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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMar 12, 1979OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA MA~CH 12, 1977 The mes:ting was called to order at 8:03 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Present The invocation was given by Councilman Norberg. : HJIrg ~,? ~REV I uJS MEET I NGS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, that the minutes of the Februsry 26 regular meeting be approved as submitted in writing and reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes OEAL PETITIONS Mr. Corey Flag9, !,5:3 Madison Street, brought up the subject of the tax forfeited property at 39}9 Hayes which had been owned by his father snd stated he would like to buy the property for back taxes owed. The City Manager indicated that the practice is to get an appraisal and negotiate a price close to the fair market value of the land. Councilman Logacz c:mmented that the City cannot 9et much for the property because it is landlocked and if this resident would like to regain the property the Council should help. Mayor Nawrocki stated this matter should be referred to the City Attorney and asked for a written report to the Council. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the question be referred to the City Attorney for a report. Roll Call: All Ayes ORglNANSES AN9 RESOL. JTIONS: l. Resolution Regarding Fire Cadet Progra.~ Don Johnson, Fire Chief~ stated that this explorer cadet program was started last May. They have since joined with the Viking Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Presently there are 14 members. The explorers were introduced. Mayor Nawrocki expressed the appreciation of the Council and the community for the service being provided, to the advisors for their efforts, and to the cadets for their i~terest and work. RESOLUT I 0~I 79-.°, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that WHEREAS, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Fighters encourage the creation of Explorer Posts among its member departments, and March 12, 1979 Page 2 WHEREAS, the Boy Scouts of America cooperates with participating fire departments in the establishment and organization of Fire Fighting Career Explorer Posts, and WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights Fire Department has established and organized Explorer Post ~778 in cooperation with the Viking Council, Boy Scouts of America, and WHEREAS, the members of Explorer Post ff778 will be trained in accordance with the accepted standards of the fire fighting and emergency medical service professions, and WHEREAS, the trained members of Explorer Post /778 will provide assistance to the Columbia Heights Fire Department in a wide variety of routine and emergency situations, and WHEREAS, the members of Explorer Post /778 will provide a valuable resource for staffing fire departments in the future, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Columbia Heights City Council does hereby recognize Explorer Post ~778 as a valuable community resource, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Columbia Heights City Council does hereby support the activities of Exp]orer Post 5778, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Columbia Heights City Council does hereby recognize the Charter Members of Explorer Post ~778 as outstanding young citizens for their dedication and perserverence in bringing about the creation of Exp]orer Post ~778. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Hentges Roll Call: All Ayes 2. Ordinance 87l Regarding Overtime Parking Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, that reading be waived as sufficient copies were avai]able to the public. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki Heintz Nay Aye Motion fails as a unanimous vote is necessary. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the ordinance would have to be read. Councilman Heintz stated that applying for a permit to park in the street during certain banned hours is too much of a burden for a homeowner. Councilman Norberg replied that the City shouldn't make it easy to get a permit. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to refer the matter to the City Attorney, that he be directed to consult with Councilman Heintz re]ative to the wording of the ordinance, and bring it back to the next regular Council meeting. Roll Call: Ail Ayes March 12, 1979 Page 3 3. First Reading of Ordinance 899 Selling Part of [.ot 2, Block 1, Temple Terrace Plat Three Motion by Horberg, seconded by Hentges, that reading be waived as sufficient copies were available to the public. Roll Call: All Ayes ORDINANCE 899 BEING AH ORDIh~NCE SELLIFIG P.~RT OF LOT 2 BLOCK, ], TEMPLE lERRACE PLAT THREE The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section l: The Mayor and City Manager are herein authorized to sell and deliver to Roger Hegna a Quit Claim Deed to the following described real estate, to-wit: The South Fourteen (14) feet of Lot 2, Block I Temple Terrace Plat Three, Anoka County, Minnesota Section 2: The purchase price shall be $600.00 and other good and valuable consideration. Section 3: The City of Columbia Heights shall deliver no warranties of title to said real estate. Section 4: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days afteF its passage. