HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec 10, 1979OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
DECEMBER 10, 1979
The meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Present
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Pastor Walter Wahl of First Lutheran Church.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to approve the minutes of the regular
meeting of November 26 and the special meeting of December 3 as presented in
writing and reading be dispensed with.
Roll Call: All Ayes
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:
1. Second Reading of Ordinance 908
Motion by Hentges, seconded bt/ Heintz, to table the second reading of ordinance
908 until the first meeting of February, 1980.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye
Norberg Nay
Mayor Nawrocki took this opportunity to inform the Council that Councilman
Walter Folstad of Hilltop passed away last night. The Mayor expressed his
sympathy to the family.
2. Resolution Adopting the Citizen Participation
Plan for Columbia Heights
Roger Jensen, HRA Director, stated that this is a plan for getting citizen
participation in the Small Cities CDBG program. A plan was included in the
City's original application but was never formally adopted.
RESOLUTION 79-52
RESOLUTION ADOPTING A WRITTEN CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota has received and is implementing
a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Federal Register requirements, Section 570.303 and
570.431, a Citizen Participation Plan was prepared and written in compliance with
such regulations at the time of Resolution 78-16, authorization to prepare a
pre-application for Federal Domestic Assistance under the Small Cities Grant
Program, and
December 10, 1979
Page 2
WHEREAS, in compliance with revised Federal Regulations of May, 1979, such
plan shall be adopted by the City Council of Columbia Heights, MN to continue
efforts for Citizen Participation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Columbia Heights, MN
that:
The Citizen Participation Plan is hereby adopted. A copy of which
is attached.
Passed this lOth day of December, 1979.
Offered by: Heintz
Seconded by: Logacz
Roll Call: All Ayes
3- Resolution Authorizing the Metropolitan Council
to Apply for Section 8 Funds
The Metropolitan Council is proposing this program to allow owners of existing
multiple rental units to borrow money from the Metropolitan Council at below
market interest rates in order to make repairs. In return, the owners have
to agree to make these units available to the Section 8 program for a period
of 1!] years.
Discussion was held on who would handle the loans and the program, the local
HRA or Metropolitan Council. Mr. Jensen stated that the Metropolitan Council
will take care of the loan and the HRA will take care of placing the people.
RESOLUTION 79-53
RESOLUTION AUTttORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO APPLY FOR SECTION 8
MODERATE REHABILITATION FUNDS FOR IMPLEMENTATION WITHIN THE CITY OF
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council has been duly organized pursuant to Minnesota
Statutes, Chapter ~73, and Minnesota Statutes, Sections ~73.193 through ~73.201
grant the Council the powers, duties and authority granted to housing and
redevelopment authorities in Minnesota Statutes, Sections ~62.~11 through
462.:711;
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota and the Metropolitan Council
desire to assist lower income families and individuals to obtain adequate housing
in the City of Columbia Heights at a price they can afford, and to accomplish
this purpose desire to apply for federal funds to undertake a program of sub-
sidizing rent payments to landlords who provide adequate housing to such
individuals and families.
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights and the Metropolitan Council desire to
encourage the stabilization revitalization and rehabilitation of the rental
property in the City of Columbia Heights so that it may continue to provide
adequate housing.
December lO, ]979
Page 3
and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has determined that a program to
encourage the rehabilitation of rental units is consistent with the housing
goals of the City;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS that the
Metropolitan Council is hereby authorized to include the City of Columbia
Heights in its application for federal funds to implement a Section 8
Moderate Rehabilitation Program to encourage rehabilitation and to provide
rental assistance to lower income families, and that upon federal approval of
such application, the City of Columbia Heights and the Metropolitan Council
will enter into an agreement for operating the program within the City.
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the City of Columbia Heights that the
Metropolitan Council is hereby urged to carry out the implementation of the
program through local agencies which have demonstrated capabilities to carry
out the program.
Passed this lOth day of December, 1979.
Offered by: Heintz
Seconded by: Hentges
Discussion continued on how much control the local HRA would have over the
program. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the desire of the Council is 'that the
program be run locally.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye
Norberg - Nay
4. Resolution Amending the Adopted
Budget for the Year 1980
This represents changes which were discussed by the Council at several work
sessions recently. The concurrence was that no additional half time persons
be approved for the City Manager's office. The City Manager asked whether
the dollars would remain in the budget although the personnel was not added.
If secretarial services are needed on a random basis, the money can be used
for that purpose over the year or on a work program basis. Councilman Hentges
suggested putting the money into an unallocated fund and if a half time person
is necessary, the Council will approve the hiring. The Mayor stated his
reluctance to go through this process whenever help was needed in the City
Managerls office. Councilman Logacz stated that the City Manager should be
trusted to run these matters. Councilman Norberg asked whether the Council
really believed it was possible to have work done by someone who would be brought
in on a temporary basis for several days at a time. He doesn't feel it makes
sense to expect someone to be able to perform these types of activities without
experience.
The Council also proposed putting several items of capital expenditure in the
budget for the parks. The money will come from some of the surplus monies
generated from the sale of the land in the Sullivan Lake area.
