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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSept 10, 1979OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA SEPTEMBER 10, 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 Father Thomas Adamson, Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 27 and the recessed meeting of August 28 as presented in writing and reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes PARKING ORDINANCE Mayor Nawrocki indicated that a committee has been established to study the overnight parking ordinance. The committee will make a recommendation at the Council's first regular meeting of October. The first meeting of the committee will be Thursday, September 13. RESOLUTION DESIGNATING ELECTION JUDGES Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to dispense with the reading of the resolution as sufficient copies were available for the public. Roll Call: All Ayes RESOLUTION 79-33 DESIGNATING ELECTION JUDGES Pursuant to City Charter, Section 30 and M.S.S. 204A.17 the Council shall appoint, at least 25 days before election, qualified voters in each election district to be judges of election. NOW THEREFORE, Be it Hereby Resolved that the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does appoint the attached list of judges, by precinct, for the City Primary Election and the Special Minnesota Senate District 55 Primary Election to be held on October 16, 1979, if necessary, and the City General Election and the Special Minnesota Senate District 55 Election to be held on November 6, 1979. Passed this lOth day of September, 1979. Offered by: Norberg Seconded by: Heintz Roll Call: All Ayes September 10, 1979 Page 2 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS: l. William Trudeau, 1125 37th Ave. Special Purpose Fence Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to concur with the Planning and Zoning Commission to 9rant the special purpose fence. Roll Call: All Ayes 2. Thomas Ohlenkamp, 1325 ~th Ave. Request for Subdivision Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the lot subdivision be granted based on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and that a]] specials be divided. Roll Call: All Ayes Darold Shafer, 4200 Madison St. Request for Variance - Appeal from Denial Mr. Shafer is appealing the Planning and Zoning Commission's denail of his request for a garage setback because they cou]d find no hardship. Mr. Sharer stated that he would settle for a 10' variance instead of the originally requested 13' Councilman Heintz stated he has driven by the property and sees that there are hard- ships invo]ved. Councilman Norberg stated that removing a garden does not constitute a hardship. Discussion was held on where the garage would stand in relation to the bou]evard. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to grant the lOI variance for the placement of the garage. Councilman Norberg stated that there is a way of moving the garage back and doesn't feel there is a genuine hardship involved. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out to Mr. Sharer that if the car is parked outside the garage it would overhang the boulevard and wou]d be in violation of the parking ordinance. The City Attorney stated that if the Council cou]d find a hardship, the variance could be granted. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay TRAFFIC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS The City' Manager was asked to have a first reading of an ordinance ready for the next meeting to vacate the east/west alley north of: QOth Ave. between Washington and the alley east of Washington. REPORT BY DELOITTE, HASKINS, & SELLS Representatives from Deloitte, Haskins, $ Sells were present to review the auditor's statement and the changes in it which will take place next year. Mr. Mike Vinyon commented on several of the funds in the report. Discussion fol]owed on the ]iquor operation, the sewer and water Fund, and assets and their depreciation. September lO, 1979 Page 3 Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the auditor's report be referred to the City Manager for report back to the Council for implementation of the recommendations which the auditor has made. Roll Call: All Ayes METRO COUNCIL LETTER A letter was received from the Metro Council Housing Division regarding estimated current housing assistance needs and preliminary subsidized housing program mix goals. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the City Manager be directed to prepare a detailed impact statement for the Council. Roll Call: All Ayes OTHER COMMUNICATIONS A letter was received from Anoka County regarding a public hearing for comments on the 911 program to be held Tuesday, October 16 at 7:30 p.m. A memo was received from the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities indicating that there is a vacancy on the board as a result of a resignation and there may be a second seat available soon. They are asking for nominees. A brief discussion was held on the gl1 system and its potential. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Proposal for the Reform of Animal Control Laws Stuart Anderson, Police Chief, reported that there are more dogs presently being picked Up as a result of complaints than were previously picked up with a 15 hour per week patrol. Mrs. Velin, 5150 Rainier Pass, stated that the problems exist and she doesn't feel that people without dogs should have the burden of enforcing the ordinance. She asked why the fine isn't made stiffer to place the burden on the dog owners. Mr. Ray Smith, 43rd and 6th St., stated that in his area the people have been overly patient for a long time with dog owners. He stated that he believes it is time that more people took a stand on the issue. Discussion followed on the ordinance and the difficulties of enforcing it. Councilman Norberg asked if anything can be done about the conspiracy against Mrs. Velin by her neighbors. The Mayor stated his hope that the staff will do whatever they can to help in this situation. The City Attorney stated that Mrs. Velin will have to make a formal complaint for the City to take the matter to court. RECESS at 10:20 p.m. RECONVENE at 10:40 p.m. September 10, 1979 Page L~ 2. Columbia Heights Cab Company Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to defer further consideration of this matter until the next regular meeting for further information from the City Manager. Mr. LaMont, owner of the cab company, stated that bis proposal is the same as that in effect in the metro area and added he is losing money at the present rates. The present rates are 65¢ for flag drop and 70¢ per mile and the requested rates are 85¢ flag drop and 90¢ per mile. Councilman Heintz stated that the motion is correct because Mr. LaMont didn't get the requested information to the City Manager on time for his review. Roll Call: All Ayes NEW BUSINESS: 1. Anoka County Senior Citizen Outreach Request for Contribution Steve Klein, representative of the Anoka County Community Action Program, described the programs CAP is involved in and their need for funds. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to contribute S1,500 to the Anoka County CAP Senion Citizen Outreach, said money to come from the general una]]ocated funds. Roll Call: Al1 Ayes LIBRARY AIR CONDITIONER The firm of Commercial Air Conditioner was authorized to repair the unit at a previous; meeting. They now state that they cannot honor their bid. Councilman Norberg stated that Commercial came out to repair the air conditioner but brought the wrong size unit;. He asked the City Attorney if the company could be made to honor their bid. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, that the City Manager be authorized to award this bid to Jerry Barthel in the amount of S1,950 in the event he cannot get the original bidder to comply. Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges - Aye Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki Aye Motion by Nawrocki, seconded by Norberg, to direct the City Manager to pursue the matter through the City Attorney with the low bidder. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON PLANTING OF TREES Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the City Manager to call for bids for the planting of trees on public and private property, said bids to be opened at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 3 in the administrative office conference room, and results and recommendation will be presented to the Council at its regular meeting of October 9, 1979. Ro]l Call: All Ayes September 10, 1979 Page 5 SCHOOLS AND CONFERENCES Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the attendance and expenses for A1 Carlson to attend the APA National Planning Conference from October 13-17. Councilman Norberg stated his objection because he feels this is a "]ob shop" and not a learning situation. Mayor Nawrocki stated his objection because the City Planner is in a new position and the Mayor doesn't feel he is qualified as yet. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges - Aye Norberg, Nawrocki - Nay Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to deny the request of the Fire Chief to attend the Fire Ground Commander Course from September 20-22. Roll Call: Heintz, Norberg - Aye Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Nay Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the attendance and expenses of Don Johnson to the Fire Ground Commander Course from September 20-22. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to amend to someone other than the Fire Chief. Roll Call: Heintz, Norberg - Aye Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Nay Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to table the matter. Roll Call: Heintz, Norberg - Aye Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki Nay Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to adjourn at ll:40 p.m. Roll Call: Heintz, Norberg - Aye Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki Nay Roll Call on main motion: Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Heintz - Nay Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to waive the ll:30 rule until 12:15 a.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Heintz, Norberg - Nay RECLASSIFICATION OF PLANNING/PERMIT LICENSE SECRETARY Discussion on the duties of the HRA secretary, the proposed duties of the planning secretary, and whether this position was funded. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to table this until the next regular Council meeting for additional information. Roll Call: All Ayes September 10, 1979 Page 6 The City Manager asked for conditional approval on this so the position doesn't go vacant. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to create the position of planning/permit license secretary without setting a range. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki - Aye Hentges - Nay RECLASSIFICATION OF RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT POSITIONS There are two CETA positions and one termination in the Recreation Department which should be filled the end of September. The City Manager is recommending filling the positions at the range previously approved to begin January 1, 1980. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to grant the request subject to concurrence of the School Board. This will have the effect of making the new rates available October l, 1979 instead of January 1, 1980. Discussion followed on the present ranges and the dollar difference for the three months of the proposed change. Councilman Norberg questioned why the range was being increased now that CETA was over. The City Manager responded that the classifications were being brought up to where they should be. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Heintz, Norberg - Nay MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE WORK Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to contract: for miscellaneous concrete work based upon low competitive quotations. Furthermore, that the quotations of Mike Donald Cement Company in the amount of S~,512 be accepted. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki Hentges - Nay Aye INSTALLATION OF WATER MAIN AT SULLIVAN LAKE Midland Coop has agreed to install sprinklers throughout the park area of Sullivan Lake if the City would install a water main which would provide a water source to this sprinkling system. Councilman Norberg asked the difference in cost of using treated water instead of water from the lake as was proposed earlier. The City Manager did not have the figures on this. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the City Manager to call for bids on the installation of a watermain at Sullivan Lake Park said bids to be opened on October q with a report and recommendation at the Council meeting of October 9. Councilman Norberg stated he doesn't feel he is ready to vote on the call for bids because of the lack of backup information he wants. He will vote against the motion because of water quality problems and feels that the water for sprinkling should be taken from the lake. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg Nay September 10, 1979 Page 7 PARA-TRANSIT PROGRAM The City Manager asked if the Council would consider funding the project in 1980. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to table this matter until the next regular meeting. Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges Aye Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Nay Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the City to continue the para- transit program for the coming year. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Mayor Nawrocki commented that the program has been quite a service to the senior citizens. This is a pleasant alternative to similar projects carried out in other parts of the Twin Cities area. OTHER NEW BUSINESS Councilman Heintz stated that the Columbia Heights float has been damaged. Pat Olynyk is asking for money to repair it. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the expenditure, not to exceed $100. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to extend the meeting until 12:40 a.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Mr. Blinkman, 4430 Stinson Blvd., wants to know what the City can do to help him with his water problems. Councilman Heintz asked that the City Engineer come up with recommendations for this individual. The City Manager stated he will come back to the Council with a recommendation. Councilman Heintz stated that snowplows and garbage trucks cannot make a turn around because of the fence at the end of the street at 44th and Stinson. The City Manager stated that a partial cul-de-sac or turn around will have to be formed. The City Manager has appointed A1 Carlson as the City Planner and is recommending the approval of a starting salary of $15,300 as of October 1. Because of the change in the job qualifications from one to two years experience which he doesn't have, he will be starting at this lower salary and after six months he will be moved to the start of range 23. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to approve the starting salary of the City Planner at $15,300 for A1 Carlson with a review after six months. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye September 10, 1978 Page 8 The Mayor asked George Brown to look into the possibility of doing something about snow blocking the access to the bus shelters during the winter. Motion by Nawrocki, seconded by Logacz, to recognize the continuance of Councilman Heintz on the Community Education Advisory Council. Roll Ca'Il: All Ayes CITY MANAGER'S REPORT The City Manager stated the Council had letters from two testing companies regarding the paving work on 42~ and aaa. Twin City Testing is willing to do the testing for $300-$350. He feels, however, that the work is inadequate. Braun Engineering will do the testing for $1,285 but he feels their work is more explicit and more what the City needs. NDH has indicated that they refuse to do any work on other projects for which they contracted until the issue of ~2} and ~4} is settled. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into agreement with Braun Engineerin9 to do Eestin9 on 42~ and 44~ Avenues. Roll Call: All Ayes CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT The City Attorney reported in the matter of the condemnations for the alley between ~igth and 50th west of Central, the Commissioners awarded the following amounts as settlement: Dentist office $2,11~, Pannekoeken Huis $3,~, Car Wash is appealing the award, Tonto's S6,344 plus S800 for the blacktop, Color Tile - $2,660. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to authorize the City Attorney to make payments, in the above amounts. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki Heintz - Nay Aye LICENSES Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, that licenses be granted upon payment of the proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that bills as listed be paid out of their proper funds. Councilman Norberg questioned the bill to the Conference on Education Code Development. He also registered a complaint about the HRA bill. He doesn't fee] the support is adequate. He doesn't feel the HRA is solvent. The City Manager answered that the bill from the Conference on Education is for registration of Arden Hovland to the conference in September. The HRA bill is reimbursement For the secretary. September 10, 1979 Page 9 Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay ADJOURNMENT Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to adjourn at l:OO a.m. Roll Call: All Ayes Br~ce G. Nawrocki, Mayor