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the second reading will constitute a public hearing on the ordinance. This will take place at the next regular Council meeting. 4. Resolution Relating to Midland Coop Project The City .~ttorney explained that Mid]and w.oulci like to extend the time which they have to sell bonds, the maximum extension would be to 24 months. This will not impact the City in any way. RESOLUTION 79-9 RESOLUTION RELATING TO A PROJECT UNDER THE MLINiCIPAL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ACT, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECLJTIOH OF A SUPPLEMENT TO THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, AND MIDLAND COOPERATIVES, IHCORPORATED BE IT RESOLVED by th~ City Council of the City of Columbia tteights, Mir:nesota, as follows: 1. ~he City Cour, ci] by resolution adopted on December 27, 1977 entitled "Reso]utiorl Giv[n~ Preliminary AFproval To A Pr'oj~t Under The Municipal Industrial Development Act, Referring The Proposal To The Commissioner Of Securities For Approval, And Authorizing Execution Of A Memorandum Of Agreement And Preparation Of Necessary Documents" authorized the execution March 12, 1979 Page 4 on behalf of the City of a Memorandum of Agreement relating to the commitment of the City to issue its revenue bonds pursuant to the authority of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 474, as amended, to finance costs of the acquisition of land within the City and the construction and equipping thereon of a facility to be used by Midland Cooperatives, Incorporated (the Company) as a headquarters and office facility. In accordance with Section 4 of such Memorandum of Agreement it is deemed desirable in order to evidence the continuing commitments of the City and Company thereunder to enter into a First Supplement to the Memorandum for such purpose. 2. A form of First Supplement to Memorandum of Agreement has been submitted to this Council for the above described purpose. Such First Supplement to Memorandum of Agreement is hereby approved and the Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized and directed to execute the First Supplement to Memorandum of Agreement on behalf of the City. Offered by: Hentges Seconded by: Heintz Roll Call: All Ayes Resolution Regarding Per Event Fees For Food $ Beer Licenses RESOLUTION 79-10 BEING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A LIMITED EVENT BEER LICENSE FEE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CiTY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS: The license fee for a limited event beer license, which shall be valid for no longer than five (5) consecutive days, shal] hereafter be $50.00. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Norberg Mayor Nawrocki asked what effect this would have on a group who purchases an annual license. The City Attorney answered that this wou]d not affect that type of ]icense. Roll Call: All Ayes PLANNING AND ZONING RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Crestview Lutheran Home The Mayor noted that the Council had granted significant parking waivers to the Northeast Seniors building and this has caused a problem because of the number of residents who own cars. Discussion followed on the number of parking spaces being allowed and Crestview~s intention of using rent subsidies for its residents. Mr. Reetz, architect for Crestview, stated that the design of the building takes into account the dictates of the Council pertaining to code restrictions. Councilman Norberg stated that the allowing of .82 parking spaces per apartment is a significant amount. March 12, 1979 Page 5 Councilman Logacz stated he believes it is unfair for Crestview not to decide the amount of their contribution in lieu of taxes and stated he won:t vote for any variances until Crestview gives the Council an answer as to the amount of their payment. Councilman Heintz stated he has talked to Crestview representatives anougk to believe thet they' would do the fair thing in payment in lieu of taxes. Ha asked whether the Council can authorize the variances before the property rezoning takes effect~ which will be next month. The City Attorney answered that the variances cou!d be granted based on the rezoning taking effect. Discussion cont!nued on the var[arces~ Councilman Peintz requested that the City Manager talk to Tom Paul, Director of Crestview, to set up a meeting to discuss the payffent in lieu of taxes. