutions within the City and, if possible, no more than two members shall reside in any voting precinct. (c) The Council may terminate the appointment of any Commissioner by a majority vote without cause and without a hearing. Upon direction of the Council, the Human Services Commission may study and make a report to the State Human Rights Commissioner on any matter referred to it by the State Department of Human Rights. Upon direction of the Council, the Human Services Commission may conduct an investigation of such matter and make such recommendations as are necessary and appropriate. (a) The Human Services Commission may refer any complaint of dis- crimination to the State Department of Human Ri9hts where such complaint had not been initiated before said state a9ency. February 27, 1978 Page 9 (b) The Human Services Commission may advise any person making a complaint before the Commission that such person has the option of filing a charge with either the Human Services Commission or with the State Department of Human Rights. The complainant shall be further advised that selection of one option precludes filing a charge with the agency not selected. Section 2. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First Reading: February 13, 1978 Offered by: Logacz Seconded by: Norberg Roll Call: All Ayes RESOLUTION MODIFYING CONTRACT WITH LOCAL 49 City Manager Anderson reported that the City has a contract with Local 49 for 1977-78. The bargaining group for MAMA (Metropolitan Area Managers Association) and the bargaining group for operating engineers Local 49 have reached an agreement extending this into a 3 year contract by making a slight adjustment in the 1978 scale and making a new proposal for 1979. It would eliminate the need to go into negotiations with the 49ers this fall in order to open up a new contract. He is recommending that the contract be extended through 1979. Discussion followed on the rate of increase. RESOLUTION 78-6 REGARDING A LABOR CONTRACT EXTENSION BETWEEN THE CITY AND LOCAL 49 - OPERATING ENGINEERS WHEREAS, the Bargaining Committee of the Metropolitan Area Management Association has been involved in negotiations with Local 49, and WHEREAS, an agreement has been made to modify and extend the present contract, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following changes are approved: 1978 1979 Light Equipment Operators Heavy Equipment Operators $7.05 per hour $7.50 per hour $7.50 per hour $7.95 per hour The employer will contribute up to a maximum of $65 per month for calendar year 1978 and $72 per month for calendar year 1979 for group health and life insurance, including dependent coverage. Additional insurance cannot be covered at employer expense in lieu of dependent coverage. February 27, 1978 Page 10 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Manager are authorized to sign the contract document to cover these changes. Passed this 27th day of February, ]978. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Hentges Rol1 Call: Al1 Ayes SHADE TREE SUBSIDY This matter had been tabled at the last meeting. A report was previously given by the Park Department recommending 100% subsidy for the cost of the dutch elm program. This was the procedure last year. Councilman Norberg questioned if the City should pick up the subsidy amount the State will not be giving the City this year. Discussion followed on the amount of money this will cost the City in lost subsidies. The City Manager recommends 100~ of incurred expenses for both private and public trees. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the Council set its policy for reimburse- ment on cost incurred for removal of dutch elm disease and oak wilt diseased trees of paying 100% of eligible expenses incurred in removal of same using, as much as possible, state monies and the following guidelines: the tree has to be marked for removal by the City tree inspector and removed within a 20 day period. 2. all tree services doing any sanitation work within the City must be licensed by the City of Columbia tteights. that if the homeowner removes the tree himself he may receive payment only on the rental equipment or land fill expense and that he must provide proof of payment. 4. that all requests for subsidy payments must be made through the Park Board office and must be submitted no later than December 15, 1978. Roll Call: All Ayes REQUEST FOR CONTRACTUAL PARKING Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to bring the matter of a contractual parking permit for the property at 50th and Central back before the Council. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the contractual parking permit be granted to Mr. Harris for the property at 4952 Central Avenue on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. February 27, 1978 Page 11 City Attorney Kalina reported that Mr. Harris has signed an easement for an alley. The Mayor explained that at the present time an alley is not planned for that block because some of the neighbors are against it. Discussion followed on the possibility of an alley in the future. Councilman Norberg stated that he doesn't approve of making such a large variance for parking. The Mayor reminded the Council that it is an established business and at the present people are parking every and any place they can. Mr. Harris is attempting to provide parking for his customers. Roll Call: All Ayes OLD BUSINESS Mrs. Porter and Mrs. Hemp were present to discuss sewer line problems. When the City allowed the sewer line project on 3rd Street and University the sewer and water were put in but no hook ups were left for the homes. Discussion followed on the cost of a hook up. Earl Gustafson, Public Works Director, explained the policy of the City to give the plumbers hook up materials at the time of hook up to the main. He asked for time to find out what had happened in this case. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the Public Works Director be given time to look into the problem and report back to the Council at the next meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes MIDLAND COOP The City Manager reported that the DNR report is expected on March 2. Midland has selected a contractor and an architect's plan will be submitted in April to Midland. City Attorney Kalina reported that he had talked with Midland representa- tives and there is nothing settled on the amount of fill needed, building plan and final site, or whether the cost of surveying will be shared by the City. The Park Board has approved a park plan which Tom Rejzer, Assistant Park Superintendent, presented to the Council. OLD BUSINESS Councilman Hentges stated that he had been contacted by the resident of 4201 6th Street. The resident doesn't feel he should be charged for double garbage pick up and that he should be charged by a double water meter. Discussion followed on why exceptions cannot be made, the problem which may be started by making exceptions, and ways of determining useage. The City Manager reported that the building inspector is updating the files at the present time on single and double family homes. Arden Hovland, Service Director, stated he has talked with the manager of K-Mart and was told that new bushes and shrubs will be planted to replace the dead ones. K-Mart will also be replacing the slats in the fence which are broken. This work will be done in the spring. Councilman Norberg asked for a report at the first meeting after June 20. February 27, 1978 Page 12 The Mayor had requested a meeting be set up to discuss the liquor store operations. City Manager Anderson asked if the Council wanted this done as an informal meeting before a regular meeting or as a part of the special meeting. Councilman Norberg suggested having it before a regular meeting so it would be kept short. Monday, March 20 at 8:00 p.m. was selected as a meeting date. The City Manager reported that no progress has been made on the 911 emergency number issue. Discussion followed on the present status of the program and the fact that Fridley has not seemed anxious to discuss a joint dispatching program. The Mayor suggested the staff discuss the matter with Fridley again since we are still interested. NEW BUSINESS The property at 4324 6th Street is in the condemnation process. the agenda of the next regular meeting. It will be on The Mayor indicated that he had received a letter from Mr. Sexaur who is responsible for the operator training unit of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. His letter was very complimentary, commending the participation at a recent program by Mr. Jolly, Mr. Owens, and Mr. Kohl and the positive help they gave. The Mayo- stated he had also received a letter from the Governor dealing with the Natural Disaster Conference on Friday, March 10. He asked if Earl Gustafson, Civil Defense Director, was aware of it. The Metro Clean Air Committee is circulating a letter around the municipalities calling attention to the high levels of carbon monoxide in apartment houses which have inside parking. The Mayor asked if the City can inspect and monitor these levels and if this is a problem in Columbia Heights. Councilman Norberg suggested looking into an ionization type smoke detector which will detect carbon monoxide at fairly low levels. He suggested an ordinance requiring smoke detectors of this type in apartments with inside parking might be in order. Hayor Nawrocki noted there are two bills before the legislature which could have an impact on Columbia Heights. One which may take away the special levy authority to raise funds to pay for the private police and fire pension funds and the other to eliminate "double dipping", receiving a pension from two institutions of government, which would affect the volunteer fire department. LICENSES Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that all licenses be approved upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes February 27, 1978 Page 13 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, that the minutes of February 13 be approved as written and reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that bills as listed be paid out of their proper accounts. Roll Call: All Ayes CITY MANAGER REPORTS The City Manager reported that Burlington Northern has not responded to his letter concerning trees on 38th and 39th. He will report back when something further happens. He reported that in his letter to the Council on the Burlington Northern storm sewer there was a word in the letter in error that makes some difference in the meaning. The correction was made. He reported that there have been some problems with the excavating in front of the City Hall for footings for the addition. The City has authorized the contractor to repair some pipes which were not suitable to be under a building, the additional cost to be approximately $1,100. A report was distributed to the Council which included the City Manager's estimated costs of some work to be done on the building expansion. These items were removed from the original specs in order to keep the costs down. He is asking for authorization to complete the work. Discussion followed on type of furnishings required and who would purchase them. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the City Manager to: 1. purchase the furnishings from the Hennepin County contract without further bidding. 2. purchase the paint as needed for the new building, the old police area, and the HRA office. 3. advertise for bids for the parking lot improvements. 4. advertise for bids on the roof improvement. 5. advertise for bids on buying carpet, tile, and remodeling. Roll Call: All Ayes February 27, 1978 Page 14 The City Manager reported that the Johnson house has been vacated. He would like authorization to take bids to remove it from the property and suggested this be conditioned upon it not being redeposited in Columbia Heights. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, that the City Manager be authorized to take bids on the Johnson house on the condition that it not be redeposited in Columbia Heights. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to adjourn at 12:15 a.m. Roll Call: All Ayes Secretary . ,,, i // / , . / ,¥," ~ BrL~'~'e G. Nawrocki, Mayor