Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutJun 11, 1979 (2)OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA JUNE 11, 1979 The meeting was called to order at 8:03 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Present INVOCATION The invocation was given by Reverend Walter Wahl of First Lutheran Church. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to approve the minutes of the May 29 public hearing and the regular meeting of May 29 as submitted in writing and reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes ORAL PETITIONS Mr. Dick Martin asked why the liquor store part time employees were not paid time and a half for their work on inventory. The City Manager answered that the situation has been resolved and the two employees have been contacted. The Mayor asked that a written report be made with copies to the Council and Mr. Martin. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: 1. First Reading of Ordinance 902 Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to waive the reading as sufficient copies were available for the public. Roll Call: All Ayes ORDINANCE 902 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, PERTAINING TO VACATING OF CERTAIN PUBLIC ALLEY EASEMENTS The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights Does Ordain: Section 1: Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, passed June 21, 1977, is hereby amended to provide that the City of Columbia Heights hereby vacates the following public alley easements, to-wit: An easement for public alley purposes over and across the West seven (7) feet of the East one-half of Lot two (2), Except the West fifteen (15) feet, Block four (4), Rearrangement of Block "A", Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, received by quit claim deed, dated July 17, 1958, from Walter H. True and Erna True, his wife An easement for public alley purposes over and across the East seven (7) feet of the North one-half of the West one-half of Lot two (2), Block four (4), Rearrangement of Block "A", Colum- bia Heights Annex, received by quit claim deed, dated July 11, 1958, from Isadore J. Possley and Jessie Possley, his wife June 11, 1979 Page 2 An easement for public alley purposes over and across the East seven (7) feet of the South one-half of the West one-half of Lot two (2), Block four (4), Rearrangement of Block "A", Colum- bia Heights Annex, received by quit claim deed, dated July 21, 1958, from William P. Schuffenhauer and Charlotte L. Schuffen- hauer, his wife An easement for public alley purposes over and across the East seven (7) feet of the West one-half of the North one-half of Lot three (3), Block four (4), Rearrangement of Block "A", Co- lumbia Heights Annex, received by quit claim deed, dated July 7, 1958, from Earl R. Cleland and Mabel C. Cleland, his wife An easement for public alley purposes over and across the West seven (7) feet of the East one-half of the North one-half of Lot three (3), Except the east fifteen (15) feet, Block four (4), Rearrangement of Block "A", Columbia Heights A~nex, re- ceived by quit claim deed, dated July 9, 1958, from Fredrick J. Foster and Almedia Foster, his wife An easement for public alley purposes over and across the east seven (7) feet of the south one-half of the west one-half of lot three (3), block four (4), Rearrangement of Block "A", Columbia Heights Annex, received by quit claim deed, dated August 22, 1958, from Donald A. Markow and Jennie H. Markow, his wife An easement for public alley purposes over and across the west seven (7) feet of the North one-half of the east one-half of lot four (4), Block four (4), Rearrangement of Block "A", Colum- bia Heights A~nex, received by quit claim deed, dated July 8, 1958~ from Andrew P. Gawel and M~ry D. Gawel, his wife An easement for public alley purposes over and across the east seven (7) feet of the north one-half of the West one-half of lot four (4), Block four (4), Rearrangement of Block "A", Columbia Heights Annex, received by quit claim deed, dated July 17, 1958, from Frederick J. Irrthum and LaRae M. Irrthum, his wife An easement for public alley purposes over and across the east seven (7) feet of the south one half of the west one half of lot four (4), except the west thirty (30) feet, Block four (4), Rear- rangement of Block A, Columbia Heights Annex, according to the plat on file and of record in the office of the Register of Deeds in and for Anoka County, State of Minnesota, received by quit claim deed, dated April 13, 1962, from Alvah M. Nelson, an un- married widow An easement for public alley purposes over and across the west seven (7) feet of the east one-half of lot five (5), Block four (4), Rearrangement of Block "A", Columbia Heights Annex, received by quit claim deed, dated July 7, 1958, from Earl R. Cleland and M~abel C. Cleland, his wife June 11, 1979 Page 3 Section 2: Section 3: An easement for public alley purposes over and across the West seven (7) feet of the east one-half of Lot six (6), Block four (4), Rearrangement of Block A., Columbia Heights Annex, accord- ing to the map or plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the register of deeds of Anoka County, State of Minnesota, re- ceived by quit claim deed, dated April 5, 1962, from Floyd J. Appleman and Margaret M. Appleman, his wife An easement for public alley purposes over and across the east seven (7) feet of the west one half of lot six (6), except part to the City of Columbia Heights, except the south fifty (50) feet, Block four (4), Rearrangement of Block A, Columbia Heights Annex according to the plat on file and of record in the office of the Register of Deeds in and for Anoka County, State of Minnesota, re- ceived by quit claim deed, dated April 17, 1962, from Hollis L. McKenzie and Marguerite M. McKenzie, his wife The Mayor and City Manager are authorized to execute any documents neces- sary to effectuate the vacation ef the said easements. This Ordiance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the second reading of the ordinance will take place at the next regular meeting and this will constitute a public hearing. 