HomeMy WebLinkAboutApr 16, 1979OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
APRIL ]6, 1979
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Present
PURPOSE OF MEETING
Mayor Nawrocki stated that the purpose of this special meeting was to conduct
a public hearing on a request to open the alley between Jefferson and Madison
from 43rd to 44th.
There were approximately 30 residents present.
PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION
The Engineering Department presented slides of the area described and a recent
survey indicating the various property lines and location of buildings and other
constructed and planted items. The map also included the City's easements.
There are two parcels at the present time that do not have access to garage
parking. Slides were shown of the alternative alley placements.
Councilman Norberg joined the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
The City Manager explained the cost breakdowns of the alternatives, the individual
costs of concrete versus bituminous, and the rear assessed footage for each
alternative. He pointed out that all costs are estimates.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Mr. Cal Barett presented a petition signed by seventeen property owners on the
block who are opposed to the alley.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by' Logacz, to place the petition on file.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Several residents asked questions about the per square foot assessment.
DISCUSSION ON PROPOSAL
Mr. Don Marko, 4329 Jefferson, stated that the majority of the people on the
block weren't opposed to the alley when it was originally proposed in 1960. Mr.
Bill Schuffenhauer, 4345 Jefferson, asked if he could get his easement back if it
doesn't get used for an alley. Mr. John Moneta, 4312 Madison, asked if the two
property owners without access to a garage couldn't cooperate on a driveway
for their properties. Mrs. Borchardt, one of the two property owners, stated she
wasn't interested in sharing a driveway.
April 16, 1979
Page 2
The City Manager stated that in August of 1960 the Council voted to proceed
with the alley project. In 1970 the alley project ~uas denied. The City did
start an alley in 1960 but didn't have the proper easements and had to stop.
Councilman Heintz asked the City Attorney where the City stood legally. The
City Attorney responded that the City is not liable to proceed if this Council
decides that the project isn't warranted. Councilman Heintz asked who is
responsible for damages if over 507 of the benefited property owners wanted an
alley in 1960 and it wasn't put in. The City Attorney answered that the people
who were for the alley in 1960 have rescinded their approval now and no longer
want the alley and nobody is liable.
Councilman Logacz stated that the people evidently didn't vJant the alley too
much or they would have pressed for it in 1960 and not let it ride for this
many years. Mayor Nawrocki stated that this has been a controversial project.
There have always been some people for and some against it.
Mr. Goetz stated his involvement in the alley project is that he is the real
estate agent who is selling Mr. Marko's property. It is hard to sell it
without garage access.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to continue this hearing to another
date for purposes of obtaining additional information.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges - Aye
Norberg, Nawrocki - Nay
Mayor Nawrocki called a special meeting of the Council for May 14 at 7:00 at
which time this hearing will be reopened and asked that written notices be
sent to all property owners on the block.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to adjourn at 8:35 p.m.
Roll Call: A11 Ayes
/
BruS£g. Nawrocki, Mayor
Council Secretary