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