2. Resolution Requesting 1978-79 Local Planning Assistance Grant RESOLUTION 79-24 RESOLUTION REQUESTING 1978-79 LOCAL PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT FUNDS FROM THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Land Planning Act, Minnesota Statutes, Section 473.851- 473.872, requiare that the City of Columbia Heights prepare and submit a compre- hensive plan to the Metropolitan Council; and WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council and City of Columbia Heights entered into a contract, numbered 7832 and dated January 22, 1979 for a Local Planning Assistance Grant for 1976-77 grant funds in the amount of $7,652 to assist the City of Columbia Heights in carrying out the required planning; and WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council has allocated $4,018 to the City of Columbia Heights in additional grant funds for 1978-79; and WHEREAS, the total grants from the Metropolitan Council will not exceed 75% of the total cost or 1OO% of the remaining cost of carrying out the required planning which is documented in Appendix A of the above-referenced contract. June 11, 1979 Page 4 NOW, THEREFORE, The City of Columbia Heights requests the additional 1978-79 9rant funds and authorizes the City Hanager to execute the Agreement Amendment to the above-referenced contract on behalf of tile City of Columbia Heights. Passed this llth day of June, ~979. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Hentges Discussion followed on how much HRA should be reimbursed for work done on the land use plannin9 project. Roll Call: All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki asked for a budget and tentative timetable for the land use planning project. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOHMENDATIONS: 1. Bruce Nelson, 491l Central Avenue Alteration Permit Mr. Nelson is requestin9 Council consideration of three variances which were denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission because no hardship could be proven. A1 Carlson, City Planner, seated that since the property is non-conformin9 and has been vacant for over six months, he feels the variances should be 9ranted. Ron Ka]ina, City Attorney, stated that wi~h a strict interpretation of the ordinance no hardship exists and the variances should not be 9ranted. Discussion continued on the number of required parking spaces, required green area, and the individual's right to petition the Council. Motion by Heintz to deny the request based on the fact that there is no hardship and the Piannin9 and Zonin9 Commission recommendation. Motion dies for lack of a second. Hotion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, that the request for a 3 ft. side yard variance and a ]7 ft. green area waiver be 9ranted. Discussion continued on the hardship involved in the request. Councilman Heintz proposed that the City change the ordinance again. Motion by Heintz to table the matter until the followin9 regular meetin9. Motion dies for lack of a second. Roll Call: Logacz, Hentges - Aye Heintz, Nawrocki Nay Motion fails. June ll, 1979 Page 5 Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, that the matter be tabled until the next regular meeting when there will be a full Council. Roll Call: Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Heintz - Nay 2. Robert Sweet, 3732 Polk Street Special Purpose Fence Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the request be granted upon recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes 3. Emily Goebal Lot Split for 1203 42nd Ave. Discussion was held on the dividing line between the two proposed lots. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to grant the lot subdivision request based on the Planning and Zoning recommendation. Roll Call: All Ayes 4. Virgil Young, 4400 Stinson Blvd. Special Purpose Fence Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the request be granted based on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes REQUEST FOR BLOCK PARTY Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the request for a block party on Innsbruck Parkway from Pennine Pass to Stinson Blvd. on July 28 be granted. Roll Call: All Ayes SULLIVAN LAKE PARK Discussion was held on the proposed plans. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to accept the landscape plan for the Sullivan Lake Park passive area as submitted by Midland Coop on the plan dated April 16, 1979. Roll Call: All Ayes June ] ] , ] 979 Page 6 TONTO'S TACO SHOPPE SIGN A variance is requested for a sign at Tonto's on 49th and Central Ave. Planning and Zoning denied the request because there was no hardship. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the variances be granted. Discussion continued on the size of the present sign, the allowable limit, and whether the signs could be legally allowed. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz Aye Hentges, Nawrocki - Nay Motion Fails. Motion by Hentges to table this matter until the next regular meeting. Motion dies For lack of a second. REQUEST FOR BLOCK PARTY Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, that the request For a block party at Leander Lane for Friday, June 22, be granted. Roll Call: All Ayes RECESS at 10:00 p.m. RECONVENE at 10:1~ p.m. STOP SIGN AT 4]st AVE. $ 4th ST. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to concur with the Traffic Commission's recommendation for a stop sign at ~]st Ave. and ~th St. Roll Call: All Ayes NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES CONVENTION Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the expenses be authorized to the National League of Cities Convention. Roll Cai]: All Ayes INCREASE IN GROUP HEALTH RATES The City Manager outlined the information on the increase in the group health and hospitalization rates because of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. June ll, 1979 Page 7 OLD BUSINESS: 1. Proposed Utility Rate Increases Mayor Nawrocki asked why other communities were able to charge less for their water than what was being proposed for Columbia Heights. Don Jolly, Water Superintendent, explained what might cause the difference between the proposed rates and what other cities charge. The City Manager is proposing a rate increase. The Mayor pointed out that a reduction in the cost of water is another alternative. