Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutJan 9, 1978OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA JANUARY 9, 1978 The meeting was called to order at 8:13 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - present INVOCATION The invocation was given by Pastor Jacob Andreason of First Lutheran Church. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 27, 1977 as presented and dispense with the reading. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to pay bills from January 9 and year end bills from December 30 as listed out of proper funds. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to remove bill #23898, payment to HRA, from the list of bills for discussion. Councilman Norberg stated that without a backup list of detailed expenses he felt there was no justification for the payment. City Manager Anderson noted that this was the balance of the downtown develo')ment project fund. Councilman Heintz requested a breakdown of the bill for the next meeting. Discussion followed on the project which was approved for HRA by the City last year and the number of hours spent by the City Planner on this project. City Manager Anderson stated that he is satisfied that the bill is correct. Roll Call on motion to remove bill #23898: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg - Aye Hentges, Nawrocki - Nay Motion carries. Roll Call on motion to approve bills with the exception of HRA payment: All Ayes MIDLAND PROPERTY REPORT Representatives from Midland were present to discuss the question of the amount of fill which they require to build and the amount of fill which is presently available at the site. January 9, 1978 Page 2 Mr. Earl Gustafson, Public Works Director, stated that in 1971 all lakes in Columbia Heights were drilled for sampling. Four borings were taken from Sullivan Lake and 'the material was predominantly peat. It would be suitable for filling in for a parking lot, however, it was never intended that the fill would be suitable to support a structure. Mr. Ralph Sommer, Midland representative, stated that Midland understood that they would not have to truck in any fill and that money-wise Midland could not afford this. One of the contractors Midland has contacted had two suggestions: a soil transfer between soil on the 4 acres of proposed park and the building site, or possibly moving peat out of the lake and then taking out the sand portion of lake and replacing the peat in the lake. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the actual land for park use would be more than 4 acres. He also noted that it had been pointed out that during the discussions with Midland agreement had been reached that fill material would be put in the area of parking lot and not in the building site. Mayor Nawrocki added that Midland may be planning to move the building site which could change the fill requirement. He also stated that he didn't believe the City ever indicated any amount of fill that could be guaranteed. The Mayor asked Earl Gustafson about the possibility of a soil transfer. Mr. Gustafson replied that this is feasible. He also added that a new contour map has been made of the area showing that less fill may be needed than what was shown by the previous map. Mr. Sommer stated that the selection of a contractor and a final decision on a building site will affect the amount of fill needed. He added that Midland is not interested in more fill than required and their need is for buildable soil. Councilman Heintz recommended that the Engineering Department and City Manager meet with the contractor and Midland representatives to reach agreement on what amount of fill is needed and the most feasible method of attaining it. He would like the staff to come back to the Council with a proposal. Mr. Sommer stated that Midland will be selecting a contractor in February or March. Ail the Company requires at this time is a statement from the City that some agreement will be reached between Midland and the City on the quality and quantity of fill required. Mayor Nawrocki stated that if the agreement is based on moving dirt around, this can be done. If the agreement will involve great amounts ef money from the City, it may not be in a geed position to do this. Discussion continued on the amount of fill needed and what is available. Mayor Nawrocki asked how the Park Board was proceeding on suggestions for the park area. Tom Rejzer, Assistant Park Director, stated that the final adoption of plans would take place at the March meeting. Ron Kalina, City Attorney, stated that the City is in no position at this time to finalize the agreement with Midland as long as the issue of fill has not been determined. The City Manager noted that he would like a plan from Midland for the Planning and Zoning Commission by March or April. January 9, 1978 Page 3 WHITE CASTLE Mr. Frank Novotny, 1061 Polk Place, was present to discuss the matter of the White Castle building site. He asked why a deviance was given to White Castle in the matter of parking space requirements. He also noted that he was the only resident in the area who received