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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