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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJan 23, 1978OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CiTY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA JANUARY 23, 1978 The meeting was called to order at 8:03 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - present INVOCATION The invocation was given by Councilman Norberg. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 9, 1978 as presented and dispense with the reading. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, that bills as listed be paid out of the proper funds. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay Councilman Norberg objects to bill No. 24163. BID ON LEGAL PUBLICATION City Manager Anderson reported that only one bid was received. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, that the Sun Newspaper be awarded the bid as legal publication for 1978. Councilman Norberg requested a report on the rate increase. Roll Call: All Ayes REQUEST FOR BID The City Manager is requesting authorization to call for bids on a 27,500 gross weight vehicle for the Street Department. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to authorize the City Manager to call for bids on a 27,500 gross weight vehcile for the Street Department, bids to be opened on February 23 with a report to the following regular Council meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes January 23, 1978 Page 2 RECREATION COMMISSION REQUESTS 1. Appointment of Pat Larson to Commission Discussion was held on seating Pat Larson to the Recreation Commission as Community Education Advisory Council representative. City Attorney Kalina noted that Ms. Larson could be seated ex officio until ordinance #861 establishing a public recreation commission is passed. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to appoint Pat Larson to the Recreation Commission on an ex officio basis. Roll Call: All Ayes 2. Requesting a new at-large representative The Recreation Commission is requesting a new at-large Council representative. Mayor Nawrocki asked if the Commission had attempted to change their meeting dates to accommodate Mr. Dustin who has been unable to attend because of his private schedule. Councilman Logacz replied that Mr. Dustin has said he would not be able to attend any evening meetings. Councilman Norberg felt Mr. Dustin should not be removed until the Council receives a letter from Mr. Dustin stating his desire to be replaced. 3. Cost of Living Adjustments A list of employees recommended salary adjustments was given to the Council. The City Manager stated that these recommendations have been approved by the Recreation Commission and have been passed on to the Council for approval. The raise represents a 6% increase. City Attorney Kalina stated that the Recreation Commission should submit a resolution requesting the pay increases. PARK BOAM} REQUESTS 1. Congregate Dining Project Proposal The Park Board is recommending a 30 day trial period for senior citizen dinners for the Hennepin-Anoka Congregate Dining Project. The City Manager reported that the health inspector has approved the facilities. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, that the Council approve the 30 day trial period for the Senior Citizen Congregate Dining Project at the Field House. Roll Call:: All Ayes 2. Huset Park Tennis Courts The Park Board requests authorization to contract with W. J. Sutherland and Associates to design and prepare plans and specifications for tennis courts for the Huset Park picnic area. Councilman Norberg asked by what process W. J. Sutherland and Associates was chosen. Earl Gustafson, Public Works Director, answered that John Murzyn, Park Superintendent, had contacted approximately 12 firms and from these Sutherland was selected. January 23, 1978 Page 3 The City Manager noted that two proposals were offered by Sutherland, one charging the lump sum of $2,500 and the other for 8% of the total cost. The City Manager recommended the $2,500 lump sum proposal. Discussion followed on fees, the firm's qualifications, and what type of work would be done by Sutherland. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to table the request until the Council finds out what the registration status of the firm is and what the estimated cost of completing the inspections will be. Roll Call: Norberg - Aye Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Nay Motion fails. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into contract with Sutherland and Associates for tennis courts per the recommendation of the Park Board. Councilman Hentges asked if the blacktop that is presently in the area will have to be dug up. Earl Gustafson replied that the tennis courts will probably be in another area. Councilman Hentges stated that he will vote no because he hasn't been given a definite answer to his question about tearing up the existing blacktop. Councilman Norberg asked whether the Mayor and City Manager will consult with the City Attorney to be sure all legal requirements in regard to the company's registration will be met before signing the contract. The Mayor noted that this will be done. Councilman Norberg requested the City get an estimate as to what the cost might be if the company did the inspecting. This should be done before signing an agreement. The Mayor asked that the City Manager look into this. Roll Call on motion: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki - Aye Hentges - Nay 3. LaBelle Park Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that $8,431 from Unallocated General Funds and $11,000 from the Sewer Fund be authorized and transfered to the LaBelle Park Project Fund. This work had been previously approved but no authorization was obtained to transfer the funds. