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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec 17, 1979OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA DECEMBER 17, 1979 The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Present INVOCATION The invocation was given by Councilman Norberg. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 10 as presented in writing and reading be dispensed with. Councilman Norberg noted the following addition he would like made to the minutes: 1. Resolution authorizing application for Section 8 funds -"Mr. Jensen also noted in response to a question from Councilman Norberg that it may be possible for the City of Columbia Heights to apply for these funds on its own.II 2. I'Councilman Norberg said he believed the entire proposal was an attempt by Metro HRA staff to evade Metro Council policy.'l 3. Amending the budget for 1980 - "Councilman Norberg stated he thought the budget could be cut another' $50,000, but he would settle for this figure.'l 4. Authorization to purchase automobiles - "Councilman Norberg indicated he considered the inclusion of air conditioning in so small a car to be poor energy economy." Motion by Norberg, seconded by Nawrocki, to amend with the indicated additions. Councilman Norberg explained he is only asking for explanations of his negative votes. Roll Call on motion to amend: Norberg, Nawrocki - Aye Logacz, Heintz, Hentges Nay Motion fails. Roll Call on main motion: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay ORAL PETITIONS The Mayor noted that contrary to the recent article in the Sun, coffee is available in the Council's office to everyone. December 17, 1979 Page 2 Councilman Heintz asked that tomorrow be declared National Unity Day in support of the hostages in Iran and that all residents fly a flag to show their support. The Mayor presented Don Johnson with a certificate of appreciation For his work on the Cable TV Advisory Committee and thanked him for his valuable service to Lhe City. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: 1. Resolution Pertaining to the Suburban Police Recruitment System The Police Recruitment System is an effort to set up a valid nondiscriminatory selection standard and procedure for entry level police positions. Municipalities would contract on a joint powers basis to implement the system. The City Manager stated that the cost would be approximately $600 per vacancy (this is the fee which would be recommended to the Board but has not been established as yet) plus $10 per employee charge for the annual membership fee. Mayor Nawrocki stated he believes the idea is good but communities such as Columbia Heights have a Police and Fire Civil Service Commission and he sees no reason why these members would not logically be considered as potential members of this Board and added he believes the city managers are being self-serving by excluding these experienced people. Councilman Norberg asked whether the City would have to fill vacancies in this manner and whether the City would be penalized for not using the Board. The City Manager answered no to both questions and added that the City can add its own standards for the type of employee it requires. The Board is only for the standard written test and physical tests. The Police and Fire Civil Service Commission would still establish the standards for the City. Ken Nygaard, Police and Fire Civil Service Commission member, stated that the City could make other reconlmendations which the candidates would have to meet. He added that he believes the system is worth the S~O0 cost involved. Discussion followed on how often the tests would be given and the validity of the test currently given by the Civil Service Commission. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN THE !SUBURBAN POLICE RECRUITMENT SYSTEM WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights is authorized by Minnesota Statute Q71.59 to enter into joint and cooperative agreements with other governmental units; and WHERFAS, this City Council has reviewed a joint and cooperative agreement among suburban municipalities in the seven county metropolitan area which will establish a Suburban Police Recruitment System; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the Suburban Police Recruitment System wi)l be to recruit candi'dates for entry-level police positions in the cooperating municipalities and to assist the cooperating municipalities in evaluating candidates for these positions; and December 17, 1979 Page 3 WHEREAS, this City Council has determined that it will be advantageous to the City of Columbia Heights to participate in the Suburban Police Recruitment System; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, as follows: The Mayor and the City Manager hereby are authorized to execute the Joint and Cooperative Agreement which establishes the Suburban Police Recruitment System and which provides for City membership in said System. 