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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFeb 26, 1979OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA FEBRUARY 26, 1979 The meeting was called to order at 8:10 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Present INVOCATION The invocation was given by Reverend William McEachern of Oak Hill Baptist Church. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, that the minutes of the regular meeting of February 12 be approved as submitted in writing and reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes ORAL PETITIONS Mr. Steve Clark, representing the Jaycees, was present to request a food license for a softball tournament on March 3 and 4. The Park Board has approved the license. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the license application be granted and the fee be waived. Roll Call: All Ayes ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: 1. Second Reading of Ordinance 898 Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, that reading be waived as sufficient copies were available for the public. Roll Call: All Ayes ORDINANCE 898 BEING AN ORDINANCE VACATING AN EASEMENT The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1: The City of Columbia Heights herein vacates that certain easement quit claimed to it by Quit Claim Deed from Richard W. Nelson and Lillian T. Nelson, his wife, dated March 11, 1960. Said easement is described as "a temporary construction easement for public alley purposes over and across the W. 33 ft. of E. 40 ft. of Lot 5" as a memorial, filed as document number 32656 on Certificate of Title No. 6590, pertaining to certain property situated in the County of Anoka and State of Minnesota to-wit: Lot Five (5 , Auditor's Subdivision Number 120, Anoka County, Minnesota, according to the map or plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the Registrar of Titles in and for Anoka County, Minnesota February, 26, 1979 Page 2 Section 2: The Mayor and City Manager are herewith authorized to execute any documents necessary or desirable to complete the vacation of the said temporary construction easement. Section 3: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. Offered by: Norberg Seconded by: Hentges Roll Call: All Ayes 2. Resolution Endorsing Letter of Agreement between the HRA and the Columbia Heights Development Consortium Roger Jensen, HRA Director, reported that the proposed resolution would endorse the action of the HRA and the Columbia Heights Development Consortium in giving the developer 75 days to formalize their marketing and financing effort. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that reading be waived as sufficient copies were available for the public. Roll Call: All Ayes RESOLUTION 79-7 RESOLUTION ENDORSING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA AND THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DEVELOPHENT CONSORTIUM CONCERNING A PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN A SECTION OF THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT WHEREAS on August 3, 1977, the City Council approved the Downtown CBD Revitalization Plan as prepared by the Downtown Development Council and the Housing and Redevelop- ment Authority and, WHEREAS on May 10, 1978, the City/HRA entered into an agreement with the Columbia Heights Development Consotrium, herein known as the developer, for the exclusive right to negotiate a development within a section of our downtown central business district and, WHEREAS, on September 13, 1978, the developer presented their preliminary plan to a joint meeting of the HRA and Downtown Development Council where these preliminary plans were approved by both boards and found to be consistent with the Downtown CBD Revitalization Plan and, WHEREAS, on November 7, 1978 these preliminary plans were presented and approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission and found to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Columbia Heights, MN and, WHEREAS the Downtown Development Council and HRA Board of Commissioners have authorized the Executive Director of the Housing Authority to pursue a development agreement with the Consortium to be presented to the City Council for their consideration and, February 26, 1979 Page 3 WHEREAS the developer has stated a need for a period of time to complete its marketing campaign for the proposed development and it is in the best interest of the City/HRA to have this marketing completed before the formalization of the development agreement and, WHEREAS this letter in the judgement of the developer, would provide them with an agreement substantial enough to perform their marketing prior to the formalization of the development agreement. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Columbia Heights, MN that passage of this resolution endorses the agreement dated February 14, 1979 between the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights and the Columbia Heights Development Consortium. Offered by: Logacz Seconded by: Heintz Discussion followed on which property was included in the agreement. Councilman Norberg stated his concern that the City would be tole in the future that they cannot back out of the project because leases have been signed. The City Attorney answered that this resolution doesn't indicate that there is any formalized plan. The developer just wants to go forward to market the project and is concerned that in approaching potential tennants there is some commitment from the City that they are willing to keep moving on the project. The Mayor noted that the Council has been shown a concept plan and if they did not approve this plan they probably should not vote for the resolution. Councilman Norberg stated that he doesn't feel he can agree at this time to include the land north of 41st in the development project. Discussion continued on whether the addition of the land north of 41st legitimizes the position that the Council agrees that this land is in the proposed project. Roger Jensen stated that the reason for adding this land was the HRA's problem obtaining funds for a parking lot on the west side of Central and the land north of 41st was added to accommodate the parking. He has talked to homeowners north of 41st and the majority agree that they would rather have the City take their property than live across from the proposed development. Discussion continued on why the City would need this land, the difference in the tax increment, and the value of the property. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay 3. Resolution Regarding Per Event Fees for Food and Beer Licenses The City Attorney suggested defining the meaning of the term 'levent" as used in the resolution. Councilman Heintz stated that the Park Board should come up with a recommendation for a time limit of an "event". February 26, 1979 Page 4 Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to refer this question to the Park Board for their recommendation on the definition of "event". Roll Call: All Ayes COMMUNICATIONS: 1. Letter from Richfield Regarding Binding Arbitration Lawsuit The City Manager received a letter from the City of Richfield stating that they lost the lawsuit they were involved in concerning binding arbitration. This item was referred to the Council for information and required no action. 2. All Terrain Vehicle Committee Minutes The City Manager stated that three alternatives for the proposed All Terrain Vehicle Recreation areas were discussed by the Anoka County All Terrain Vehicle Committee and all three areas will be explored. Discussion followed on where the areas were located. 3. Letter from Jori Dickerson Regarding Parking at the Northeast Seniors Apartments The City Manager stated that the apartment owners are willing to pursue additional parking facilities. He was instructed to follow up on the situation. 4. Police Relief Association 1978 Annual Report Mayor Nawrocki asked what constitutes "operating costsI' as listed in the report and asked for an answer in the near future. This was an informational item. 5. Resolution Adopted by the Recreation and Community Services Commission This resolution was adopted to ask for alternative facilities for the Recreation and Community Services Commission. The Commission suggested three alternative locations. The City Manager stated that the staff had some considering to do before any proposal was decided on. Councilman Heintz stated the School Board should be contacted to see if they had any vacant offices which the Recreation Department could use. Mayor Nawrocki asked what the OSHA standards were which weren't met in the present location. The City Manager answered that Linda Hansen, Recreation Director, would be getting a letter to him on this soon. Discussion continued on the alternatives. Councilman Norberg made the point that something must be gotten in writing on what 0SHA's statements were. 6. Letter from Cable TV Advisory Committee The City Manager stated that the Cable TV Advisory Committee letter to the Council answeres the question put to it by the City of Minneapolis asking for approval of their cable TV territory. The Committee's suggestion was that the Council recommend acceptance of the proposal to the Metropolitan Council and Minneapolis Cable Commission. Councilman Norberg asked why Minneapolis was asking Columbia Heights to comment on their proposal. The City Manager answered the reason is that a contigious community may want to join in the installation or may have some objections to voice. February 26, 1979 Page 5 Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the Council concur with the Minneapolis establishment of a district as proposed, but that if Columbia Heights had cable TV, it would have a territory of its own not included in their territory, and are not interested in being included in this one. Roll Call: All Ayes Discussion followed on two conferences being held shortly on cable TV and whether anyone from the Cable Commission, staff, or Council would be interested in attending. 7. Annual Report of City Departments The City Manager handed out the annual reports. The Council will review and discuss them at a later meeting. 8. Other Communications Fire Department - The City Manager stated a report from the Fire Department Relief Association was distributed to the Council with their material Friday. Discussion followed on the audit report of the Association and the City Attorney's comments on the duties and powers of the Marquette National Bank to invest eht funds. City of Hilltop - The City Manager stated he received a letter from the City Clerk of Hilltop indicating that their Council voted to participate with Columbia Heights in setting up a service territory for cable TV under a joint powers agreement. Two members of their City have been meeting with the Columbia Heights Cable TV Advisory Committee. Letter of Commendation - The Mayor stated he had received a letter from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency commending three employees of the Sewer Department; Don Jolly, Ivan Kohl, and Dean Althaus for their dedication and professionalism. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Energy Awareness Committee Mayor Nawrocki suggested that the Council establish the Energy Awareness Committee. Applications have been received from four residents and a member of the League of Women Voters stated she was also willing to serve on the committee. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to appoint Maureen Vachuska, Trudy Rider, Thomas Lidberg, Gordon Jorgenson, Roberg Marshall and Councilman Gayle Norberg to the Energy Awareness Committee. Councilman Heintz stated he believes the committee should elect their own chairman and that their first order of business be to develop a statement of role. Roll Call: All Ayes RECESS at 9:48 p.m. RECONVENE at 10:10 p.m. February 26, 1979 Page 6 2. Award of Bid to Kokesh Athletic Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that bid be awarded to Kokesh in the amount of $2,491.65 for T-shirts based on low informal competitive bids received and payment be approved. Roll Call: All Ayes Discussion followed on what types of items can be awarded without following the bidding process. The City Attorney stated that items such as the City Newsletter are considered a service and need not be bid. 3. City Hall Addition, Renovation, and Remodeling The City Manager summarized the quotations and change orders for courtroom panels, a work surface for the Council, patching wood paneling around a door, caulking brick joints, and to furnish four additional shelves for the County Clerk. Councilman Logacz stated he would like to see the staff table extended instead of spending money to change the panels in front of the Council table. Councilman Norberg stated he doesn't feel 3650 should be spent to put in a work surface in place of the table the Council was using. The City Manager stated there is no noise problem caused by the people in the court hallway. He recommended painting the ceiling in the hallway instead of installing a dropped ceiling. The deduct for demolishing of the old HRA offices would be $1600. Councilman Hentge~ suggested taking the deduct. Councilman Norberg stated that the $]600 deduct is not sufficient, the contractor should be allowed to continue the work he is supposed to be doing. Councilman Heintz suggested adding to the Burrow's garage, next to the parking lot, to be used by the Police Department for their cars and leaving the HRA offices to be remodeled and used for additional office space. Stu Anderson, Police Chief, stated that the Police Department can get three cars in the planned facility and it would cost approximately $3500 to add the required space to the Burrow's garage. Councilman Heintz replied that HRA is in the process of getting a garage which could be moved to the site, however, a new slab would have to be installed. Lengthy discussion followed on potential use of the old HRA office space. Councilman Norberg asked if it were possible to get parking space in the Fire Department garage for the police cars. The City Manager answered that the remaining space in the bay areas will be used for storage by the Fire Department. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Norberg, to go along with the utilization of the old HRA office space as originally proposed in the plan and not take a deduct. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to table this until the next regular meeting so the City Manager can get together with the Police Chief and the Fire Chief to discuss the utilization of the space. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges Norberg, Nawrocki - Nay Aye February 26, 1979 Page 7 Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to authorize change orders for patching wood paneling around door #10i, caulk brick joints around door #101, furnish four additional shelves for County Clerk cabinet (charged to County Court), and paint the ceiling in corridor #125. Roll Call: All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki noted that there was water damage to the Police Department during the rain last week. The City Manager stated that some of the snow was removed from the roof which eliminated part of the problem. The leaks will be repaired by the contractor. 4. Sullivan Lake Development Proposals Mayor Nawrocki noted that if the Council intends to take action so that something gets done this summer, the Council had better act soon to decide on the type of development which will take place around Sullivan Lake. Discussion followed on the various proposals. Councilman Norberg stated that he liked the townhouse proposal with the limited density. The Mayor asked if the Council was willing to consider industrial revenue bonds for financing the development. C~uncilman Norberg answered that a good public purpose is necessary to issue industrial revenue bonds and he doesn't believe this development qualifies. Councilmen Logacz and Hentges stated that they could support the issuance of bonds depending on what type of development was decided on. The search committee will make a recommendation soon on the type of development. 