a notice about the meeting during which the White Castle proposal was discussed. His understanding of the original plan for the area differed from what was presently being planned. Mayor Nawrocki responded that the original plan is the same as what is now planned. He added that the Council can only decide if the proposal meets parking and building requirements and it cannot keep a project out of the community if it meets these requirements. A discussion followed on the neighbors' understanding of the land use, what was now planned for the area, and screening which will be required between the commercial and residential area. It was noted by the Council that a public hearing will be held before any further development is planned. Mr. Novotny again stated that he felt the real problem was one of bad communications between the City and residents of the area. COUNCIL ORGANIZATION FOR 1978 Councilman Heintz has been the Council president for several years. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, that Councilman Heintz be reappointed Council president. Roll Call: Ail Ayes Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that Councilman Logacz be appointed to represent the Council on the Park Board and Recreation Commission, that Councilman Heintz be appointed to represent the Council on the Planning and Zoning Commission, that Councilman Norberg represent the Council on the Human Rights Commission and Library Board, and that Councilman Hentges represent the Council on the Traffic Commission. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay Motion carries. Councilman Heintz will replace Councilman Logacz as representative of the Council on the Downtown Development Council. The City Manager read the resolution designating Councilman Norberg as the represent- ative on the Suburban Rate Authority. January 9, 1978 Page 4 RESOLUTION 78-1 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING DIRECTOR AND ALTERNATE DIRECTOR TO SUBURBAN RATE AUTHORITY BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, as follows: Councilman Gayle Norberg is hereby designated as a director of the Suburban Rate Authority, and Mayor Bruce G. Nawrocki is hereby designated to serve as alternate director of the Suburban Rate Authority for the year 1978 and until their successors are appointed. Offered by: Hentges Seconded by: Heintz Roll Call: Ail Ayes Councilman Norberg suggested having a Board/Commission applying newer technologies and engineering developments and supporting the Council on matters that might involve some of these matters. He would like the Board/Commission established in the Code like the other commissions and boards. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to appoint Norberg to work with the City Attorney to draft such a proposal and bring it back to the Council when ready. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that the City has commissions that deal with specific matters. They work with the Engineering Department who is qualified to advise. Roll Call: All Ayes Recess at 10:00 p.m. Reconvene at 10:40 p.m. BIDS City Manager Anderson noted that the quotes on these recommended purchases are the same as obtained last year as this is the second half of last year's authorized purchase. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to approve the bid for 7 self contained breathing units, 7 spare air cylinders, and 5 carrying cases at a total price of $3,957.50 from Continental Safety Equipment, Inc. Roll Call: Ail Ayes BID FOR CIVIL DEFENSE EQUIPMENT Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to approve the bid for the purchase of eno self contained breathing apparatus for Civil Defense from Continental Safety Equipment, Inc. in tile amount ef $576.50. Roll Call:: All Ayes January 9, 1978 Page 5 BIDS FOR TREE REMOVAL DURING 1978 Tom Rejzer, Assistant Park Director~ recommends that tree trimming be done by City crews. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that the City Manager be authorized to call for bids on tree removal and trimming for 1978 to be opened on February 3 and awarded on February 13 and report to the following Council meeting. Discussion followed on the dollar difference between the City doing their own tree trimming and bidding it out. Councilman Norberg suggested changing the wording of the specs to state "only removal of deadwood" and this might save a great deal of money. Roll Call on motion: Ail Ayes OTHER BIDS The City Manager presented a request from the City garage for the purchase of 10 grader blades and 5 end bits. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, that the City Manager be authorized to purchase from Ziegler, in the amount of $751.45, 10 grader blades and 5 end bits based on low, informal competitive bidding. Roll Call: Ail Ayes PLANNING AND ZONING RECOMMENDATIONS Arden Hovland, Service Director, stated that the screening requirements, lighting plan, and parking spaces for the City Hall addition were deficient. It has been proposed that the parking lot on Jefferson be designated overflow parking. Discussion followed on the responsibility of the City Planner and the architect in this matter. Mayor Nawrocki stated he believes there should be lighting in the parking lot because of frequent late night meetings. Discussion continued about the number of spaces being provided adjacent to the addition, the number of spaces reserved for County officials, and the planned entrances and exits to the parking lot. No action was needed from the Council. TRAFFIC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS The Traffic Commission recommends the Council concur with St. Anthony on their plans for Stinson Blvd. in the area of 39th Ave. to 37th Ave. The Commission also recommends the removal of stop signs at 43% and Pierce Street. REQUEST TO ATTEND CONFERENCE Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize sending Sgt. Hedb!ad to the Annual Juvenile Officers Institute in Rochester, Minnesota February 1 - 3, 1978. Roll Call: Ail Ayes January 9, 1978 Page 6 CONSTRUCTION CHANGE ORDER The City Manager stated that the architect for Southwest Park building failed to include hinges and threshholds in his bid. To add them on at this time would cost $300. A change order for $534.45 is also asked to correct a pricing error ou hi~e l~]astic dome at the top of the building. Discussion followed on who was responsible for the error in the estimate. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to authorize a change order for $534.45 for changes necessary in the plastic dome. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki - Aye Hentges - Nay Motion carries OLD BUSINESS Discussion was held on the proposed 911 emergency number. Councilman Norberg stated that he felt the City should ac{ively look into dropping out of the central dispatch program. It is costing the City more than if the City did its own dispatching. Councilman Heintz stated that he is in agreement with the 911 plan. He feels the central dispatch is a good idea. Councilman Logacz s~a~ed that he also thinks the 911 plan is a good idea. He feels it will simplify the method of reaching the public's needs. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he believes in the 911 concept. He thinks the matter of dispatching should be discussed further. The City Manager pointed out that last year the police and fire chiefs recommended staying with the central dispatch. The Maycr suggested that if the Firdley Council is interested in discussing the matter with Colu~ubia Heights tko Council should discuss it with them and then talk to the County depending on what comes out of the discussion. Councilman Norberg questioned if it would be possible to staff an office on this end of the County with people who know the area to do the dispatching. It was recommended the City look into the possibility of a separate dispatching set up. LICENSES Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that all licenses be approved as listed upon payment of proper fees. The City Manager noted that a form letter has been written to go out with future licenses regarding the City's laws and penalties on cigarette sales to minors. Roll Call: Ail Ayes January 9, 1978 Page 7 ~'~EW BUSINESS Councilman Heintz reported that he received a letter from Pat Olynyk requesting $275 for float expenses and $95 for the entry fee into the Winter Carnival for Miss Columbia Heights. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the expenditures of an additional $275 for the Columbia Heights float and $95 as cost for Columbia Heights participa- tion in the Winter Carnival Parade. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay Councilman Norberg noted that he does not approve taking money out of the budget for items like these. CITY MANAGER REPORTS City Manager Anderson reported the insurance claim for the robbery of the liquor store in 1976 has not been settled. He has talked the insurance company up to a settlement of $7,972.82 and recommends the City accept that figure. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to accept the recommended settlement with Home Insurance Company for the 1976 liquor store robbery in the amount of $7,972.82. Councilman Hentges noted that he will vote no because he feels insurance companies rates are too high. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki - Aye Hentges - Nay The salary adjustments of two employees which were held over from the last meeting were discussed. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to adjust the Building Inspector's salary from $1,921 to $1.960 per month. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Hentges - Nay Norberg - Abstain Motion Carries CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS City Attorney Kalina reported with respect to the property which Midland will be buying. George Brown had an alternative plan for arranging the acreage. City Attorney Kalina wanted to know if the Council was interested in changing the acreage if Midland will agree. Discussion followed on the possible use of the land which could be gained by the change. January 9, 1978 Page 8 Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to adjourn at 1:10 a.m. Roll Caii: Ail Ayes Secretary