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to table this until the next regular meeting for additional information on alternatives. Roll Call: All Ayes Discussion was held on how this would affect senior citizens, how many days a resident has to pay his bill, and how many bills are actually late each billing period. 2. Policy Regarding Real Estate Listing Information The City Manager briefly summarized his proposed policy for providing listing information to residents, real estate agents, and appraisers. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that a fee of $10 be established for property information provided by the Assessing Department. Such information and fee shall be administered in accordance with the procedures dated June 7, 1979. Furthermore, that a fee of $5 be established for special assessment searches only. In addition, that the information and fee be administered in accordance with the special assessment search only procedure dated June 7, 1979. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges - Aye Nawrocki - Nay 3. Tax Forfeit Parcels Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the City Manager to prepare statements of public purpose for certain tax forfeit parcels in Columbia Heights and that the County Auditor be requested to remove said parcels from the 1979 County land auction list. Roll Call: All Ayes Ms. Helen Kocur stated her objection to the City acquiring this land. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Setting the Salary for the Acting Park Superintendent Discussion on whether the Park Superintendent should be the City Forester as well and whether the position of City Forester and Tree Inspector should be consolidated. June ]], 1979 Page 8 Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, that the Acting Park Superintendent be paid an annualized rate of $16,500 (or $1,375 per month). Furthermore, that this wage rate be retroactive to June 4, ]97~. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz Aye Hentges, Nawrocki - Nay Motion fails. Motion by Hentges that the Acting Park Superintendent be paid an annualized rate of $15,900. Motion dies for lack of a second. Discussion followed on the capacity of Acting Parking Superintendent and what the pay should be for this position. Motion by Hentges to table this matter until the next regular meeting. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, that the Acting Park Superintendent be paid an annualized rate of $16,500 and that this wage rate be retroactive to June 4, 1~7~. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Hentges - Nay 2. Personnel Matters Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to concur with the City Manager's recommendation to set the salary of the Eng. Tech III at $13,860 per year at a range 20. Roll Call: All Ayes The City Manager noted that there were changes made to the Public Works Director's position description to exclude civil defense references and to include ratios of experience in lieu of formal education. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to approve the revised job description. Rol] Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Hentges - f~ay Purchase of Electronic Sirens Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the City Manager to expend $1,349.00 to purchase electronic sirens from Uniforms Unlimited, based on low, informal bid. Roll Call: All Ayes June ll, 1979 Page 9 4. Purchase of Signs for Liquor Stores #2 and #3 Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to table this item for additional information. Roll Call: All Ayes 5. Sanitary Sewer East Cul-De-Sac on 44½ Ave. George Brown, City Engineer, explained the need for the sanitary sewer repair and the cost of the work. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to approve the contract to Walhunt in the amount of $17,257 plus the cost of the engineering and consultant fees for sewer repair work at 44½ Ave. and the east cul-de-sac and to expend the monies from the sewer fund. Roll Call: All Ayes 6. Other New Business Councilman Heintz presented several weeds he had taken off City property and asked why the City wasn't cutting its own weeds. He stated he feels the City should be setting an example by keeping its weeds cut. Councilman Hentges stated that the Traffic Commission will be marking "No Parking" on the space between the handicapped zone on Mill St.,by City Hall, and the Fire Department bays. He also reported that the City is on the State's list for a semaphore at 50th and Central. Councilman Hentges also requested copies of the Fire Department call reports and the Police Department reports. He asked about the proposed road extension of 46½ Ave. George Brown responded that Minneapolis has been contacted about the street and a copy of the plan will be sent to them. Councilman Heintz asked about the 51st Court area and the proposed tree plantings. The City Manager answered that the owner has been getting bids from contractors. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT The City Manager added that a parcel at 42½ Ave. was subdivided by the County Auditor. This happened as a result of a decision by the Probate Court. LICENSES Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that licenses as listed be granted upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that bills as listed be paid out of their proper funds. Roll Call: All Ayes June ] 1 , ] 979 Page l 0 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to adjourn at 12:45 a m. Roll Call: All Ayes Council Secretary Bruc~t'~. Nawrocki, Mayor