5. Other Old Business: City of Roseau - Mayor Nawrocki stated he had received a letter from the City of Roseau on their experience with flood insurance. Copies will be distributed to the City Manager, City Attorney, and Council. Human Services Commission - An application was received from Zoe Strand indicating her willingness to serve on the Human Services Commission. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to appoint Zoe Strand to the Human Services Commission. Roll Call: AIl Ayes NEW BUSINESS: I. Bids on Tree Removal The low bidder was Clark Landscaping at $4.50 per inch. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that the bids for removal of trees and stumps from public and private property be awarded to Clark Landscaping based on low competitive bids and Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract with same. Roll Call: All Ayes February 26, 1979 Page 8 2. Special Assessment Hearing Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to call a public hearin9 for Honday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. to consider special assessments for Columbia Court, and storm sewers at 40th and McKinley and 42nd Ave. and Second St. Roll Call: Al] Ayes 3. Schoo]s and Conferences Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to authorize attendance and expenses for the City Clerk to a conference in Brainard from March 21 - 23. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Heintz - Nay Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to authorize attendance and expenses for the Police Chief to the Police Executive and the Law Workshop from April 23 - 26 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Roll Call: All Ayes 4. Request Authorization to Demolish Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the seeking of bids to demolish the buildings at 531, 535, and 539 Hill St., bids to be opened March 21 at 2:00 p.m. with a report back to the following regular Council meetin9. Discussion followed on whether to demolish the buildings or to salvage the material. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki - Aye Hentges - Nay 5. Authorization to Seek Bids for Sale of 541 Mill St. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the City Manager to seek bids for the sale and removal of the building at 541 Mill St. Ro]] Call: A11 Ayes 6. Request to Purchase Steel Ro]ler Hotion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the purchase of a one and one half ton model 100 steel roller from Hayden-Murphy in the amount of $2,850.00 based on informal competitive bid. Roll Call: All Ayes 7. Position Classifications Motion by Norber9 to table this matter until the next regular meetin9. February 26, 1979 Page 9 Discussion followed on the position changes. Councilman Norberg withdrew his motion. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the positions of senior police technician range 20, liquor retail clerk range 12, custodian range 12, and assistant building inspector range 18 be approved. Roll Call: All Ayes 8. Request to Advertise for Bids for a Rotary Mower for the Park Department Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the advertisement for bids for a rotary mower, bids to be opened on March 16 at 2:00 p.m. with a report back to the next regular Council meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes 9. Informal Quotations on Sod Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that bids for sod be awarded to Glen Rehbein Farms Inc. based on low informal competitive bid of 50¢ a square yard and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes 10. Request to Set Work Session Date The City Manager requested a work session be set to discuss personnel policy manual. The date of Monday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m. was set. Motion by Hentges to extend the meeting until 12:30 a.m. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to waive the ll:30 rule to extend the meeting until 12:15 a.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay 11. Other New Business League of Minnesota Cities Conference - The State League has its Conference on March 1 at the Holiday Inn in St. Paul. Any staff wishing to attend should notify the Council Secretary. Bus Shelters - The City Manager stated that the MTC sent a letter and agreement regarding construction of a bus shelter on 40th and Washington. February 26, 1979 Page 10 Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into agreement with the MTC for the purpose of installing a bus shelter at 40th and Washington St. at City Hall entrance. Roll Call: All Ayes Joint Power Agreement Discussion was held on whether this was the time to draw up an agreement with Hilltop for the proposed cable TV territory because all the facts necessary are not known. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Norberg, to authorize the City Attorney to draw up a joint powers agreement with the City of Hilltop including what he considers necessary to present to the Council. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki - Aye Hentges - Nay LICENSES Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, that licenses as listed be granted upon payment of the proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, seconded by togacz, that bills as listed be paid out of their proper funds. Roll Call: All Ayes Brief discussion followed on whose responsibility it was to see that all rubbish haulers in the City were licensed. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to adjourn at 12:17 a.m. Roll Call: All Ayes , Counc [ I Secretary Bruce 'G. Nawrocki, Mayor