2. City Manager and Police Chief hereby are designated as the City's initial Director and Alternate Director in the Suburban Police Recruitment System. The City Clerk hereby is directed to file an executed copy of the Joint and Cooperative Agreement as provided therein, together with a certified copy of this Resolution. Offered by: Logacz Seconded by: Heintz Councilman Norberg asked the proper way to modify the agreement pertaining to who are the proper directors and stated that he will vote no because he disagrees with this part of the resolution. Motion by Norberg to amend the resolution that article 4 section 2, the second sentence be stricken. Motion dies for lack of a second. The Mayor noted that this is an agreement which will have to be approved as it stands by all parties involved and the best the City can do now is recommend an amendment. He added that if this agreement had been circulated to the Council previously they could have made their recommendations and comments before. Motion by Norberg to add a section to call for the originating committee to take a new look at the method of who is eligible to be appointed by respective bodies from their municipalities. Motion dies for lack of a second. Mayor Nawrocki again made the point that the city managers in the area and the Metropolitan Council put together the agreement. The logical representative of the City would be either Ken Nygaard or Stu Anderson but Ken Nygaard will not be allowed to serve on the Board. Councilman Heintz suggested tabling the resolution to feel out the committee which drafted the resolution to find out whether they would be willing to add the wording the Council wishes. December 17, 1979 Page 4 Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to table the matter for further informat ion. Roi I Ca t 1: A1 I Ayes 2. Resolution to Amend Midblock Lighting Assessments RESOLUTION 79-55 WHEREAS, the property known and described as Lot 6, Fairview Park 2nd, address of 4324 4th Street N.E. was assessed S23.70 for local improvement I4o. 752. AND WHEREAS, said property changed ownership, and whereas new owner did not receive a bill for the midblock light prior to the assessment of the midblock light: BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that the City Clerk be and he is hereby authorized and directed to strike from Local Improvement No. 752, the pena]ty and Administrative cost charged against the midblock lighting bill in the amount of SS.lO leaving a balance of $15.60. Passed this iYth day of December, i979. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Logacz Roll Call: All Ayes CABLE TV A proposed draft for the cities of Columbia Heights/Hilltop was presented as well as an invitation for application for cable communication. The Cable TV Advisory Committee voted to recommend these documents to the Council. They also recommended that a consultant be retained to look at the documents to assu~re the City that all the elements are present which would be required for the City. Ron Naegele, Chairman, stated that the committee does feel a consultant should be hired to look at the different companies which may bid to check on all the technicalities. The company receiving the bid for the franchise would be charged the cost of the consultant. If the City chose to franchise no one or if there were no bids, the cost would have to be borne by the City. Discussion continued on the possible cost of a consultant. An estimate was given the City of between $2,000 and S~,O00. Councilman Norberg stated he would like the chance to look at the franchise to make up his mind. Motion by Norberg to accept the report for consideration. Motion dies for lack of a second. December 17, 1979 Page 5 Discussion followed on the timing of the hiring of the consultant, whether it should be before or after the search for applicants. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the City Manager to solicit proposals for consultants for the Cable TV. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that the consultant will look at the bidding companies as well as the City's proposed franchise ordinance. Councilman Norberg stated he believed he and Councilman Heintz could do a great deal of the required work on the franchise and didn't understand the Council's unwillingness to allow this. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay RECESS at 9:20 p.m. RECONVENE at 9:30 p.m. RESOLUTION DESIGNATING DEPOSITORIES Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to waive the reading as sufficient copies were available for the public. Roll Call: All Ayes RESOLUTION 79-56 DESIGNATING DEPOSITORIES FOR FUNDS OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS FOR THE YEAR 1980 The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, HEREBY RESOLVES, that the Marquette State Bank of Columbia Heights, the Fidelity Bank and Trust Col, the Third Northwestern National Bank, and the Northeast State Bank be hereby designated as the depositories for moneys of the City of Columbia Heights for a period of one yer beginning the first day of January, 1980 and the Treasurer of this City is hereby directed to deposit moneys of this City in said Banks, and the' Marquette State Bank of Columbia Heights, the Fidelity Bank and Trust Co., the Third Northwestern National Bank, and the Northeast State Bank are hereby authorized and directed to honor and pay any checks or orders, when signed by the City Treasurer for the withdrawal or transfer of funds on deposit in said banks in whatever form. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that ir, case such deposit shall at any time exceed the sum for which its deposits are~ insured under the acts of Congress of the United States relating to insurance of bank deposits, said depository shall immediately furnish bonder securities in lieu of bond according to the law, and the Marquette National Bank for the Marquette State Bank of Columbia Heights, the Federal Reserve Bank for Fidelity State Bank, the Third Northwestern National Bank, and Northwestern National Bank for' the Northeast State Bank are hereby designated as the places for the safekeeping of all securities furnished in lieu of such bond. December 17, 1979 Page 6 Passed this 17th day of December, 1979. Offered by: Hentges Seconded by: Heintz Roll Call: All Ayes RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING SALARY ADJUSTMENTS The City Manager stated that he is asking an 8~ across