December 10, 1979
Page 4
RESOLUTION 79-54
AMENDING THE ADOPTED BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 1980
WHEREAS, the 1980 budget was adopted on October 9, 1979 by Resolution 79-37
subject to changes between departments and unallocated,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS that
amended department totals are as follows:
Section A The Genera] Fund budget for the City of Columbia Heights for the
year 1980 is hereby approved and adopted with appropriations for each of the
departments as follows:
GENERAL FUND
Mayor-Council S 77,285
Executive 85,640
Finance-Assessing-Elections 158,125
General Buildings 70,080
Legal 60,810
Planning 31,905
Public Safety 1,344,155
Public Works 601,650
Sanitation 262,305
Library 142,O95
Parks 396,460
Unallocated and Transfers 176,725
S 3,407,235
Section B The estimated gross revenue of the City of Columbia Heights from
all sources, including general ad valorem tax levies as set forth in resolution
79-311 for the year 1980 and a portion of the surplus in the Genera] Fund
Balance, the same being more fully detailed in the City Manager's official
copy of the 1980 budget, are hereby found and determined to be as follows:
GENERAL FUND
S 3,407,235
REVENUE SHARING
S 126,487
Passed this lOth day of December, 1979.
Offered by: Logacz
Seconded by: Hentges
Roll Call: Ail Ayes
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Al Zeis, 225 94th Ave. N.W.
Appeal Variance, Site Plan Approval
Mr. Zeis is asking to build a 21' X 53' addition to the rear of the building at
3801 3rd St. The site doesn't have adequate parking now and more would be
required with the addition.
December 10, 1979
Page 5
Mr. Zeis stated that although more room would be added, no more employees
would be added and, therefore, no additional parking spaces would be needed.
The addition would also improve the appearance of the building.
Councilman Heintz stated that the lot should be cleaned up and the required
20 parking spaces added. He feels a burden is being put on the streets and
the neighbors because of the employees parking on the street at present. No
hardship has been shown to justify the variances for the addition.
The Council also expressed concern on what would happen if the property was
sold to another business with more employees.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to concur with the Planning and Zoning
Commission recommendation to deny the request of Mr. Zeis and concur with the
City Planner's administrative denial.
Roll Call: All Ayes
LETTER FROM STATE AUDITOR
A letter from Arne Carlson, State Auditor, and a copy of the Relief Association
Audit Report prepared by his office regarding the financial status of the
Columbia Heights Fire Department Relief Association were received.
Councilman Norberg suggested a plan of action for investment of funds be
prepared. The Mayor noted a change in one item and asked that it be pointed
out to the State Auditor.
RESIGNATION FROM CABLE TV COMMITTEE
Don Johnson has submitted his resignation from the Cable TV Committee. Mayor
Nawrocki stated that the Committee will be making some recommendations on the
franchise shortly.
ANOKA COUNTY USE OF SLAG
A letter was received from Anoka County Commissioner A1 Kordiak regarding the
use by the Anoka County Highway Department of slag as a substitute for salt.
A fact sheet comparing the two substances was also enclosed.
METROPOLITAN WASTE CONTROL ASSESSMENT
The results of the MWCC Infiltration/Inflow assessment were sent to the Council
for their information. Discussion was held on the possibility of revising the
rate structure agreement. Mayor Nawrocki directed the City Manager to get more
information.
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL STATE OF THE REGION REPORT
The State of the Region report has been submitted by the Metropolitan Council
and is available in the City Manager's office.
RECESS at 9:45 p.m.
RECONVENE at 10:OO p.m.
December 10, 1979
Page 6
OLD BUSINESS:
1. ,Appointments to Boards and Commissions
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to appoint Nancy Hoium to the Library
Board.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye
Norberg - Abstain
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to appoint George Leverentz to the
Recreation and Community Services Commission.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to appoint Margaret Harris to the Human
Services Commission.
Roll Call: All Ayes
2. quotations for Sanitary Sewer Extension
in Alley West of Reservoir Blvd.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to table this until the meeting of
December 17.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Downtown Development Engineering Survey
The purpose of the study is to inventory the location of sanitary sewer
collection facilities which will service the redevelopment site, establish
the location and size of the water system which is available to provide
service to the area, and investigate the drainage facilities within the
site and downstream of the redevelopment area.
The City Manager recommended SEH Consulting Engineers, which wasn't the low
bidder but appeared to be the low responsible bidder.
Councilman Heintz asked if the specs were properly written so as not to leave
any .doubt as to who will do what portion of the survey.
Coun.cilman Norberg stated that the Council doesn't do business just on a
recommendation from the City Manager, but requires more information as to the
cost. He added his surprise and disappointment that the discrepancies in the
bidders' understanding weren't cleared up prior to the recommendation being
made.
Discussion continued on why the low bidder was not considered by the City
Manager to be qualified. The City Manager will have a report on this for
the meeting of December 17.
