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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 29, 1979OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA MAY 29, 1979 The meeting was called to order at 8:15 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Present INVOCATION The invocation was given by Malcolm Watson. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to approve the minutes of the special meetings of May 14 regarding an alleyway hearing, Board of Review, HRA public hearing, and the regular meeting of May 14 as presented in writing and reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes ORAL PETITIONS Mr. Malcolm Watson informed the Council that the Southern Anoka Community Assistance group will be having an open house on Wednesday, June 6 between 10:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Mr. Dick Martin asked if a date had been set for closing the municipal bar at 4Oth and Central. The Mayor answered that no decision had been made as yet as to whether the bar will in fact be closed. Discussion followed on the conditions of the bar and building. The Mayor asked that Mr. Martin be given copies of the bar's financial statements as well as a copy of the written report from the City Manager on the specific maintenance items Mr. Martin mentioned. At the May 14 meeting there was a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission to approve a privacy fence for Mr. Bebus, 5046 Jackson St. N.E. The request was tabled at that meeting because Mr. Bebus hadn't furnished the required letter of approval from his neighbors. He was present tonight and submitted a letter signed by his neighbors approving the fence. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the special purpose fence request be granted based on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and approval by the two directly affected neighbors. Roll Call: All Ayes OR[)INANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: 1. Second Reading of Ordinance 901 ORDINANCE 901 BEING AN ORDINAIICE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, REVISING THE NUMBERING SCHEME OF ORDINANCE NO. 896 May 29, 1979 Page 2 The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Sect:ion 1: Section 9.403(11) of Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, passed June 21, 1977, shall hereafter be numbered as Section 9. 104(h). Section 2: Section 9.503(4) of Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, passed June 21, 1977, shall hereafter be numbered as Section 9.105(d). Section 3: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Logacz Roll Call: All Ayes 2. Resolution regarding Sidewalk ReF ,' Ow~rasses~ment RESOLUTIOH 79-20 WHEREAS, the property known and described as plat x/34416, Parcel ,~7490, Lot 21, Block 6, Reservoir Hills, 970 40th Ave. N.E. in the name of Danny Il. & Renee F. McColley, was assessed $259.52 including interest for local improvement ~o. 731, and WHEREAS, the property was charged for 90 sq. ft. of sidewalk repair, and after remeasurement by the Engineering Department was measured at 74 sq. ft. therefore 16 sq. ft. was not benefitted by said improvement No. 731. BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that the City Clerk be and he is hereby authorized and directed to strike from local improvement Ho. 731 the 16 sq. ft. ':: $2.67 plus 3~ interest charged against the above described property in the amount of $46.14. Passed this 29th day of May, 1979. Offered by: Logacz Seconded by: Hentges Roll Call: All Ayes 3. Resolution Authorizing Application for EDA grant Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to waive the reading as sufficient copies were available for the public. Roll Call: All Ayes RESOLUTION 79-21 AUTHORIZING FILING OF APPLICATION WITH THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FOR A GRANT UNDER THE TERMS OF PUBLIC LAW 89-136, AS AMENDED May 29, 1979 Page 3 WHEREAS, under the terms of Public Law 89-136, as amended, the United States of America has authorized the making of grants to public bodies and private non-profit organizations or associations to aid in financing the construction of specific projects: NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Columbia Heights, Mn. That the Executive Director of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, is hereby authorized to execute and file an application on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota with the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, for a grant to aid in financing the construction of: a. Parking ramp with connecting skyway to redevelopment project b. Related project site improvements That the above named authorized representative is hereby authorized and directed to furnish such information as the Economic Development Admini- stration, U.S. Department of Commerce, may reasonably request in connection with the application which is herein authorized to be filed, and further is authorized to accept any offer of grant which may be tendered by the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. Passed this 29th day of May, 1979. Offered by: Logacz Seconded by: Hentges Roll Call: All Ayes 4. Resolutions Honoring Betty Johnson and Earl Gustafson The City Manager noted that he had two additional resolutions suggested by ~alcolm Watson in honor of Earl Gustafson and Betty Johnson on their leaving the City's employment. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, that reading of resolution 79-22 be waived as sufficient copies were available for the public. Roll Call: All Ayes RESOLUTIOtl 79-22 BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that WHEREAS, Betty Johnson has devoted the past 16½ years to serving our community as executive secretary of our civil defense organization and as secretary to the Police Department, and WHEREAS, she has assumed a major part of the responsibility for handling the records and the voluminous paper work required in handling the federal correspondence to meet all of their requirements, and May 29, 1979 Page 4 WHEREAS, she has handled the budgetary accounting in a completely satisfactory manner to retain our good record with the federal and state agencies throughout her tenure, and WHEREAS, she has handled a wide variety of assignments on behalf of our Police Department, NOW, THEREFORE, The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights on behalf of the citizens of our community take this means of extending appreciation to Betty Johnson for her service to our community from February ll, 1963 to May 31, 1979. Offered by: Logacz Seconded by: Heintz Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to waive the reading of resolution 79-23 as sufficient copies were available for the public. Roll Call: All Ayes RESOLUTION 79-23 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that WHEREAS, Earl G. Gustafson has served the City of Columbia Heights as resident engineer for the consulting firm serving our community and as a member of our Engineering Department and as Public Works Director since 1945 with a term of active employment by the City from January, 1965 to June 4, 1979, and WHEREAS, the City has grown from a population of approximately 6,500 to over 20,000 citizens and experienced development of a well ordered nature during his time of service including: 1. Development of the preliminary utility plan in 1945 which served as the initial foundation for future planning in our community. Working on the research and bargaining to acquire water storage facilities in an advantageous manner to assure a safe, economical water supply we]] into the 21st century. 3. Development of the ultimate storm sewer system to handle surface drainage for all sections of the community. Working effectively with architects and planners to develop a municipal service center which is recognized as the best designed facility of its type in our area. Application of his personal capabilities to prepare and present proposals for municipal improvements in a manner that clarified all the options available and the ultimate benefits to be derived, and WHEREAS, Earl G. Gustafson has served as our Civil Defense Director and came to us with a background and training as a consultant in statewide civil defense fallout shelter construction, and associated activities, and May 29, 1979 Page 5 WHEREAS, he has applied this prior knowledge and through study and work with our local department developed an effective civil defense organization, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that in recognition of his dedicated service to the City of Columbia Heights that Public Works Director, Earl G. Gustafson, be given this resolution by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights on behalf of all of our citizens whom he has served so well. Offered by: Hentges Seconded by: Heintz Roll Call: All Ayes COMMI_NIC,~TIONS: 1. Letter from State Regarding Uniform Access Rule ^ public hearing will be held on June 20 at 9:30 a.m. for the purpose of adopting rules of the Minnesota Public Services Commission governing utilities access to customer's premises. 2. Public Meeting on Health Plan Notice A public hearing will be held June 19 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the 1980-81 community health services plan. 3. EDA Grant Parking Ramp The Mayor noted that the City has been invited to submit an application for a 1.3 million dollar EDA grant to be used for a parking ramp as part of the downtown redevelopment project. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Policy Regarding Real Estate Listing Information The City Manager explained the policy he had set of charging real estate agents for information on property for sale in Columbia Heights. He recommends that the Council concur with the policy of charging for this information from the Assessing Department. The individual would not be charged for getting information on his own property. Mayor Nawrocki asked that the policy previously submitted be revised and brougi~t back to the Council at its next meeting. 2. Construction of Sidewalks at Field House Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the City Manager be authorized to expend up to $1,100 for the installation of sidewalks at the Field House based on low informal quotation. Roll Call: All Ayes Hay 29, 1979 Page 6 3. Other Old Business Councilman Hentges asked if the City was paying to repair holes made by the Gas Company at 40th and Jefferson. Earl Gustafson, Public Works Director, answered that the Gas Company will be billed for the work. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Public Hearing on Alleyway Opening Several residents have requested an alley from the south line of 3931 Polk St. northeast to Johnson St. It is recommended that a hearino for the alley be held as soon as possible. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the City Manager be authorized to call for a hearing for an alley opening as proposed for Monday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call: All Ayes 2. Park Department Staffing The City Manager explained the alternatives available regarding staffing arrangements in the Park Department as a result of the retirement of Park Superintendent John Murzyn. Discussion followed on the Assistant Park Super- intendent's position, whether the job description should be changed, and whether the range would be changed with the assumption of additional duties. The City Manager will have a proposal for a dollar adjustment at the next regular Council meeting. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the position of Acting Park Superintendent. Discussion followed on how the Assistant Park Superintendent position came into being and what its purpose was. Roll Call: All Ayes RECESS at 9:35 p.m. RECONVENE at lO:O0 p.m. The City Manager stated his opinion that the staff should begin investigating the possibility of combining the functions of the Park Department, Recreation and Community Services Department. He proposed that he be authorized to begin discussions with various boards on this matter and report back to the Council at its first regular meeting of July. Mayor Nawrocki suggested the City Manager discuss the matter with the School Board Chairman. 3. Engineering Department Staffing and Workload The City Manager stated that the workload of the Engineering Department is increasing and the staff is reduced because of recent terminations. He is again May 29, 1979 Page 7 asking for authority to establish an Engineering Tech II position and to expend money for professional consulting services. Discussion followed on several of the projects in the City, the need for engineering services, per hour charges of an engineering service, and the qualifications of a Public Works Director. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to create the position of Tech II for the Engineering Department, monies to come from the General Fund Contingency Account. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the City Manager be authorized to expend up to $7,500 for additional professional services for the Engineering Department to assist in meeting construction time schedules. Roll Call: All Ayes 4. Request for Block Party Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to grant the request for a block party at 4800 6th St. for June 9 or July 28 subject to the conditions recommended by the Police Chief in his memo of June 23, 1973. Roll Call: All Ayes 5. 1979 Fireworks Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the Mayor and City Msnager to enter into contract with Arrowhead Fireworks Co. in an amount of $3,500 for the 1979 Fourth of July Fireworks display. Roll Call: All Ayes 6. Authorization to Attend Conference Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to authorize registration and expenses for Mildred Carlson to attend the 1979 International Conference on Assessment Administration in Las Vegas on October 21 through 24. Roll Call: All Ayes 7. Reappointment to Commissions and Boards Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to reappoint Lynette Nelson to the Human Services Commission, Harry Dedering and Donna Ingvarsson to the Library Board, Chet Herringer to the Merit Commission, Irene Parsons to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Vernon Moore to the Police and Fire Civil Service Commission, and Don Johnson to the Traffic Commission, and to appoint John Murzyn to the Park Board. Roll Call: All Ayes May 29, 1979 Page 8 The Mayor announced that he is reappointing Tom Sherohman to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to concur with the Mayor's reappointment of Tom Sherohman to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Roll Call: All Ayes 8. Setting Dates for Work Sessions Monday, June 4, 7:00 p.m. was set as an informal meeting date to discuss Sullivan Lake Development proposals, 1980 goals, and the personnel manual. 9. LaBelle Park Property - Downtown Development Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize staff to proceed with the necessary legal documents to provide for the change in title and to set aside park property for the downtown development project. Roll Call: All Ayes 10. Other New Business The Mayor read a proclamation designating Friday, June 1 as John P. Murzyn Day. He noted there was a unanimous recommendation from the Park Board to rename the Field House John P. Murzyn Hall. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to rename the Field House, John P. Murzyn Hall. Roll Call: All Ayes The City Manager stated that the 5th St. construction project will not interfere with the jamboree parade or activities. Mayor Nawrocki noted that Earl gustafson, Civil Defense Director, is leaving. The Mayor named Stu Anderson, Police Chief, as the new Civil Defense Director for the City and recommended that a salary of S3,000 per year be established for him in that position. He also proposed that a merit adjustment in the amount of 3% be granted to Stu Anderson based on personal review. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the annual salary of $3,O00 for the Police Chief serving as Civil Defense Director, to take effect on June 4. Roll Call: All Ayes The merit adjustment will go into effect administratively to be effective on his anniversary date. Discussion was held on the installation of water and sewer connections on 443 Ave and 423 Ave. May 29, 1979 Page 9 Mayor Nawrocki brought up the subject of the Police Chief's use of the City car on a 24 hour basis. He suggested that the Chief be authorized to use the car within the radio call area and asked the City Attorney to check on the matter of insurance risk. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT The City Manager noted that a new range should be established for the Police Chief as the recommended increase would put him over the highest point of the present range. The Mayor stated that this situation could remain for the time being. Discussion was held on the status of the license and pending citations against Mady's Bowling Lanes. Discussion was held on the completion of the City Hall remodeling project and which items are yet to be completed and by whom. LICENSES Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to approve the licenses as listed upon payment of the proper fees and that the fee for the Jaycee Women's food license for the jamboree be waived. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that bills as listed be paid out of proper funds. Roll Call: All Ayes ADJOURNMENT Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to adjourn at 12:15 a.m. Roll Call: All Ayes