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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFeb 12, 1979OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA FEBRUARY 12, 1979 The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Present INVOCATION The invocation was given by Pastor Walter Wahl of First Lutheran Church. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Nawrocki noted that this was the first regular Council meeting being held in the new court/council chambers. He stated that Columbia Heights is very lucky to have active groups within the City. Two of these groups were in attendance to make presentations. A V.F.W. representative presented the Council with a flag and stand for the council chamber. Two Knights of Columbus members presented the Council with a framed copy of the Declaration of Independence. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the minutes of the regular meeting of January 22 and the special meeting of January 29 be approved as presented in writing and reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes ORDINANCES: 1. Second Reading of Ordinance 887 The abutting property owner, Chester Herringer, is interested in purchasing a parcel from the City immediately adjacent to City property near Sullivan Lake. The value is stated as $10,800. ORDINANCE 887 BEING AN ORDINANCE FOR THE SALE OF PART OF AUDITORIS SUBDIVISION NO. 51 TO CHEERY COMPANY The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section l: The City of Columbia Heights shall sell and convey unto Cheery Company, a general partnership consisting of Chester M. Herringer and Gerral G. Herringer, the following described real estate, to-wit: Tract "C", Registered Land Survey No. 63, Anoka County, Minnesota February 12, 1979 Page 2 Section 2: The purchase price shall be $10,800.00 and other good and valuable cons iderat ion. Section 3: The Mayor and City Manager are herewith authorized to execute deeds conveying said property. Section 4: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Hentges Councilman Norberg asked about the easement for a proposed alley. Mayor Nawrocki answered that at the present time there is no alley proposed for that area. Councilman Norberg stated he did not like the idea of selling the land for $10,800 and then having to buy an easement back in the future. Councilman Hentges stated the reasons and the needs for an alley on this property in the future and asked into which fund the money from the sale of the property would go. Councilman Norberg pointed out that this property is in a prime area and shouldnlt be sold at this time. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay 2. First Reading of Ordinance Vacating an Easement 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 ll, 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 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. February 12, 1979 Page 3 Section 3: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. The Mayor noted that the second reading will be at the next regular Council meeting. This will constitute a public hearing. RESOLUTIONS: 1. Participation in Minnesota Cities Week RESOLUTION 79-6 PARTICIPATION IN MINNESOTA CITIES WEEK WHEREAS, February 26 through March 2 has been proclaimed as Minnesota Cities Week by the Governor of the State of Minnesota; and WHEREAS, city governments offer the best opportunity for most Minnesota citizens to take an active part in the political processes which so profoundly influence their lives; and WHEREAS, the recognition of the significance of city government by designation of a city government week will provide an opportunity to promote even greater citizen understanding and involvement; and WHEREAS, designation of a special week for recognition of city government will provide opportunities for greater understanding of the role of cities in relation to other units of local, regional and state government by governmental officers and employees; NOW THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the city council of Columbia Heights officially recognizes Minnesota Cities Week and commits this city to such promotional and other city week activities as the council shall herewith and hereafter direct. BE IT FURTHER DIRECTED, that copies of this resolution be provided to Governor Albert H. Quie, the League of Minnesota Cities and the official newspaper as well as other local news media. Adopted by the city council of the City of Columbia Heights this 12th day of February, 1979. Offered by: Hentges Seconded by: Norberg Councilman Heintz stated that when Governor Quie ran for office he stated he wouldn't select people along party lines to fill state positions, however, he did this in the past week by overlooking a candidate who was best qualified for a job because of his party affiliations. He stated he intends to vote against this resolution. Councilman Norberg stated that the foregoing argument has nothing to do with the resolution. Councilman Heintz stated that he feels this action reflects on the Governor's integrity. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Heintz - Nay February 12, 1979 Page 4 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. John Miller, 5001 University Ave. Request for Variance Mr. Miller's request was denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission and he is now appealing this decision. A1 Carlson, City Planner, showed drawings and floor plans of the proposed building. A front yard setback and rear yard variance are required. Discussion followed on the number of parking spaces provided and the number required by the City. Mr. Miller explained the plans and why he felt they were adequate. Councilman Heintz stated that there was no way to justify a hardship and this was the basis of the Planning and Zoning Commission's denial. Councilman Norberg asked the City Attorney for a definition of hardship. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the request be denied based on the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation. Discussion continued on the traffic problem caused by trucks making deliveries behind the businesses. Mr. Miller stated that his plan will help to keep the traffic away from the alley. Councilman Heintz reminded the Council that they do not know what kind of business will be included, the plans are just for an office/ service building. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki Aye Norberg - Abstain Hentges - Nay Motion carries. Councilman Norberg stated that this development would be a real asset to the area, however, he believes that a hardship should be shown for a variance and he doesn't think Mr. Miller has shown one. He added that he will ask the Council later in the meeting to direct the Planning and Zoning not to send another case of a variance request to the Council without proven hardship. 2. Walquist Realty, 4230 Central Ave. Site Plan Approval - Amendment This item is to approve the amended grading plan for Columbia Court. A1 Carlson showed a plan of the proposed grading. Discussion followed on the grading, types of trees being proposed, and when the grading would be done. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to approve the amended grading and landscaping plan as presented, including grass cover. Mayor Nawrocki noted that this is an initial screening plan for the back of the property, and that when site plans come in for a specific, individual development, its screening will again be considered with the understanding that there might be additional requirements. Roll Call: All Ayes February 12, 1979 Page 5 Mayor Nawrocki stated that several residents have complained about the glare from the lights around White Castle and asked that the matter be checked out. A short discussion was held on what types of development are planned for the other sites in Columbia Court. HANDICAP PARKING ZONE Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to concur with the Traffic Commission recommendation that a handicapped parking zone be established at 500 Mill Street. Roll Call: All Ayes FIRE DEPARTMENT RELIEF ASSOCIATION The Mayor stated he received a letter from the Columbia Heights Fire Department Relief Association noting several changes in the membership roster of the organization and asked the City Attorney for a letter summarizing the Council's responsibilities as the Board of Trustees for the Relief Association. RECESS at 9:50 p.m. RECONVENE at 10:10 p.m. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Sale of City Property The City Manager explained that this item is for the sale of property adjoining Mr. Roger Hegna's on Washington Street and 51st. The City acquired the land via tax forfeiture several years ago. Mr. Hegna stated his interest and willingness to purchase the property for $1,200 provided the City deliver a warranty deed which would cost the City approximately $600. Councilman Heintz stated he would like to offer Mr. Hegna a quit claim deed and have an ordinance prepared on same for the next Council meeting. Councilman Norberg stated he thinks Mr. Hegna should pay one-half of the warranty deed costs. Discussion continued on how to make sure the property gets integrated with Mr. Hegna's existing property and on alternative methods of handling the sale of the property. The City Manager was told to pursue negotiations. 2. Fee Waiving Criteria - Park Board Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to adopt the fee waiving criteria as recommended by the Park Board and listed in the Assistant Park Superintendent's memo of January 19. Roll Call: All Ayes 3. Other Old Business Old HRA Offices - Councilman Hentges asked if the Council would consider using the old HRA offices for additional Fire Department office space. Councilman Norberg stated he is willing to find out how much of a deduct on the remodeling contract the City could gain for removing this. February 12, 1979 Page 6 Motion by Hentges that the Council reconsider changing the HRA offices into a garage until further information can be obtained as to its best use. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to direct the City Manager to open the question of Councilman Hentges' proposal with the contractor to seek what sort of deduct could be made to eliminate the rehabing of the old HRA office. The City Manager stated he isn't enthusiastic about the idea. He pointed out that the Recreation Director had asked for the use of the old HRA office space but OSHA stated that the area is inadequate for office use. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Heintz - Nay NEW BUSINESS: 1. Liquor Bad Checks - 1978 Councilman Logacz asked what the policies were for cashing checks in the liquor stores. Discussion fo]lowed on the procedure. John Schedler, Finance Director, was given some recommendations for tightening up the check cashing policy. 