Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAug 14, 1979OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS RECESSED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA AUGUST ]4, ]979 The meeting was reconvened at 9:'10 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Present MaTor Nawrocki stated that this wes a continuation of last night:s regular meeting. Mr. Gene Witucki was present requesting a donation for a softball team he plays on. Mr. Witucki stated that his team won the state tournament last week and now will be going to the world tournament. Councilmen Norberg joined the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Councilman Hentges stated he will vote against this because the Council has to draw the line on this type of request. Councilman Heintz stated that he also is not for this because the team doesn't represent the City of Columbia Heights but belongs to an industrial league within the City. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to deny the request with regrets. Roll Call: All Ayes LIQUOR STORE SIGNS The City Manager stated that the size of the proposed sign for liquor store #2 is in accordance with the ordinance but its location isn't. Discussion followed on the placement of the sign and the possibiiity of getting a different type of sign. Mot[on by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the variance be granted for the placement of the sign at liquor store #2. Discussion continued on the type of sign that can or should be used, its placement, and whether there was a hardship involved which would justify a variance. It was agreed that the sign would be free standing and placed on the west side of the building. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg, Hentges - Nay NO PARKING SIGNS ON WEST SIDE OF JEFFERSON Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that the Public Works Department be directed to place no parking signs at the driveway of 607/609 38th Ave. stating "No Parking Here to Corner" which would be at 38th end .Jefferson on the west side based on the recommendation of ' ~ . the Traffic Commission Roll Call: All Ayes August 14, 1979 Page 2 LETTER REGARDING STEINER CLAIM City Attorney Kalina briefly summarized the events leading to the lawsuit against the City. This was for the Council's information. IDENTIFICATION OF LEGISLATIVE ISSUES The City Manager asked the Council if they had any specific items of concern for the next legislative session. Councilman Norberg suggested that the Council fill out a form with their concerns, give it to the City Manager to compile, and that he report back at the next meeting. OTHER COMMUNICATIONS There will be a meeting on August 30 at the Fridley City Hall with the Metropolitan Council and local officials to discuss matters of mutual concern to communities. OLD BUSINESS: ]. Purchase and Installation of Sign at Liquor Store ~2 Motion by Heintz, seconded b,/ Logacz, to authorize the City Manager to expend $1,936 for the purchase of a sign for liquor store /2 from DeMars Sign Company and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Ca, il: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki Norberg, Hentges Nay Aye 2. Purchase of Additional Table for Council Chambers Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the purchase of the additional staff table at a price of Discussion was held on what type of table is being proposed and some possible alternatives. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to table further consideration of the purchase of the staff table until later in the meeting. Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Logacz, Heintz - Nay 3. Other Old Business Councilman Hentges asked whether someone had been hired to cut weeds on City property. The City Manager answered that no one could be found so the Park Department will handle the weed problem. Councilman Heintz brought up the subject of the continuing problem with the resident at 514 Summit St. He asked that the City Manager check on this situation. August ]4, 1979 Page 3 PURCHASE OF STAFF TABLE (Cont'd) It will cost approximately $700 to purchase two 4' sections to add on to the present staff table. Councilman Norberg suggested that maybe fewer staff should come to the meetings. Motion 5y Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to amend the motion to limit the expenditure to $750. Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges Aye Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki Nay Motion fails. Roll Call on motion to authorize $1,314 for a staff table: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg, Hentges - Nay Mayor Nawrocki asked the status of the claim by John Kruse that construction equipment had broken up his driveway. Councilman Norberg stated a resident at 4300 6th complained of seeing rats in the neighborhood. He also asked about a condemned house and what could be done to clean up the property. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Recommended 198~ Budget The City Manager asked that work sessions be set to discuss the 1980 budget. The dates of Tuesday, August 21 at 8:30 p.m.; Wednesday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday~ August 23 at 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, August 28 at 8:00 p.m.; and Wednesday, August 29 at 8:00 p.m. were set to discuss the proposed budget. 2. Amendment to Personnel Policy A portion is to be added on political activity. Councilman Norberg stated he thought this was unnecessary as it was covered by state law. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the section be omitted from the policy manual. Roll Call: Norberg - Aye Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Nay Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to incorporate the section of policital activity as indicated by the City Attorney in the personnel policy manual. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Absent A portion on grievance procedure: has been amended. This section will also be inserted. August 14, 1979 Page 4 Work Session on Liquor Operations The work session was set for August 20 after the public hearing on the parking ordinance. 4. Conferences and Schools Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to authorize expenses and attendance for Arden Hovland to the International Conference of Building Officials September 1~ - 2O. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki -Aye Norberg - Nay Notion by Logacz, seconded by Iteintz, to authorize the attendance and expenses for MiJlie Carlson and Steve Kuha to the Annual Ninnesota Assessors Conference from September 25 - 28. Roll Call: All Ayes Personnel Hatters Notion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to approve the salary of the assessment clerk II at a recommended salary of S772/month (Range 10, Step B). Roll Call: All Ayes City Manager Bocwinski stated that the Council hired an engineering tech III several months ago. He has resigned and the City Nanager is now recommending hiring Daniel Eberhart for the position. Notion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the salary level for the engineering tech III be set at Range 20, Step A, $1,155/month. Roll Call: All Ayes The City Nanager recommended a 1% increase for the City Assessor. Councilman Norberg stated that he doesn't see the justification for the raise. In the absence of written support, he doesn't feel this should be on the agenda. Discussion followed on the items the Council had previously requested as back up for requested increases. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to request the City Nanager to return with justification which was requested by the majority of the Council previously before he acts on this matter. Mayor Nawrocki suggested that there is a review form that covers the evaluation of the individual and that the 1~ requested is a rather moderate increase. Discussion continued on what kind of proof should be provided to justify wage increases. Roll Call: Heintz, Norberg, Hentges - Aye Logacz, Nawrocki - Nay August 14, 1979 Page 5 The other requested wage adjustments will go into effect administratively. 6. Storm Drain Construction Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, that the Mayor and City Manager be authcrized to ~nter into agreement with Raymond Perron to perform the co~struction of th~ storm drain for the alley east of Polk Street and north of 39th Avenue at a price of $2,745 based on low informal bid. Roll Call~ All Ayes The Mayor asked about the progress of 42~ and ~4½ Avenues. The City Manager reported that the base should be put down Thursday or Friday of this week if there is no rain. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT The City Manager briefly summarized his memo to the Councii on s~veral items. The Mayor noted he doesn't like the procedure of the audit letter not going directly to the Council but being negotiated with the City Manager first. The City Manager explained the sequence of the audit. Discussion followed on why revisions were being made in the report. Councilman Norberg stated he would like to see the original report .of the auditor. Discussion was held on the hiring of a fire captain to replace Don Hansen who will be retiring in February. A brief discussion followed on the signing of the fire contract which was approved. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT The City Attorney reported that the proposed alley behind the Pannekoeken Huis has been appealed by two of the property owners. A1 Kordiak has stated that the Anoka County Board of Commissioners has voted to pay one half the cost of the parking lot paving next to City Hall. The City Attorney received a call from the Assistant Attorney General that they are in the last stages of the procedure requiring N.E. Seniors apartments to provide additional parking at the facility at 3800 Stinson Blvd. He recommends the City go along with the additional 15 spaces being offered. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to concur with the City Attorney's recommendation to accept the 15 parking spaces. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg Nay City Attorney Kalina stated that the City should seriously consider going along with Mr. Alain's request for a settlement in the matter of the property condemnation case. Councilman Norberg stated he doesn't feel this will be setting a good precedent for the City to change its plans. August 14, 1979 Page 6 Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to concur with the City Attorney to authorize him to negotiate a settlement. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki -Aye Norberg - Nay The City Attorney stated that there were some alternative ordinances which would take care of: the fast food franchise zoning. He asked that the Council meet at; some later' date to further discuss the possibilities. The City Manager reported that Becky Loader, Library Director, stated that the air conditioner at: the library is out of order. She has received two estimates on repairing it to date. The repairs would cost approximately $2,000. She has been asked to get more estimates. LICENSES Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that licenses as listed be granted upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes ADJOURNMENT Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to adjourn at 12:30 a.m. Roll Call: All Ayes Bruce G. NavJrocki, Mayor Council Secre ta'r~}