the board increase as well as an increase of $5 in the City's hospitalization and life insurance monthly premiums per employee. This recommended increase is within the President's guidelines. Cy Smythe, Labor Relations Assoc., stated that the difference in salaries between the unionized employees of the City, who are also eligible for overtime, and that of the supervisors who do not get overtime, is not significant and added that appropriate adjustments should be made for management people. The unions will probably also be asking for 8/ this year. Councilman Heintz asked that the resolution not be read as he is not ready to commit himself to an 8~ across the board increase. He would like to look at the present salaries first. Mayor Nawrocki stated he was in favor of the proposed resolution although he also doesn't particularly like the across the board proposal. He would prefer an adjustment that would give a little more to the people in the low end of the salary range, however, the cost of living increases have hit everyone equally. He added that the Council should look at the ranges as a separate matter, tf there are inequities, this will give the Council the opportunity to correct them. Councilman Logacz stated he believed the Council should take action on the supervisory personnel now and consider the other employees later. Councilman Heintz stated he doesn't see what the big rush is and believes the Council should discuss it further, he also believes 8~ is too much. Councilman Norberg doesn't believe 84 is too much, but would like a work session to discuss it further. RESOLUTION REGARDING SALARIES FOR 1980 MANAGEMENT, SUPERVISORY, AND CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES: EXCLUDING POLICE SERGEANTS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES COVERED BY COLgECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that WHEREAS, it is necessary to make salary adjustments as of January l, 1980, to give recognition to cost increases in our area, December 17, 1979 Page 7 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that an increase of 8% be established effective January 1, 1980, on the monthly salaries of all full time management, supervisory, and confidential employees; excluding police sergeants and other employees · covered by collective bargaining agreement, and said personnel shall be granted up to $80 per month including dependent coverage for hospitalization and $5,000 term life insurance. The across the board increase also applies to the range and step chart used for performance evaluations. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that salary adjustments for the individual employees on their anniversary dates may be made within their salary range as based on job performance evaluations. Said adjustments would occur on their anniversary date. For those whose salary exceeds the top step after the January 1 adjust- ment is made, there will not be a further change during the calendar year 1980. Offered by: Logacz Seconded by: Norberg Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to table the resolution and to hold a special meeting to consider salary adjustments on Thursday, December 27 at 7:30 p.m. Roll Call: Heintz, Norberg, Hentges Logacz, Nawrocki Nay Aye 1979 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT RESOLUTION 79-57 ADJUST 1979 BUDGET TO PROJECTED ANNUAL AS RECORDED IN 1980 BUDGET DOCUMENT WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights has reviewed projected annual 1979 expenses in conjunction with the 1980 budget, and WHEREAS, the City Treasurer has reviewed each General Fund object classification after passing of the bills approved by Council on November 26, 1979 and allowing for year-end accruals, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that the following departmental budgets be increased or (decreased) with a balance to the General Fund Contingency: Mayor-Council S 6,800 City Manager 2,000 Finance-Clerk 7,300 Elections 800 Legal (3,500) Planning (11,200) Police 18,OO0 Animal Control (2,000) Engineering 4,400 December 17, 1979 Page 8 Streets Street Lighting Traffic Signs Tree Trim 8 Dutch Elm Refuse Collection 8 Weed Control Library Parks Insurance 2,800 (5,000) (9,900) (50,000) 7,300 4,400 6,600 5,200 Increase Contingency S 16,oo0 AND, the City's 1979 share for Funding the Recreation Fund be transferred from the General Fund to Fund 205 in the amount of $70,890. Passed this 17th day of December, 1979 Offered by: Hentges Seconded by: Heintz Roll Call: All Ayes RECEIPT OF HILLTOP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The City of Hilltop has submitted a comprehensive plan which is in the City Manager's office if anyone would care to read it. OLD BUSINESS: 1. 1979 Audit Copies of various proposals were transmitted to the Council. Six firms have rejected the City's request for proposal. The City Manager is recommending awarding the bid to Haskins and Sells For the l~79 audit. Councilman Logacz stated he doesn't see any difference between George Hansen, who has done the City's audit for many years, and Haskins and Sells who did the audit last year. He will not vote for them this year. John Schedler, Finance Director, stated that after working only one year with Haskins and Sells it is hard to compare the two companies. He did feel that Haskins and Sells perhaps went into more depth. The City Manager stated he supported Haskins and Sells because he Felt that they had a stronger management letter, the "new set of eyes" was a good reason, and he believed it would be advisable to engage auditors for anywhere From three to five years. He doesn't believe it is in the best interests of the City to get a different bid every