Loading...
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