HomeMy WebLinkAboutMar 27, 1979OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
RECESSED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
MARCH 27, 1979
The meeting was called to order at 9:05 p.m.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Present
Mayor Nawrocki stated that this meeting was a continuation of the regular meeting
which was recessed Monday night.
4. Bids on 1979 Construction Projects (Cont.)
The City Manager asked that the motion made Monday night to award tine bid on 1979
construction projects be changed to include some wording which George Brown, City
Engineer, believes is necessary.
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, that the Council reconsider the bid of last
night for the 1979 construction projects.
Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye
Heintz - Nay
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Locacz, to substitute the following motion: To award
the bid on 1979 construction projects to NDH, Inc. in the grand total amount of
$417,783.70 on the basis of low, responsible bid subject to plan approval and
concurrence in award by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, State Aid
Division, and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract
for same.
Discussion followed on the use of the state aid funds for the 5th Street project.
Councilman Heintz stated he will vote against the motion because he objects to the
Highway Department having to approve the plans.
Motion by Heintz to strike the language dealing with the Highway Department approval
from the motion.
Motion dies for lack of a second.
Mayor Nawrocki stated he feels that the City may have gone out for bids prematurely
as the easements for several of the projects have not been received as yet and the
State has not as yet sent their approval on one project. However, having gone out
early may assure that the projects will be completed this year and at a reasonable
price.
Roll Call on main motion: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye
Norberg - Nay
5. Bids on Rotary Mowers for Park Department
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to award the bid on rotary mowers for the
Park Department to Minnesota Toro, Inc. in the amount of $6,100 on the basis of low,
responsible bid; and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into
contract for same.
Roll Call: All Ayes
March ;)-7, 1979
Page 2
6. Bids on Demolition of Houses on Mill Street
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to award the bid on the demolition of City
owned houses on Mill Street to Herbst and Sons in the amount of S5,600 on the basis
of low, responsible bid; and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter
into contract for same.
Roll Call: All Ayes
City Manager distributed two proposals for- turning off the water and sewer so
the properties can be demolished.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized
to enter into agreement with Vern O]son Plumbing in the amount of Sl,745 for the
disconnection and capping of sewer and water services at the three locations based
on low informal bids.
Roll Call: All Ayes
7. Informal Quotations on Castings for the Sewer Department
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to award the bid on castings for the Sewer
Department to Neenah Foundry in the amount of $3,52~.OO, New Ulm Foundry in the
amount of S1,01~.50, based on low informal quotation and that the Mayor and City
Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same.
Roll Call: All Aves
8. Bids on Road Aggregates
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to award the bid on road aggregates to
Barton Contracting Company, Bryan Rock Products, Inc., J. L. Shiely Company and
Northwestern Aggregates, Inc. for the products and amounts ]isted in the memo from
Hitch DoMars, Street Superintendent, dated March 21 and that the Mayor and City
Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same.
Roll Call: All Ayes
9. Bids on Asphaltic Materials (oil)
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to award the bid on Asphaltic Materials to
Koch Asphalt Company, Ashland Petroleum Company, and L. N. Sickels Company for
the products and amounts listed in the memo from Mitch DoMars dated March 21 and
that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same.
Roll Call: All Ayes
10.
Informal quotations on Partitions and Handicap
Bars for Nen's Lavatory at Field House
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the City Manager be authorized to
expend S770 for the purchase of partitions and handicap bars for the men's
lavator,/ at the Field House from Olson Plumbing Company on the basis of )ow,
informal quotation.
March 27, 1979
Page 3
Councilman Hentges asked why bids were not received for the women's lavatory
as wel 1 .
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to table this until the next regular Council
meeting for further information.
Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges Aye
Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki
Nay
Motion fails.
Roll Call on main motion: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki
Norberg, Hentges - Nay
Aye
ll. Bids on Plant Mixed Bituminous
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to award the bid on Plant Mixed Bituminous
to Midwest Asphalt Corporation, Commercial Asphalt Company, and Bituminous
Roadways, Inc. for the products and amounts listed on the memo from Mitch DeMars
dated March 21 and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into
contract for same.
Roll Call: All Ayes
12. Informal Quotations on Hydrants
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to award the bid on hydrants to Water Products
Company in the amount of $4,396.00 (or $549.00 each) for eight Waterous WB-59
hydrants based on low, informal quotation and that the Mayor and City Manager be
authorized to enter into contract for same.
Roll Call: All Ayes
13. Informal Quotations on Root Control Chemicals
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to award the bid on root control chemicals
to LeeMar Distributors in the amount of $4,125.00 ($27.50 per gallon for 150 gallons)
on the basis of low, informal qu.otation and that the Mayor and City Manager be
authorized to enter into contract for same.