year. Councilman Norberg asked why Haskins and Sells bids were up. The City Manager answered that the charges are higher because their costs are higher. Councilman Norberg asked whether the services oF the experts available at Haskins and Sells were ever used by the City. John Schedler named one instance when the City used them. Councilman Norberg stated he was not pleased with the way other companies declined to bid but added he believes it would be wise at this point to giive Haskins and Sells another year. December 17, 1979 Page 9 Mayor Nawrocki asked why the other firms chose not to submit proposals. The City Manager answered that they stated they did not have staff time and they did not have adequate time to prepare documents for a proposal. The Mayor asked whether the City Manager thought Peat Marwick and Mitchell really couldn't handle the business of: the City of Columbia Heights and asked the Council what instructions were given to the City Manager on obtaining bids, which occurred at a meeting when the Mayor was out of town. The City Manager responded that he was directed to seek additional proposals and read the letter which was sent to the companies from which he sought proposals. Mayor Nawrocki stated his opinion that some of the bidders may have gotten the impression that the City was asking for proposals in order to determine that the fee proposed by the present auditor was reasonable and added that he was not convinced the City Manager went out for honest proposals. Councilman Norberg stated it is possible that an informal brotherhood may exist and these companies choose not to compete under certain circumstances. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the appointment of the firm of George Hansen and Co. as the City's auditors of 1979 records, with the cost of such audit not to exceed $7,900 for the general audit and $750 for the audit of Revenue Sharing Funds. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges Norberg, Nawrocki - Nay Aye RECESS to hold a Board of Trustees meeting for the Fire Pension Plan at 10:55 p.m. RECONVENED at 12:15 a.m. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to waive the ll:30 rule until l:O0 a.m. for the purposes of finishing the agenda. Roll Call: All Ayes SANITARY SEWER EXTENSION The City Manager is recommending that the City proceed with the extension in the alley west of Reservoir Blvd. and south of 41st Ave. The Mayor noted that he would not vote for a motion forcing the extension on the property owner if she was going to sell the house. Discussion followed on whether' or not a prospective buyer would be informed that the lot didn't have a sanitary sewer. The Mayor suggested finding out how long the low bidder will hold his price open. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to reject all bids on the project. Councilman Norberg stated he doesn't feel this is a wise thing to do. The bid is good and the City should find out whether the low bidder would extend his bid. December 17, 1979 Page I 0 Motion by Norberg to table the matter until the City Manager finds out how ]cng the bid will be good for. Motion dies for lack of a second. Roll Call: Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay JOINT USE RENTAL AGREEMENT The City Manager recommended that the Council accept the terms of the joint use agreement for an additional year and that the staff monitor sewage flows by either metering or accepting meter readings from the MWCC to ascertain volume. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the Joint Use Agreement with the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission for the calendar year 1~80. Roll Call: All Ayes DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING SURVEY Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the City Manager to engage the services of Short-Elliot-Hendrickson, Inc., Consulting Engineers, for the preparation of a study of utilities contained within the downtown development area; and, furthermore, that such services be performed at a fee not to exceed S8,ooo. Councilman Norberg stated he disagreed with that. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki Norberg Nay Aye PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF SHOP HOIST Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the City Manager to expend funds for the purpose of installing a hydraulic hoist in the service center; said work to be performed by Zah] Equipment Company in the amount of S~,838.7~ based upon low informal quotation. Roll Call: All Ayes OTHER OLD BUSINESS Councilman Norberg stated that the light on ~Sth and Central has been retimed and ,replaced and the buttons are still screwed up. He also complained about the lousy way the traffic has been treated all along Central on the side streets. Councilman Logacz added that L~Oth Ave. and Central is an extremely long light and asked that it be changed. The Mayor noted that the northbound bus stop signs should be changed from far side to near side stops. George Brown, City Engineer, stated that generally the near stop would be in the right turn lane. Mayor Nawrocki noted that on the far side there is usually lots of snow and passengers are getting off the bus into the snowbank. They then have to walk in the street back to the corner and risk being hit by a car. .At least on the near side the people would be close to the corner where it is plowed. December 17, 1979 Page 11 The Mayor expressed his thanks that the bus shelter base on 44th and Central was promptly installed. FIRE DEPARTMENT REMODELING Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to transfer $10,000 from the unallocated fund balance of the bond fund (#308) for the City Hall