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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAug 13, 1979OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE C~TY COUNCIL CITY OF CSLUiIB:P HEIGHTS, HINNESOTA AUGUST 13, 1979 Tiaa meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Present The invocation was given by Councilman Norberg. ~IN.TE--- OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to approve the minutes of the soecial meeting of July 23, the regular meeting of July 23, and the special meeting of July 30 as presented in writing and reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All &yes ORAL PETITIONS Jim Miller, representing the Columbia H~ights 1969 class reunion committee, requested a reduction in the r'enta] fee of the John P. Murzyn Hall. He stated he was not informed of the insurance requirements and cost at the time of the rental, one year ago, and the added fee has caused a problem for the committee. The Park Board has reviewed the request and recommended that no reduction be made in the insurance rate. Motion b'/ u intz seconded by L. ogacz, to deny the request [,e ~ · Roll Call: All Ayes Mr. Alex Ferrell, 3753 2nd St., stated he is having a problem getting a fence installed because his request for a permit came several after the last Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and their next meeting isn't until next month. The contractor installing his fence has to do it this week or won't have time to get to.it until next year. He presented a petition signed by his neighbors stating their' approval. Mayor Nawrocki asked that Mr. Ferrell talk to the City Planner and the Building Inspector and come back late? in the meeting with their recommendation. Approximately 15 people were present to state their opposition to the new parking ordinance which will begin on September 4 banning on street parking between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.r]. Mayor Nawrocki explained the process over the last two years leading to the passing of the new ordinance. Discussion followed on alternative solutions to the problem of snow plowing, increased vandalism in the area, and where the people were: supposed to park. August 13, 1979 Page 2 Councilman Hentges explained his reason for voting for the ordinance including the problem with safety vehicles not being able to get through during emergencies. The Mayor noted that he did not vote for the ordinance and added that: very few subjects have had the consideration that this one has had. He suggested that everyone that feels they have a problem sign their name, address and phone number for follow up so the staff could determine if there were some genuine hardships. Councilman Norberg stated that this ordinance was passed as a result of a request from the Police Department for an enforceable ordinance concerning on street parking. Hotion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that an informal meeting be held on Monday, August 20 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss positive alternatives to the new ordinance. Roll Call: All Ayes Mr. Ferrell and the City Planner returned and stated that the requested fence was within the requirements of the City. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to grant the request for a fence based on the signatures of the neighbors indicating that they have no objection. Roll Call: All Ayes PLANNING AND ZONING RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Phillip Beaubin, 1226 44th Ave. Subdivision Request Hotion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the lot subdivision request be granted based on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes 2. Michael OIBrien, 1345 Buchanan Place N.E. Variance Request Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to grant the request to allow the 2' variance for a garage addition as requested based on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Discussion followed on the basis for the recommendation as no finding of hardship was given. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Abstain 3. Gold Eagle Corporation, 4301-4315 Central Ave. Subdivision Request Hugh Maynord, attorney for Gold Eagle, presented a drawing of the property in question and explained the history of the buildings. The reason for the split August 13, 1979 Page 3 now is that two renters each ~'!sh to buy the part of the building that houses their individual business. A discussion was held on the required parking spaces, the green area required, whether any restrictions were placed on the building in 1966 when the addition was built, and access to the parking lot. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to grant the lot subdivision. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to table consideration of this matter until later in the meeting for further information from the Building Inspector concerning any possible restrictions. Roll Call: All Ayes 4. Heights Motors, Inc. 4851 Central Avenue Variance Request, Appeal from Administrative Denial Mr. Guzy, attorney for Columbia Heights Motors, presented a picture and blueprint of the proposed addition and explained the advantages of the new building. Motion by Hentges, seconded by' Logacz, to grant the request for the proposed addition to the Columbia Heights Motors building at 4851 Central on the basis that the addition as proposed does not intensify the use of the property. Lengthy discussioa was held or, whether this was an intensification of the present use, the extent of the alterations, the size of the building compared to the size of the lot, and the consequences of possible rezoning the parcel. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki Norberg - Nay Aye Gold Eagle Corporation (Cont'd.) Arden Hovland, Building Inspector, stated the buildings shire a common wall. Discussion continued on the advantages of the lot split and the fact that the prospective owners know and have agreed to the upkeep of the common wall. Roll Call on motion to approw~ the subdivision: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges - Aye Norberg~ Nawrocki - Nay Motion carries 5. ?ose Tombarge, 1233 42nd Ave. N.E. Special Purpose Fence The adjoining neighbor has withdraw her approval of the fence. Motion, by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the request for a privacy fence be granted based o~ the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. August 13, 197cj Page 4 Motion by Norberg to refer this to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their opinion in view of the disapproval of the neighbor. Motion dies for lack of a second. Mr. Tombarge agreed to move the proposed fence further onto his lot to allow enough room for upkeep of his la,..Jn on the outside of the fence. Roll Call: !_ogacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye :lorberg - Nay 6. Harold Thompson, 370] 2nd St. N.E. Special Purpose Fence Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to concur with the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation to grant the special purpose fence. Discussion was held on the problems involved with the fence being on the right- of-way. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges - Aye Heintz, Nawrocki - Nay 7. Donald Findell, 667~ Central Ave. N.E. Variance Request Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to grant the variance request for a garage setback For the property at 4256 quincy St. N.E. based on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes 8. Norm Dyer, 6500 Berrie Road P.U.D. for Columbia Court, Appeal From Denial Blueprints were shown, the City Planner described the plan and the reasons the Planning and Zoning Commission denied the request for the Wendy's and Denny's restaurants at this location. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to concur with the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation to deny the request. The Fire Chief stated he would like more time to determine turning ratios in the area. City Attorney Kalina stated the Council has the ability to deny the request on the basis of the plan not meeting several of the requirements of the ordinance. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to withdraw their motion. Mayor Nawrocki suggested that since this matter will take some careful consideration of the information presented relative to some of the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation, he suggested tabling this until the next regular meeting for a decision. August 13, 1979 Page 5 Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to table this matter unti! the next regular council meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to extend the meeting until l:O0 a.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay LETTER FROM MR. ALAIN REGARDING REIMBURSEMENT OF LEGAL FEES Mr. Alain stated the argument for his claim for reimbursement of the legal fees incurred in defending the City's condemnation action to install a storm drain. The City iost its condemna'tion case against his mother and she is now seeking compensation for her legal fees. He stated that his mother will settle for $500 and sign a disclaimer to the City for any further recourse. City Attorney Kalina stated that it would probably be less costly to settle with the Alains than to appeal the decision to the State supreme court. He does feel, however, that the settlement asked for may be excessive. The Council stated the matter will stay in the hands of the City Attorney. WATER PROBLEM AT 4201 2nd STREET The City Manager stated he had submitted a report on the water problem which Mr. Kotzer has been having. He summarized the history of the problem. Discussion followed on what was causing the problem and possible solutions. JOINT PURCHASE OF AIR COMPRESSOR Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, that the City Council authorize the joint purchase of the air compressor equipment in the amount S16,758 from Metropolitan Fire Extinguisher Company and furthermore that nine air bottles be purchased from Buettner Welding Supply in the amount of $1,372.50. Columbia Heights' share of the cost to be $6,043.50. Discussion followed on the bidding process. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CAB COMPANY REQUEST FOR RATE INCREASE Mr. Lamont, owner of the Columbia Heights Cab Company, stated his reasons for wanting a rate increase of approximately 30%. The City Manager stated that staff will be preparing information on this item for a subsequent meeting. Motion by Hentges, seconded b,t Norberg, to table this matter for further information. Roll Call: All Ayes August 13, 1979 Page 6 PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to pay the bills as listed out of their proper funds. Roll Call: All Ayes At 1:30 a.m. Mayor Nawrocki called a recess until Tuesday, August 14 at 9:00 p.m. Bruc~ G. Nawrocki, Mayor Counci ] Secreta~ry OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS SPECIAL HEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUHBIA HEIGHTS, HINNESOTA AUGUST 20, 1979 The meeting was called to order at 10:30 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Present PURPOSE OF HEETING Mayor Nawrocki stated that this was a special meeting for the purposes as listed on the agenda. REPAIR OF LIBRARY AIR CONDITIONER The City Manager stated that the problem with the air conditioner may have been caused by a power surge from NSP. Reimbursement for the repairs may possibly be charged to NSP or covered under the City's insurance policy. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Norberg, to authorize the City Manager to expend $1,815.37 for the repair of the library's air conditioner from Commercial Air Conditioning, Inc., money to come from revenue sharing. Councilman Heintz asked that the repairing company make a statement that the damage was a result of a power surge, if it is determined this is the cause, so the City can be reimbursed. Councilman Norberg stated that NSP was observed working on the pole outside the library the day after the damage occurred and their maintenance records could be checked. Roll Call: Al! Ayes SOIL BORINGS AND SURVEYS A number of tax ¢orfeit parcels may be sellable to residents who are presently located within the proposed downtown development district. Soil borings are required to determine whether the lots are buildable. No all parcels will require soil borings, only the parcels in which residents have expressed an interest. The cost may amount to approximately $1,500. Councilman Norberg asked how the costs would be recovered if the people decide not to build on the lot. Roger Jensen, HRA Director, answered that if the lot is not buildable, this is good for the City to know. If it is and none of the residents in the development district are interested in building or moving a house there, the lot could be sold on the market. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the City Manager to expend funds from the Development II Savings Account for the purpose of obtaining soil borings and surveys on the properties being considered for relocation of dwelling 'units from the downtown development area. Discussion was held on the various alternatives to moving the houses and costs already incurred in the project. Roll Call: All Ayes August 20, 1979 Page 2 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AGREEMENT Roger Jensen stated that the Downtown Development Committee has been working with Ruvelson 8 Associates on their becoming part of the downtown development. He briefly described ways of including this development without using tax increment financing. The Council's approval tonight would give the HRA the authority to negotiate for potential development. The HRA and Council would still have final approval of the project after definite p]ans are submitted. RESOLUTION 79-32 RESOLUTION ENDORSING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA AND RUVELSON $ ASSOCIATES, INC., CONCERNING A PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN A SECTION OF THE DOWNTOWN CENTRAl_ BUSINESS DISTRICT WHEREAS, on August 3, 1977, the City Council approved the Downtown CBD Revital- ization Plan as prepared by the Dow~ntown Development Council and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, and WHEREAS, on May lO, 1978, the City/HRA entered into an agreement with the Columbia Heights Development Consortium for the exclusive right to negotiate a deve]opment within a section of our downtown central business district, and WHEREAS, the bui]ding now owned and occupied by Ruvelson $ Associates, Inc., will be acquired and demolished by the City/HRA should the redevelopment project now being negotiated with the Columbia Heights Development Consortium proceed as planned, and WHEREAS, Ruvelson & Associates have indicated their desire to remain in Columbia Heights should the Consortium's project be implemented and their building acquired? and WHEREAS, the offer- for exclusive negotiations, attached herein generally outlines the responsibilities of the Developer and the Housing Authority in collectively developing a specific plan for the revitalization of a designated section of our Central Business District, and WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed this agreement and compared it to the goals and objectives of the "Downtown Revita]ization Plan" dated March 2, 1~)77. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council that: 1. The agreement executed between the Housing g Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights, MN and Ruvelson and Associates, Inc. is found to be consistent with the goals and objectives of the City's approved "Downtown Revitalization Plan" diated March 2, 1977. 2. The City Council concurs with the intent of this agreement dated August 6, ]979 and authorizes the HRA to work with Ruvelson and Associates, Inc. in the redevelopment of an area within the boundaries identified on the attached map. August 20, 1979 Page 3 Passed this 20th day of August, 1979. Offered by: Hentges Seconded by: Logacz Councilman Norberg questioned several of the clauses and whether the Council had in fact had time to review the agreement. City Attorney Kalina stated that he has 1-oked at the agreement and finds no problem with it. Roll Call: All Ayes FUNDS FOR FIXTURE APPRAISALS Roger Jensen stated that it is important to get fixture appraisals soon in the buildings in the downtown development district. The appraisals to date have been on land and buildings only. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the City Manager to get fixture appraisals at an estimated cost of $2,800 in accordance with the HRA recommendation, monies to come from the Development II Savings Account. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay Mayor Nawrocki stated that a representative of the retired volunteer firemen has asked to meet with the Council to discuss the volunteer pension plan. It was decided to meet with them on Tuesday, August 28 at 8:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to adjourn at 11:30 p.m. Roll Call: All Ayes Bruce G. Nawrocl<i, Mayor Council Sec ret~ry