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay Motion carries. CHEERY HEIGHTS The City Manager presented blueprints of the Cheery Heights plat which the Council was being asked to give their final approval to. He also provided the Council with figures on proposed park costs. The surveyor's report was different from the one the Council had discussed previously which would affect the payment to be received from Mr. Herringer. The City Manager recommends adopting the revised figure of $7,639.48 for the park payment. Discussion followed on zoning of the plat. January 23, 1978 Page 4 Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to give final approval to the Cheery plat upon receipt of $7,639.48 in lieu of consideration of park land dedication. Roll Call: Ail Ayes SCHOOLS AND CONFERENCES Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to approve the request for authorization to attend the MFOA Conference in Houston, Texas for John Schedler. Discussion followed on whether or not employees attending conferences should be required to submit written reports after. Councilman Norberg stated he felt a written report is necessary to insure the information benefits employees not attending. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he feels a written report takes the time of the employee who attended and a secretary who has to type it. He feels the information gained is being passed on to interested employees. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay Motion carries. DELINQUENT TAX PAYMENT The City Manager stated that the City owes delinquent tax money on land that was secured for Southwest Park and recommends that the Council pay the delinquent tax bill. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, that the delinquent tax of $2,265.80 on land the .City acquired for Southwest Park be authorized. Roll Call: All Ayes PARK BOARD RESOLUTION The Council returned to the subject of cost of living adjustments for Recreation Department personnel. City Manager Anderson read the resolution the City Attorney had drafted. RESOLUTION 78-2 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that the following annual salaries shall hereinafter be established for the following employees as of January 1, 1978: 1. Linda Hansen ............... $19,292 2. John Tiggas ................ 14,596 3. Judy Guindon ............... 9,350 4. Carl Saarion ............... 10,000 That the annual salary of Karen L. Moeller, shall be $10,000, commencing January 12, 1978. Offered by: Norberg Seconded by: Logacz Roll Call: All Ayes January 23, 1978 Page 5 LATE REQUESTS Mayor Nawrocki noted for the record that the Council had narrowed the list of over 100 applicants for the city manager position to 7 individuals who the Council has interviewed and tested. From these 7 finalists 2 have been chosen for reference checks. They are Robert Bocwinski from Wayzata currently employeed by Hennepin County Park Reserve District, and Harold Yungmeyer who was most recently city manager of Las Cruces, New Mexico. City Manager Anderson, Councilman Hentges, and Mayor Nawrocki will visit their communities in order to further check their references. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the expenses of Councilman Hentges, City Manager Anderson, and Mayor Nawrocki be authorized for this research. Roll Call: Ail Ayes Recess at 9:15 p.m. Reconvene at 9:$7 p.m. CHEERY HEIGHTS Mr. Gerral Herringer asked what action needed to be taken to get streets and utilities designed for the Cheery Heights plat. The Mayor noted that the Engineering Department has been consulted and that a public hearing will be needed. Mr. Herringer, as the owner of the Cheery Heights subdivision, is requesting the City to proceed with the installation of streets and utilities in the subdivision. The staff is asked to proceed on a timely basis on the actions that have to be taken to accomplish that, setting up a hearing, etc. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the City Manager to call for a public hearing on public improvements in the Cheery Heights subdivision. Roll Call: Ail Ayes HUMAN RIGHTS COmmISSION REQUEST Mr. Stan Stachel, Human Rights Commission, stated that the Commission requests that their by laws be changed. The Commission would like to retain the same number of members but they request that 2 should be students from the high school and 2 should be senior citizens. The request is made so the membership will represent a cross section of the people in Columbia Heights. They also ask to have a member sit in on the Park Board Commission meetings and a member work with the Police Department. The decision to appoint members from different age groups is at the discretion of the Council and a resolution should be passed stating their intention to do this. No action is required for a member of the Human Rights Commission to attend and work with the Park Board or Police Department. Discussion followed on the need for representation on other boards and departments. The Mayor feels it is more important for boards and departments to know who the chairman of the Human Rights Commission is so he can be contacted when a question arises. He feels it might be more effective for Mr. Stachel to go to the department heads when a question arises and if he doens't get a satisfactory answer he can talk to the Mayor. January 23, 1978 Page 6 The Mayor asked that the Sun Newspaper print an article stating that the Council. is interested in seeking people who are interested