December 10, 1979
Page 7
4. Other Old Business
Councilman Norberg stated he recalled asking the City Manager to present
the Sun reporter with the backup information for meetings and asked why
this wasn't being done. He added that all the backup material should be
given to him because iris public information. The City Manager responded
that a pack of information will be made for the reporter and will be
available to him before meetings.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Quotations on Painting and Capping Office Furniture
The City Manager noted that there is money in the budget to undertake the
project of the painting and capping of office furniture.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize an expenditure of
$3,465.08 for painting and capping office furniture, based on the low,
competitive quotation of A-1 Electro.
Councilman Norberg suggested obtaining a bond from the bidder to cover any
damage which could occur from overspray. Discussion followed on the
possibility of overspray. Tim Yantos, Administrative Assistant, stated he
checked the company's references and none of them had a problem with
overspray.
Roll Call: All Ayes
2. Joint Use Rental Agreement
This is an agreement between the City and the MWCC for use of interceptors for
the collection, treatment and disposal of sewage. Discussion was held on
whether or not the City was being properly compensated for its work, the
consequences if the City did not sign the agreement, the importance of the
City using these lines, and who would maintain them.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Nawrocki, to table for further information.
Roll Call: All Ayes
3. Authorization to Purchase Automobiles
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the City Manager to proceed
with purchase requisitions to purchase two vehicles for the Police Department
and the Building Inspection Departments at a cost of $4,436.29 each from
Rosedale Chevrolet, including AM radio, automatic transmission and air
conditioning.
Hayor Nawrocki stated that this is part of the Hennepin County Joint Purchasing
Agreement. Several cars will be turned over to the City's car pool for sale
at its auction.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye
Norberg - Nay
December 1 O, 1979
Page 8
4. Authorization to Purchase grader Blades and Bits
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to authorize the City Manager to
proceed with the purchase of grader blades and bits from Zeigler, Inc.
based on low, competitive quotation in a total amount of S1,705.31.
Roll Call: All Ayes
5. Final Payment to N.D.H. Inc.
Mayor Nawrocki asked that N.D.H. present the City with a release if the work
for these parts of the project are in fact complete. Discussion continued
on whether these projects were complete and should be paid in full or
whether 10~ should be withheld. Councilman Heintz stated that the contractor
did not finish the job by the deadline that the Council had established for
them and they should be penalized. City Attorney Kalina stated that he
doesn't feel there are justifications to assess penalties for going past the
deadline. He recommends proceeding in good faith by paying at least 90~ of
the cost.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to table the matter until December 17.
The City Attorney again recommended paying 90/ of the cost at this time.
The maker and seconder withdrew their motion.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the anounts appearing in
the payment as recommended by the City Manager except that 10~ of each item
of the project be withheld.
Roll Call: All Ayes
6. Other New Business
Councilman Heintz pointed out that there is not a position of Assistant City
Manager in the City as was reported in a Sun Newspaper article recently; the
correct title is Administrative Assistant to the City Manager. Bob Ball,
reporter from the Sun noted the correction.
Councilman Hentges stated that he thought that all the employees' ranges were
going to be discussed the first of the year. The City Manager answered that
there is a cease and desist order on the clerical employees of the City. He
suggested an informal meeting with the Council to discuss the proposed
changes in the ranges of the supervisory personnel.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
The City Manager reported on several items included in his written report to
the Council. The Mayor commented that replacing the bus shelter which was
damaged and removed from the corner of aath Ave. and Central is a high priority.
There is a problem, however, with the size of the shelters currently being
installed and the size of the base of the old shelter.
December 10, 1979
Page 9
Mayor Nawrocki noted that the policy of the Council has been to cooperate
with the City of Hilltop and didn't believe a denial on the part of the
City Manager to Hilltop's request was appropriate. The City of Hilltop
has requested Columbia Heights to remove snow from the west side of Central
from 45th to 49th. He beliew~s the Council should have been consulted.
The City Manager and the Public Works Director had discussed the matter and
decided to turn down the request for several reasons including not wanting
to set a precedent for other property owners on the east side of the
street, no place to store the snow, and it would not be to the City's
advantage to negotiate any revisions in its present agreement with the
Highway Department. The Mayor stated that the staff denial is not consistent
with the Council's policy of service.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
The City Attorney pointed out that he and the City Manager have spent many
hours reviewing the matter of the payment to N.D.H., but had not covered
the prospect of not making any payment at all.
The City Attorney stated that he and Councilman Norberg have discussed the
ordinance on the formation of a Science and Technology Committee which
has had its first reading. Three possible changes in the ordinance were
discussed. Councilman Norberg asked that the Council see the proposed changes
before the meeting when it will be discussed again.
LICENSES
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, that licenses as listed be granted
upon payment of proper fees.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to waive the ll:30 rule until 12:30.
Roll Call: Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye
Heintz, Norberg - Nay
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to approve the bills as listed out of
their proper funds.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Motion by Logacz, seconded by Norberg, to adjourn at 12:30 a.m.
Roll Call: All Ayes ·
Bruce G Nawrockl, Mayor
~unc i 1 Secret~a ~y