Roll Call: All Ayes
14. Local Planning Assistance Agreement
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to
enter into the Local Planning Assistance Agreement for the 1977-78 allotment under
the Land Planning Act.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki
Norberg - Nay
Aye
March 27, 1979
Page 4
15. Wage Increase for WayneIs Protection Agency
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the hourly rate paid to Wayne
Protection Agency be increased from S7 to S8 per hour retroactive to January
1979 based on the Park Board recommendation.
Counci'lman Norberg stated that this equals a 12~.; increase and asked what type of
improvements have been made in the communications situation. Councilman Logacz
stated that the agency has not received an increase in several years and is
overdue. He feels they are fairly effective and worth the increase. Councilman
Norberg asked if this wasn't outside the President's guidelines and again asked
what [nprovements have been made in the communications situation. Councilman
Logacz answered that several alternative methods of communication are being
looked into.
The City Manager noted that specs are being prepared for getting bids from other
firms. The Park Board may be looking for alternative services in the future although
they are not sure that other services can be obtained at a competitive price.
Motion by Norberg to table for further information on compliance with the
President's guidelines.
Motion dies for lack of a second.
Discussion was held on the level of service provided and what level the City
expects.
Roll Call on main motion: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye
Norberg - Abstain
Mayor Nawrocki commented that he ~,pes the City is workina with the Park Department
and the Park Board and any recommendations the Council has will be discussed with
them.
16. Wage Adjustments and Promotions
The City Manager indicated the wage adjustments and promotions which he was
recommending. The merit increases will go into effect administratively.
In the matter of the Assistant Building Inspector and the Senior Police Technician
positions, Councilman Norberg stated he believes the proper thing to do is to
establish a range and it will be the perogative of the City Manager to place who
he wants in the position.
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to create the position of Assistant
Building Inspector at a range 18.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Nawrocki, to concur with the City Manager's
recommendation to establish a Senior Police Technicians position in range 20.
City Manager reminded the Council that they had previously established these
positions.
March 27, 1979
Page 5
RECESS at lO:O0 p.m.
RECONVENE at 10:17 p.m.
The Mayor read the minutes of the meeting of February 26 which contained the motion
establishing these two positions.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to reconsider 'the position of Senior Police
Technician.
The Mayor stated that if there is no objection, he will strike from the record the
motions made establishing the positions of Assistant Building Inspector and
Senior Police Technician on the basis that this dupli,:ates action previously taken.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to reconsider the action of the Council taken
on February 26 establishing the positions of Senior Police Technician range 20,
liquor retail clerk range 12, custodian range 12, and Assistant Building !nspector
range 18.
Roll Call: tteintz, Norberg - Aye
Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Nay
Motion fails.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Nawrocki, to close the positions of Chief Dispatcher
and one position of permits clerk II which are the empty positions that these two
promotions would create.
Councilman Heintz stated he will vote against the positions because he still
thinks it is wrong to establish the position of Senior Police Technician and added
he thinks the employee should stay where he is currently which is Chief Dispatcher.
The Mayor indicated that the employee did not receive a wage adjustment at the
beginning of the year and this would in effect give him a 5.8% increase.
Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye
Heintz - Nay
The City Attorney stated he would like the Council to resolve the establishment of
the two positions in some way either with an indication through their action or
inaction as to whether or not the salaries will be approved.
The City Manager proposed that Jan Bertrand be appointed as Assistant Building
Inspector at a range 18 in the amount of $1,058 per month and the Mayor is proposing
that Ralph Duray be named to the position of Senior Police Technician at a salary of
$1,439 per month, range 20, step E. These will come to the Council as a formal
resolution at the next meeting.
Councilman Heintz asked how the Mayor can justify appointing the Senior Police
Technician to a step E under the assumption that he excels in the position when he
hasn't as yet held that position. The Mayor justified the recommendation by the
fact that using the employeels previous salary as a base, the 5.8% proposed increase
represents something less than the actual cost of living increase that other
employees received.
March ?-7, 1979
Page 6
Discussion continued on the wage recommendations. Councilman Norberg stated that
in this case, since the Poi ice Department reports to the Mayor, this is an
administrative function that the Mayor is empouncled to do and he doesn't have to
answer to the Council. The Mayor noted that at this point in time the only thing
being done is appointing Mr. Duray to the position of Senior Police Technician.
Councilman Heintz stated that he is not concerned with the salary, only with
the step that this would place him in.