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, that the variances for Crestview for 30 square feet on the floor area of each unit, a 166 parking stall variance, a 136 stall garage variance and a three story variance on the height of the building based upon the findings of hardship due to the topography of the land which d~c. tated the location and height of the building and the amount anJ locatior of parkii,g space to go into effect on April 3 in concurrence with the rezon i rig. lt~e Hayer asked that a sketch of the proposed driveway location be showr to P.r. Hagfors, 4433 F',eservoir Boulevard, and his response be given to the Council. Courc~l.nian Horberg c:ommented that all the variances reqLested are substantially smaller tkan variances requested for other senior citizen housing in the City. Call,', Heintz~ Norberg, Nawrocki - Aye Logac2.~, Hentges - Nay Hotion Passes. CABLE TV ADVISORY CCHMITTEE Ron Naege!e, Cable TV ACvlsory Cor~mittee Chairman, stated that at the March 7 meeting the Committee came up with the recommendation that they advise Northern Cablevision to apply for a cable service territory consisting of Columbia Heights and Hilltop exclusively. Councilman Heintz explained that representa- tives from Northern Cablevision would like a service territory of Columbia Heights~ Ili!ltop, Fr[dley, and Spring Lake Park. The Committee recommended only Columbia Heights and Hilltop. The Committee made it clear that Northern Cablevision will not get any special consideration for a franchise when the time came as a result of their aid in the application process. Northern Cablevision is willing to abide by this and still offer their help in setting up the service territory. The Council is being asked to concur with the action taken by Northern Cab]evision in setting Lip the ~erritory. l:~nn Davis, Cable Corr~n~unica~ions Board, has recommended that the Council adopt a resolution in support of the cable service territory and a motion indicating to the Communications Board that the entitlement of the service territory is different from that sul:mitted in the proposal~ to include only Columbia Heights and Hilltop. March 12, 1979 Page 6 RESOLUTION 79-11 IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approves the proposal for a cable service territory including the Cities of Columbia Heights and Hilltop by Northern Cablevision, Inc. to the Minnesota Cable! Communications Board. The approval of the cable service territory proposal by the Council does not constitute a presumption that Northern Cablevision, Inc. will be the successful applicant for the cable franchise. The City intends to follow state rules and open bidding procedures prescribed by those rules for franchising a cable communications system. Offered by: Logacz Seconded by: Heintz Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that the City Manager be instructed to forward a communication to the Cable Communications Board indicating its desire to have the submission by Northern Cab]evision revised and stated the following reasons for the revision: (]) that the City of Columbia Heights and Hilltop enjoy and continue to serve each other's common interest by providing services one to the other (2) that both communities enjoy the same school district substantially conterminous, and (3) that we are in fact contiguous in that the boundaries of Hilltop are contiguous to the City of Columbia Heights however other municipalities that may later incorporate in the service territory under the general description as indicated in that proposal will not be contiguous to either community and therefore we conclude that the City's community of interest is best served by the two cities participating in one cable service territory to be known as or restricted to the corporate boundaries of Columbia Heights and Hilltop and that as additional support for a community of interest develops that the City view one of the primary advantages of a cable TV system is its enhancement of a community's integrity and we do not support the establishment of a cable service territory other than the one suggested. Roll Call: All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki commended Ron Naegele and the Committee for their work. RECESS at 9:40 p.m. RECONVENE at 9:50 p.m. COMMUNICATIONS City ,of New Brighton - The Mayor distributed copies of a memo from the City of New Brighton expressing some concerns on genera] highway planning in the north area. They are setting up a meeting for Saturday, April 7 to discuss this and members of the Council and staff are invited. Tax Increment Financing - Bill Basset, City Manager of Hankato, and Dean Otter:son, HRA Director of St. Cloud, sent a letter to the City dealing with the proposed Tax Increment Financing bill. They are encouraging cost participation March 12, 1979 Page 7 by various communities and arrived at the amount of $877 for Columbia Heights: share of the costs incurred to develop the League/NAHRO proposed bill. Councilman Hentges stated he would not vote for the payment until he had a cost breakdown of what other cities were paying. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the $877 be authorized as payment to NAHRO for the work on the Tax Increment Financing project. Councilman Norberg stated he thinks Councilman I!entges has a valid point and added that he would like to see where tl~e money was going, who they bought the services from, and whether they are reasonable. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to table this until the next regular meeting for the purpose of obtaining additional information on the use of the funds and on the method of apportionin~ zhe costs. Roll Call: All Ayes Metropolitan Council - The Mayor stated he had received a check from the ~etropo!itan Council in the amount of $3,271 representing 90% of the City's entitlement :or 1976-77 land use planning funds. OLD BUSIHESS: 1. City Hall Addition and Renovation Councilman Hentges stated tha~ more office space is needed by the Fire Department and he believes it wouid be a better use for the space than turning the old HRA office into a garage for the Police Department. He added some arrangements will have to be made to improve the facilities of the Fire Department. Stu Anderson, Police Chic-F, agreed that the Fire Department is cramped but stated r_hat other departments are also cramped for space. He belives the question is the ongoing waste ,Df manpower and not one of convenience or comfort, Councilman Norberg stated that he is rather disappointed with the way things are arranged in the Fire Department and added it makes sense to him to use the space as a garage specifically as it affords the Police Department direct access to 4Oth Avenue. Don Johnson, Fire Cl~ief, commented that he has arranged the equipment so as not to interrupt the proceedings in the court which is above several of the bays. Mayor Nawrocki summarized what the original plans were intended to include, how the space was supposed to be used, and added the staff has to do some more rearranging within the Fire Department to make the facilities more useful. He would support the continuation of the plan as it now exists to utilize the HRA offices for parking but he wou!d also support additional expenditures to correct the problems making ti~e facilities more effective. Councilman Norberg suggested going ahead with the plan and taking the proposed $8500 remodeling cost to refurnish the existing Fire Department. Mayor Nawrocki summarized the situation with the present contract and explained that the Council would have to take an action if any change is to be made. March 12, 1979 Page $ Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to direct the change order on the City Hall remodeling work to delete the change over of the old HRA offices and leave it as office space. Councilman Hentges added that in looking at the future needs for separate facilities for men and women, he sees a definite need for more space for the Fire Department. Roll Call: Heintz, Hentges Aye Logacz, Norberg, Nawrocki - Nay Mot ion fails. The Mayor noted that some consideration should be given to changes in the layout of the Fire Department and the City Manager and Fire Chief should make these decisions and come to the Council with their recommendations. 2. Restatement of Public Purpose for Tax Forfeit Parcels The City Manager reported that there have been a number of inquiries from people interested in buying City owned tax forfeit property. This item is on the agenda to ask the Council if they still want the staff to pursue the sale of the lots. He asked if the public purpose designation should be removed so the County could sei] the land at the next public auction. Councilman Norberg suggested that the Council decide which property they will use and for what. Discussion continued on the selling price of these parcels and the possibility of selling them on the open market. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to ask the staff to prepare a proposal for disposition of all the lots that they have ]isted fo]lowing the criteria that he suggested, that those interior lots be preserved for opening of streets, that the City consider primari]y the disposition of sma]] parcels adjoining other parcels, and drainage and access easements should be retained. Roll Call: All Ayes Review Landscape Plan for Sullivan Lake Park The City Manager reviewed the plan submitted to the City by Midland Coop for landscaping the active and passive areas around Sullivan Lake. Blueprints were presented and discussed. Midland Coop would like to use water from Sullivan Lake to irrigate their entire site. The City Manager recommends considering this providing that they install a system that would also cover the City's development. Notion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, that Council give preliminary approval to the proposal and that the Council instruct the City Manager to negotiate the matter of number and types of trees and the sprinkler system. Roll Call: All Ayes March 12, 1979 Page 9 Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to waive the 11:30 rule until such time as the agenda is completed. Roll Call: All Ayes NEW BUSINESS: 1. Request to Authorize Bids on Playground Structures Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the City Manager to seek bids far purchase of two playground structures, bids to be opened on Friday, March 30, 1979 at 2:00 p.m. in ~he Council Chambers with a report to the fallowing regular Council meeting~ Roll Call: All Ayes 2. Request Authorization to Expend Funds for Steel Standard Light Poles Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to award the purchase of steel standard light poles in the amount of $1,701.00 to Northland Electric Supply Company based on low competitive informal bid and the Mayor and City Manager be a~Jtl~orized to execute the appropriate contract. Roll Call: All Ayes 3. Request Authorization to Expend Funds for Prestemon Park Softball Fencing Motio~ bf Logacz~ seconded by Heintz, that the ourchase and installation of the fencing at Prestemon Park be awarded to LI.S. Steel Supply Division based on low competitive informal bids taken in the amount of $3,189.00 and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute the appropriate contract. Roll Ca1',: AIl Ayes 4. Request Authorization to Expend Funds for Two Snowplows Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the purchase of two snow, plows be awarded to Hayden-Murphy Equipment Company in the amount of $3,407.80 based on low competitive informal bids and ~hat the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute the appropriate contract. Roll Call: All Ayes 5. Request Al.~thorization to Expen.J Fund_~. For Portable Generator Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize ~he City Manager to expend funds for the purchase of a portable generator from Jeffco Power Systems in the amount of $660 based on low informal compet!tive bids and the Hayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract For :same. Discussion followed on the quality of the generator. March 12, t979 Page 10 Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to refer this back to the City Manager for more information on the relative suitability of the engines. Roll Call: Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki - Aye Logacz, Hentges Nay 6. Positions Classifications Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the positions within the Recreation and Community Services Department be classified as follows: (l) Clerk-Typist II, Range 10, $8,868 SlO,860/year, (2) Recreation Supervisor, Range 18, $12,696 - S15,672/year, (3) Community Services Coordinator, Range 18, $12,696 - $lS,672/year contingent upon concurrence by the School Board. Discussion followed on why /2 and 33 were the same classification. Roll Call: All Ayes CITY MANAGER'S REPORT The City Manager reported on the status of the Crestview congregate housing. The zone change will be effective on April 3, 1979. Their Board w[l] meet soon to discuss payment to the City in lieu of taxes. Mayor Nawrocki asked that this be on the agenda at the next regular meeting. The City Manager has met with representatives of the firefighters and indicated that the City's offer will be consistent with the President's guidelines of 7~ for wage and benefit increases. The union will be asking for a 9~ increase. Discussion followed on the non-union personnel salary increase settlement for this year. The Police union ~320 has tentatively agreed to the offer made them. There are still some communities that have to ratify the agreement. This may be before the Council at the next meeting. NDH Construction Company feels that they were not paid for some work done at Mathaire Park. John Murzyn, Park Superintendent, does not think the work was done. This will be checked out by staff when the snow melts. Councilman Hentges asked about the caulking around the windows and doors in the addition. Councilman Heintz asked to have the alley by the Police Department cleaned better. He also asked when the Council would meet to discuss the City Manager's performance review as his one year anniversary is soon. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT City Attorney Kalina reported that he will be closing on the last of the adjoining property on Hill Street this week. PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that bills as listed be paid out of their proper funds. Roll Call: All Ayes March 12, 1979 Page 11 Mayor Nawrocki noted a copy of a letter from Mr. Lambie objecting to the proposed project and resulting assessments on the Lincoln St., Buchanan St. work. The City Manager stated he had not received a copy of the letter. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the letter from Mr. Lambie be accepted as a petition and placed on file. Roll Call: All Ayes LICENSES Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that licenses as listed be granted upon payment of proper fees and deny Mr. Terry Allen Brown's application for a taxi cab license based on the recommendation of the Police Department. Roll Call: All Ayes Informal meetings were set for Monday, March 19 at 7:00 and Tuesday, March 20 at 7:30 to discuss personnel policy and the City Manager's performance review. A proclamation was submitted declaring Thursday, March 15, 1979 as 'lDoris May Hinrichs Day" honoring the 80th birthday of one of Columbia Heights' longtime residents. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to adjourn at 12:30 a.m. Roll Call: All Ayes Bruce'. Nawrocki, Mayor (~Counc i 1 Sec ~'et'a ry