Addition, Renovation and Remodeling. Roll Call: All Ayes 1980 LEGAL PUBLICATIONS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the City Manager to call for bids for 1980 legal publications, said bids to be opened on January 9, 1980 at 2:00 p.m. with a report to the following regular Council meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes CUSTODIAL SERVICES CONTRACT Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to award the bid on custodial services to Marsden Building Co. in a total monthly amount of $1,427, based on low formal bids; and to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into contract therewith. Mayor Nawrocki asked what the present bid was. Tim Yantos, Administrative Assistant, answered that it was $900 per month. The Mayor asked why the City shouldn't reject all the bids and do it over. The City Manager stated there is no guarantee this year's contractor will rebid. His bid for 1980 was brought in too late for the bid opening. Discussion followed on whether this year's contractor was performing according to the specs. Tim Yantos s. tated that he is not. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges Nawrocki - Nay Aye PURCHASE OF POLICE CARS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to purchase two 1980 Chevrolet Malibu squad cars with 305 cubic inch engines for $7,044 each, purchased from the Hennepin County bid, money to come from the 1980 police budget. Roll Call: All Ayes PURCHASE OF POLICE RADAR Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to purchase one MPH K-55 radar unit at $520 based on existing State of Minnesota contract with MPH Industries, the money to come from the 1980 Police Department budget. December 17, 197_9 Page 12 Councilman Norberg stated he doesn't feel the City should be maintaining another radar unit. The Mayor stated he is opposed to any radar. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges - Aye Norberg, Nawrocki - Nay SEAl_ COATING PROGRAM The City Manager stated that he is asking the Council to adopt a resolution regarding the upcoming seal coating program to establish the parameters within which the staff is authorized to proceed with the above project. Mayor Nawrocki asked to defer this until the next meeting. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to table until the next meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes OTHER NEW BUSINESS Mayor Nawrocki stated that Harry A]bro, a resident of the City, is active in a senior citizen health program that operates out of northeast Minneapolis. Hr. Albro is asking the Council to participate financially in the program. The Mayor stated this is for the information and future consideration of the Council. Councilman Norberg asked that a door closer be placed on the door between the Council Chambers and the hall near the Council's office. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the City Manager install a door closer on the Council Chamber door. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges Heintz, Nawrocki - Nay Aye The City Manager indicated that the construction of the basketball court at Prestemon Park is complete. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to transfer S3,852.20 from the federal revenue sharing unallocated fund to pay for the work. Roll Call: All Ayes City Attorney Kalina stated the Council was supposed to approve specific purchases under the joint powers agreement. The agreement with Fridley for the purchase of the Fire Department breathing apparatus was Si79.40 over the amount stated previously. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the additional expenditure of $179.40 for the Fire Department breathing apparatus purchased in joint agreement with the City of Fridley. Roll Call: Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki Norberg - Nay Aye December 17, 1979 Page 13 LICENSES Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that licenses as listed be granted upon payment of proper fees. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to amend that the license application request of the VFW Post 230 fee be waived. The Mayor pointed out that the VFW proceeds are used for community good and they recently purchased a color TV for the senior citizen high rise. Councilman Norberg stated that the nature of the device being licensed might cause some problems with the licensing of other similar devices. The Mayor stated that this type of device is only authorized to certain types of organizations, including churches. Roll Call on amendment: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki Aye Norberg - Nay Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to amend to waive the fee for the Vendall Bulk Vending as the proceeds are for a charitable cause, the local Kiwanis Club. Roll Call on amendment: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Abstain Roll Call on amended motion with the two indicated waivers: PAYMENT OF BILLS Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki Norberg - Nay Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to pay the bills as listed out of their proper funds excluding #33916. Councilman Norberg called the Council's attention to the bill for the Catering Kitchen for the employees' Christmas party which is over the $500 limit. It was pointed out that the employees will be paying for a portion of the party. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the City Manager to expend $516 for bill #33916 for the employees' Christmas party out of the general fund. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to adjourn at ):15 a.m. Roll Call: All Ayes ~ ?' ~ Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Council Secretary Aye