17. Classification of City Planner Position
The City Manager- stated the recommendation is that the position be established at
a range 24 which would have a salary range of S1 ,40LI to S1 ,746 per month for an
annual wage of $16,848 to S20,952. The money as proposed in the 1979 budget was
S15,000. At this monthly rate approximately S11,000 would be used in 1979, assuming
the employee will begin on May l.
Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to establish the position of City Planner
as desc:ribed in the position description of range 2~.
The Mayor commented that not only is the salary range a little bit high, but it
is not in keeping with the directive and consensus of the Council at the time of
the buc;get preparation and asked why their recommendations had been ignored. The
City I~lanager answered that considering the requirements of the job, the range is
appropriate. Discussion continued on the Council's previous recommendation and
the City Manager~s present recommendation.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to establish the position of City Planner
as per' the job description and to amend the motion to change the range to ]8 and
the corresponding dollar step.
Discussion followed on the range being proposed.
Roll Call: Heintz, Norberg, Hentges - Aye
Logacz, Nawrocki - Nay
The City Manager asked that the job description be revised. He proposed eliminating
the minimum two years of experience. No action was taken on the City Manager's
request.
18. Resignation of Johy Murzyn
Superintendent of Parks
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to reluctantly accept the resignation of
John ~urzyn as Park Superintendent after many long years of dedicated service.
Roll Call: All Ayes
19. Request for Payment to Northdale Construction
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the additional payment of
S3,082.78 to Northdale Construction in payment for road n~aterials, said monies
to be paid from the Sewer fund.
Discussion followed on why the money was con~ing from the Sewer fund.
Roll Call: All Ayes
March 27, 1979
Page 7
20. Other New Business:
Park Superintendent - Mayor Nawrocki commented on the matter of a replacement for
John Murzyn. He stated he trusts that the City Manager will work with the Park
Board on a recommendation. Councilman Norberg stated that it occurred to him
that this is an opportunity for the City Manager to rethink the organization of
the Park Department as well as the location of its office.
Proclamation - The Mayor stated a proclamation is being issued designating
Monday, April 6 as Mrs. Vincent Guzik Day honoring a long time resident of
Columbia Heights.
Para-Transit - Tim Yantos, Administrative Assistant, stated that he has completed
the marketing of the program to the point where a pamphlet has gone to the printer
and will go to the public within two weeks. Over the last four or five weeks the
program has averaged 160 riders oer week. Mayor Nawrocki asked for a copy of a
written report on the system.
County Court Deposits - The City Manager reported that the court clerks receive
cash each day and have had problems with depositing and storing their receipts.
They have asked the Police Department to deliver their money to the bank. The
City Manager submitted an agreement between the City and the Court to provide
this service. Discusstion was held on the responsibilities and liabilities of
the City.
Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to accept the agreement and authorize the
Mayor and City Manager to enter into agreement for same.
Roll Call: All Ayes
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
The City Manager reported that the apartment fire in Columbia Heights was of
electrical origin and was not set.
He also stated that the Council received a copy of the liquor report and a report
on the game room. $874 has been expended and $688 has been received as of March
16. He expects that the City will equal or exceed its cost at the next collection.
The off sale liquor stores are showing a profit for this year. Mayor Nawrocki
stated it is encouraging to see the increase in the profitability.
Councilman Hentges asked about the City's payment to NAHRO for the tax increment
bill expenses. Mayor Nawrocki stated he is still waiting for backup information
from the League of Minnesota Cities offices on what the money was spent for.
Councilman Norberg asked if the Council would be interested in asking the City
Manager to look into the impact of not expanding midblock lighting. The Mayor
noted that the present policy has not resulted in excessive midblock lighting and
doesn't expect it to in the future.
March 27, 1979
Pa ge 8
Councilman Hentges stated that the public hearing for the alley opening was set for
April 16 and this is not a regular meeting night. He asked to reconsider the date.
The Council decided that it was their understanding at the time that this was not
a regular meeting night.
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to indicate that the authorization for the
hearing on the alley between Jefferson and Madison Streets, between ~3rd and ~th
Avenues is a special meeting called for 7:00 p.m., Monday, April ]6.
Roll Call: All Ayes
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
City A'ttorney Kalina reported that the acquisition of the Mill Street properties
has been completed.
The Barber's has dismissed its lawsuit against the City of Columbia Heights and
decided not to purchase the property at 4gth and Central.
L I CENSFS
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberfl, that licenses as listed be approved upon
payment of the proper fees.
Roll Call: All Ayes
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Hotion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, that bills as listed be paid out of their
proper funds.
Roll Call: All Ayes
ADJOURHMENT
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to adjourn at 11:50 p.m.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Council Secretary
!
· I /
Bruce g. Nawrocki, Mayor