in serving on the Human Rights Commission. They should contact the City Hall for an application to be considered by the Council. The Commission is also requesting a name change. Mr. Stachel stated that the Commission members feel that the name Human Rights puts a stigma on the Commission. Councilman Norberg stated that he had talked with the City Attorney and in order to change the name an ordinance is required. Discussion followed on the proposed name change. Councilman Norberg stated he would like a first reading of an ordinance to change the name. Councilman Logacz stated that he would support a change if the Commission members would feel more comfortable with it. Councilman Heintz stated he doesn't see a need for a change. The State goes under the name of Human Rights Com~ission and the City should also. Councilman Hentges said he would vote no on a name change because he feels a Human Resources Commission sounds like a place to call for information on services available in the County. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he will support a name change if the Commission feels they want it. Councilman Norberg pointed out that this group does not operate under the State department of Human Rights. It operates under rules set up by the Council. City Attorney Kalina stated he will have an ordinance prepared for the next meeting. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS Mayor Nawrocki read the following proclamation designating February 4, 1978 as Sic Prevention Day: Whereas Glaucoma is the number one preventable cause of blindness and diabetes is the number two preventable cause of blindness and a very large number of affected persons are unaware they have one of these diseases; the Lions clubs from the Cities of Blaine, Columbia Heights, Fridley, Mounds View, St. Anthony, and Spring Lake Park in compliance with the Minnesota Society for the Prevention of Blindness are sponsoring a glaucoma, diabetes screening program at Apache Plaza Mall at no cost to area residents on Saturday, February 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City is asking the area newspaper to cooperate with them in focusing attention on the urgent need to prevent blindness due to these dread diseases. Councilman Norberg stated that the Council used to have a policy, which has been displaced, requiring a report from someone attending an out of town conference and he wondered what had become of it. The City Manager answered that he had never heard of such a policy. Councilman Norberg stated that he would like to see it started again. Mayor Nawrocki noted that this is Councilman Norberg's personal view. Councilman Hentges stated he felt the decision to write a report to the Council should rest with the person attending the conference. Councilman Norberg stated that it isn't a matter of faith and trust in the people attending, but a matter of spreading around the information to other departments who might benefit from the information. January 23, 1978 Page 7 LICENSES Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, that licenses be approved as listed upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: Ail Ayes The City Manager stated that he had received a letter from J & L Investment regarding the fact that the City had overcharged them for their license as the owner of a car wash. This was a result of a clerical error on the license fee. He recommends that J & L Investment receive a refund check for $104.00 and amend the license fee to indicate the second and additional machines at the same location to be $2.00. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, that the Council concur with the City Manager's recommendation to return to J & L Investment the overcharge of license fees in the amount of $104.00. The City Manager noted that in every other instance the second or additional unit rate goes down and charging this person more is not consistent. Arden Hovland, Building Inspector, said that he feels $10 per unit is too high. Roll Call: Ail Ayes CITY MANAGER REPORTS The City Manager reported that the City of Andover has requested that our City Attorney write up a document for the sale of the City's fire truck to them. Discussion followed on Andover's request for a contract which could be broken by them within 30 days after agreement. The City Manager was instructed to see what he could work out with the City of Andover. The St. Anthony Village City Manager has been trying to obtain assistance from our City staff on a contract basis to help them make prints and drawings subject to our availability. Councilman Norberg feels it is a good idea and if the charges are acceptable the Council should approve it. Discussion followed on rates to be charged St. Anthony and what services might be provided. Mayor Nawrocki noted that in the past St. Anthony has been very coopera- tive with us and he feels we should now assist them. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with St.. Anthony for engineering services. Roll Call: Ail Ayes CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS Discussion followed on the problems of licensing and prosecuting adult services in Columbia Heights. January 23, 1978 Page 8 PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS Earl Gustafson, Public Works Director, reported that for the last three years the City has had a facility for the disposal of used car oil and they would like to encourage people to use this. He asked that the Sun Newspaper print an article on the use of the oil dump. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to adjourn at 11:00 p.m. Roll Call: All Ayes Secretary BrUce G. Nawrocki, Mayor