2. Request to Purchase Worn Auger Parts Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to approve an expenditure of up to $952.90 to replace worn auger sections on the vertical auger used to locate main breaks. Roll Call: All Ayes 3. Authorization to Seek Bids Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, that the City Manager be authorized to seek and open bids for 1979 construction projects, bids to be opened on March 21 for presentation to the City Council on March 26; Requests for Proposal to appraise City owned properties, bids to be opened on March 15 for presentation to the City Council on March 26; equipment rental, bids to be opened on March 15 with presentation to the City Council on March 26; and on aggregate, bituminous, and asphaltic materials, bids to be opened on March 15 with presentation to the Council on March 26. Roll Call: Ali Ayes CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mayor Nawrocki asked about the traffic lights at 41st and Central, the I'walk" light doesn't come on unless the button is pushed. Councilman Norberg stated he feels that the I'wa]k" light should flash at all times when the light is green. The City Manager reported on the Shared Ride program, the number of riders, ages of riders, and their destinations. February 12, 1979 Page 7 The City Manager stated that the change order for the covering of the columns in the addition is yet to be completed. There are also two pillars in the Fire Depart- ment that should be enclosed and he is asking to include them now. This would increase the cost for this work from $560 to $770, which is still less than the authorized amount. He also asked for installation of a flashing warning light in the Fire Department berthing area. The monies for these changes were previously approved. LICENSES Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that licenses as listed be approved upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, that bills as listed be paid out of their proper funds. Councilman Norberg questioned bill #30350 to Kokesh for t-shirts and asked if the bidding process was followed in this instance. Councilman Logacz stated he thought the Boosters would be buying these shirts. Councilmen Logacz and Hentges agreed to add "that bill #30350 be paid if the City Manager determines that it is a proper expenseI' to the motion. Councilman Norberg also questioned bill #30328 to Linda Hanson for expenses. The City Manager stated he understood that this was a monthly allowance. Roll Call: All Ayes OTHER NEW BUSINESS Mayor Nawrocki stated that the Cable TV Advisory Committee met last week and will meet again on Tuesday, February 13. The Mayor stated he had received New Brighton's comprehensive plan and asked the City Manager to proceed expeditiously with its review. The Mayor read a proclamation for Jaycee Women Week, February ll-17. The Mayor stated he had attended the National League of Cities Small Cities Advisory Committee meeting last week in Kansas and asked that copies of a booklet he received there on Zero Balance Budgeting be distributed to the Council. Articles in the past newsletter requested applications for various committees. One application was received for the Human Services Commission and two were received for the Energy Awareness Commission. The Mayor proposed that the Council be prepared at the next meeting to set up the Energy Awareness Commission. February 12, 1979 Page 8 Ha¥or Nawrocki stated he had previously passed out information on general obligation bonding for the purpose of acquiring money to ]end at lower interest rates for housing within the community and asked for the Council's comments. Councilman Hentges stated that Roger Jensen, HRA Director, will be gringing this matter up at the next HRA meeting and suggested waiting until after that to discuss this with the Council. WORK SESSION The City Manager asked for a meeting date to discuss the personnel policy. Tuesday, February 20 at 7:30 was set for the informal meeting. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to waive the ]1:30 adjournment rule and extend the meeting until 12:00. Roll Call: All Ayes PURCHASE OF PROPERTY AT 54l MILL STREET Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the purchase agreement for the property at 54I Mill Street in the amount of $64,O00. Roll Call: All Ayes OTHER NEW BUSINESS Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to direct the Planning and Zoning Commission not to forward any variances to the Council in the future without a finding of hardship and the City Manager not to accept it for the agenda unless there is one. Discussion followed on the propriety of this. Councilmen Norberg and Hentges withdrew their motion. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to direct the Planning and Zoning to follow the ordinance in matters of hardship and findings of hardship in the granting of variances. Roll Call: Norberg - Aye Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Nay Councilman Hentges asked why the walkways on Jefferson between 46th and 47th weren't getting shoveled. The City Manager stated he would check on this. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Norberg, to adjourn at 12:00. Roll Call: All Ayes Council Secre- ' Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor