HomeMy WebLinkAboutJun 23, 1980OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
REGULA~ MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
JUNE 23. 1980
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by Mayor Nawrocki
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Mentges, Nawrocki -
INVOCATIOT~
The invocation was given by Councilman Norberg
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
The minutes of the previous meetings of May 27, 1980 and June 9,1980
were not completed at this time.
ORAL PETITIONS
Mr. Robert Bocwinski, City Manager, advised the Council he had expected
Mr. Walter Bauer, President of Bauer Construction, to appear at this time
concerning a building permit. His hope was that Mr. Bauer would come before
the meeting adjourned.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
1.Time Extension on Completion of Comprehensive Plan
Metropolit~A Council staff has advised the City of their policy in
granting of time extensions for completion of comprehensive plans
in accordance with Land Planning Act. Metropolitan Council now requires
the City to submit a new resolution adopted by the Council for a time
extension that would allow it sufficient time to prepare our comprehensive
plan. The revised resolution is basically the same as the original, except
it accommodates our requested change in the deadline of July ); liS1.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz to dispense with the reading of the
resolution as there were sufficient copies available to the public.
Counc;lman Heintz questioned this procedure and said he felt the resolution.
should be read.
Roll CAll: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--Aye
Heintz, Nay
Motion fails. To pass the motion needs an unamious vote.
RESOLUTION 80-27
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF?COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINN. REQUESTING THE
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO G~ANT AN EXTENSION UNTIL JULY 1, 1981 TO FULFILL
THE REQUIREMENTS OF LAW 1976, CHAPTER 127, SECTION 1-23.
WHEREAS, the City Council of Columbia Heights endorses and is actively
pursuing the completion of the requirements of Law 1976, Chapter 127,
Sections 1-23, and
WHEREAS,the City of Columbia Heights has completed an inventory of data
and documents necessary to analyze and formulate policies in regards to
the various Comprehensive Plan elements, and
Page 2
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has been without the services of
a fulltime City Planner from September l, 1978 through October ~, 1979
because of a reorganization process involving the division of
responsibilities between the Housing and Redevelpment Authority and the
City Planning Department, and
WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority agreed to temporarily
undertake the City's planning and zoning responsibilibies until such
the City of Columbia Heights may reorganize the Planning Department
secure fulltime City Planner, and
WHEREAS, The Housing and Redevelopment Authority's staff and City of
Columbia Height's staff have been l~boriously involved with the planning,
management and negotiation of a critical development agreement to
redevelop and revitalize the depressed downtow~ area of Columbia Heights,
and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has now comp)eted its departmental
reorganization process and is earnestly pursuing the completion of its
Comprehensive Plan, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Columbia Heights requests the
Metropolitan Council to grant an extension until July i, 198l to fulfill
the requirements of Law 1976, Chapter 127, Section 1-23 so that a superior
effort may be made to ensure that the City's comprehensive long range
p)anning meets local and metropolitan areas needs and goals.
Passed this 6-23-80
Offered by: Hentges
Seconded by: Norberg
Roll Call: All ayes
Councilman Hentges questioned why it is taking a year to submit this plan
to the Metropolitan Council for approval. The City Manager advised the Council
to refer to the Comprehensive Plan Calendar of Public Hearings, specifically
to the date of item 8, Januaryl, 198l. That item speaks to the requirement
for the City's submitting of the Comprehensive Plan to adjacent counties,
communitlties and school districts, Councilman Norberg encouraged moving up
the schedule, Mayor Nawrocki stated that the time schedule was a statuatory
requirement.
COHMUNICATIO)JS
Traffic Commission
Minutes were submitted to the Council for its review.
JUNE 23, 15)80
Page 3
2.Columbia Heights--Hilltop Cable TV Advisory Committee-Review of
Lobb, yin~ Limits
Ron Naegele, chairman of this committee attended the meeting at the City
Manager's request, He spoke briefly to the content of Hhe memo his committee
received from the Cable TV Consultant. The Council members all have a copy
of this memo. Mr. Naegele felt the CounFil should be aware of questionable
practices that could be employed by Cab(e TV lobbyists. The Cable Television:
Information Center proposed a suggested list of six guidelines that cities could
consider following to avoid complications with lobbying tactics. Discussion
among the Council members of the rejection or adoption of the guidelines
followed.
Councilman Heintz approved of all six guidelines and ~upported adoption
of all of the Consultant's recon~nendations. Councilman Norberg found four
of the guidelines, acceptable. One he took exception to he felt would
inhibit free flow of information between franchise applicants and elected
officials;that being number 2 which limits flow of conversation between
elected officials and lobbyists except at public meetings. Mayor Nawrocki
recognized the danger of this kind of lobbying but would find it difficult
to monitor these kinds of practices, Mayor Nawrocki's opinion is that
the members of this particular council thinks quite independently,
and suggests thay are capable of evaluating lobbying procedures. He
questioned why this recommendation should be considered differently; does
the nature of this business make it more unique than any other product
and service. Councilman Norberg said there are other people involved, such
as staff and committees who should ~robably have some guidelines to
follow established by the Council. In Councilman Norberg's opinion
the maln difference is a franchise having the sole right to do business
and the term, a twenty-year type of business, a monop)y-type of business.
In Councilman Logacz's view the main difference is the City is not
considering authorizing a franchise, whose nature will be competitive,
but a franchise that is unique to the community and has the potential
for making a great deal of money. He, also , commended the Advisory Con~nittee
for a very thorough job.
Councilman Norberg moved the adoption of rules 1,3,4,5 and A in the
guidelines for lobbying limits. Seconded by Heintz.
Mayor Nawrocki moved to amend the motion to include any source of
supplies or services to the City.
Seconded by Hentges.
Roll Call on amendment: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg--nay
Hentges, Nawrockl--aye
Motion to amend fails
Roll Call on main motion:Logacz, Helntz, Norberg--aye
Hentges, Nawrocki--nay
Motion carries.
Councilman Norberg requested administrative rules from the City Attorney
to establish this as a matter of a disqua)ification of a franchise applicant
rather than an ordinance.
Attached (labeled page 3 a.) is a list of the rules for lobbying
limits referred to in the above motion.
JUNE 23, 1980
page 3 a
Rules for lobbying limits:
i.requiring lobbyists to register and disclose money spent
on lobbying activities
2.limiting contacts between applicant/lobbyists and etected
officials to public meetings only -
3.requiring disclosure of lobbyists' contacts with elected
officials
4.limiting contacts between applicant/lobbyists and city
staff
5.requiring disclosure of who is representing which applicant
6.requiring disclosure of all expenses incurred in seeking the
franchise
JUNE 23,
Page 4
OLD BUSINESS
1.Driveway problem at 1023 44½ Avenue
Noved by Norberg seconded by Heintz to table this lte~until the next
regularJy scheduled Council meetingupon recon~Tendation-of the City Nanager.
Oirecto~ of the Public Works OepartmenL needs more information from the
owners of the property. '
Roll Call; All ayes.
2.Authorization to purchase 16MM Movie Projector for the Fire Department
Motion by Logacz, seconded by Norberg to authorize the purchase of a 16MM
movie projector from National Camera Exchange in the amount of $475, which
includes the trade-in allowance, based on low, informanl quotations.
Roll Cal); All ayes.
3. Rescheduling of Block Party Requested by Mary Paterson of 4808 6th Street
from June 28th to July 19th.
The City Manager advised Mary Peterson that the sealcoat|ng of the streets
in that area would already be in progress but she chose to go ahead with
the p]ans for the 19th of July.
Motion by Logacz, seconded by Mentges to authorize a block party to be held
on Sixth Street between 48th and 49th Avenues on July lgth between the hours
of 1;00 PM and 12AM.
Roll Call; All ayes.
NEW BUSINESS
1.Houslng and Redevelpment Authority Request Appraisals forDowntown
Development Area.
Roger Jansen, Executive Director of the HFLA, appeared before the City Council
requesting authorization to use City funds to have appraisals done on two
pieces of property in the downtown. He explained an update, second appraisal
and review appraisal will be needed for 4023 Central Avenue(Tire City)
and 3989 Central Avenue(Sir Waxer). Mr. Jansen felt since the buildings are
vacant at the present time it would be to the City's advantage to proceed
obtaining options on the properties now. He, also,said that a considerable sum
of money could be saved in not having to expend relocation benefits.
The breakdown of the monies being requested;
$750.00 for two appraisals,
$200.00 for update on Tire City,
$300.00 for reviews,
$250.00 for property behind Tire City-appraisal.
$1500.00 is being requested for the whole package.
JUNE 23, 1980
page 5
Mayor Nawrocki asked why two appraisals were required for Tire City
and the property directly behind it as they were o~rned by the same person.
Norberg questioned as to why the City should pay for this as
the HRA had already received the funds requested to cover their expenses.
Roger Jensen explained that the funds for further expensed at this time are
not readily available but the City will definitely be ,eimbursed for this
particular expense.
Motion By Hentges, seconded by Heintz to authorize the use of City funds
from General Unallocated Expense Fund for the purpose of obtaining
appraisals for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority for properties
located at 4023 Central Avenue and 3985 Central Avenue and property
behind 4023 Central Avenue.
Roll Call; Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--Aye
Norberg-tlay
Motion carries.
2. Sullivan Lake Park Water Supply System Contract Change Order-Time
Extension.
The City Manager exp!ained there will be a delay in delivery of the
materials needed to complete this project and is requesting a time
extension until July i5, 1987. There will be no change in price. The
contractor is Ideal Enterprises, Inc.
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz to a~prove Change Order #1 with
Ideal Enterprises,Inc. for Sullivan Lake Park Water Supply System,
Project #7903.
Roll Call; Ail ayes.
3. International Conference on Assessment Administration
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz to authorize the attendance and
expenses of Mildred Carlson, City Assessor, at the International Conference
on Assessment Administration, September 2S, to Octoberl, 1980 in Detroit,
Michigan.
Roll Call; Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye
Norberg,--nay
Motion carries.
4. Established Salaries for New Hires and Promotions.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz to concur with the City Manager's
recommendations for salaries for new hires and promotions.
a.Monthly rate for Patricia Netkow, Receptionist/Cashier at $685 per month.
This w~uld be equivalent to Range 6, Step A.
b. Administrative Assistant to the City Manager at an annual salary
of $18,192.
c. Promotion of Richard Schmidt,to Police Sergeant, at $1,860.O0 per month.
JUNE 23, 1980
page 6
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Nawrocki to delete Administative
Assistant to the City Manager --Hire and Salary, from the main motion.
Roll Call;Heintz, Nawrocki,Hentges--aye
Logacz, Norberg--nay
Motion to amend carries.
Logacz reminded the Council that the City Manager was empowered to interview
for this position and why is the Council interferring. Heintz questioned
wheth&r the person recommended or the suggested salary was the hang-up.
Hentges wondered about other applicants, Two applicants in particular
that were City residents that he knew of were interested in the position
were not interviewed. Nawrocki felt that local residents should be given
some consideration for employment within the City, and he voiced some
concern as to the kind of position being created here. Bocwinski explained
the s~lection process and said that it is the formula used by nearly
everyone in the public and private sector. He went on to explain that the
first advertisement for the postion was posted May 22, 1980 and the cut-off
for accepting applications was June 4, 1980. There were seven applicants.
Screening and oral exams were scheduled and all applicants were notified.
Two applicants indicated they had mede committmmnts for vacations and
would be unable to be interviewed. The applieations were re-evaluated
on June 13, 1980. Hentges and Nawrockl questioned the City Manager as to whether
any effort was made to reschedule an interview with the two applicants
who were unable to comply with the cut-off date that was posted. Hentges
referred to previous discussions at past Council meetings where requirements
necessary to qualify for this position and the considered salary. Nawrocki
observed that the expectations of the Council and those of the City
Manager may differ. Hentges thinks that what was to have been an Admini-
strative Aid position is now more accurately an Assistan~ City Manager.
Norberg and Heintz feel the Council needs to re-evaluate what it expects
from the City Manager and determine if this new position would be one of
an Aid or an Assistant. Logacz and Nawrocki with Bocwinski compared
salary ranges using as examples heavy-equipment operators versus other
city employees.
Mr. Bocwinski clarified the job description of an Administrative Assistant
to the City Manager as it was last revised in May 1980. The job description
was originally developed in 1974 and the salary was based on the point
system.
Motion offered by tlorberg, seconded by Logacz to approve the monthly
salary of newly-hired Patricia Netkow,Receptionist/Cashier at $685 per
month and to approve the monthly salary of Richard Schmidt, Police
Sergeant at $1,860.
Roll Call;All ayes
RECESS:9:30
RECOVENE:9:45
JUNE 23, 1980
page 7
ORAL PETITIONS
MR. WALTER F. BAUER, 1655 Stanbrldge Road, Roseville, Mn.,President of
Bauer Construction appeared before th Council to request the City to ap-
prove a building permit for Lot 77, Block 5, Reservoir Hills Addition.
The above property has no sewer connections. Mr. Baue~ agrees to accept
any plans or requests from the City Engineering Dept. He said construction
can be_gin without the sewer being connected as there is only one place
for the connection in the house. Mr. Bauer said he has done some of the
leg work in trying to get the necessary easements. ~awrocki questioned
the wisdom of granting this permit until an inspection of the maintenance
of the sewer line, the PCA and the Deparment of Health guidelines have
been considered.
Mr. Bauer advised the Council that the time schedule for completion for
occupancy was near as his client had hoped to move in before school
commenced, hopefully, by the end of August.Nawrocki requested of Bocwinski
how much time would be required of the staff. Bocwinski said the staff
could consider a recommendation by the meeting of June 25th.
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg to refer the request by Bauer
Construction for a building permit to the meeting on June 25th.
ROLL CALL: All ayes
MORE NEW BUSINESS
5.Employee Assistance Program-Extend Contract with Metropolitan Clinic
of Counseling, Inc.
Motion by Helntz, seconded by Logacz to authorize the Mayor and the City
Manager to execute the contract with the Metropoll-tan Clinic of Counseling,
Iht.for diagnostic counseling and referral services under employee's
assistance program in the amount of $624, based upon an employee popu-
lation of 108 at $6.00 per employee, with utilization of less than 3%,
to a maximum fee of $12.O0 per emp]oyee.
Bocwinski recommended the extension of the contract for a year. Nawrocki
questioned if the minimum fee of $624 would still be due if no employees
of the City availed themselves of this service. Bocwinski said that it
would. He gave a breakdown as to how many employees used the service in
the last year and for what purpose.
ROLL CALL: All ayes.
6. Request for Bid-Asphalt Pavement Project
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Helntz to authorize the City Manager
to advertise bids for various asphalt projects to be undertaken in 1980;
bid opening to be at 2 PM,July 23, 1980, pending hearings.
ROLL CALL: All ayes
7.Authorization to Purchase Services for Center Line and Parking Lane
Striping
JUNE 23, 1980
page 8
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges to authorize the expenditure of funds
to Twin City Striping in the amount of $),143.96 for the purpose of providing
striping of center lines and parking lanes on designated city streets,based
on low, informal quotations.
ROLL CALL: All ayes Z
8.MotiOn by Norberg, seconded by Hentg~s to appoint Stu Anderson, as acting
City Manager from July 3, to July 20, 1980.
ROLL CALL: Al) ayes
9.Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges to authorize the City Manager to
purchase two IBM Selectric typewriters in the amount of $864 each, based
on low, informal quotations. One typewriter would be purchased for the Records
Technician in the Police Dept. and the other would be designated for use
by the Park Dept.
ROLL CALL: All ayes
Councilman Heintz had an inquiry from a resident as to who pays the
insurance of the SACA House. John Schedler, Finance Director, advised
the Council that the SACA House is covered by a blanket policy the same
as other City buildings and properties.
Councilman Heintz questioned further plans for congregate dining for the
Seniors. Logacz said this had been discussed with the Park Board and there
will be a definite proposal after more information is gotten. Nawrocki
felt that if Columbia Junior High School is made into a community facility
this could be a possibility there.
Councilman Heintz asked what portion of the curb and gutter on )7th Ave.
is assessed back to the owners. City Manager said 100%. Fred Salsbury
said the percentage is 60/40 on sidewalks.
Councilman Hentges questioned the littering in Huset Field after softball
teams have played, and thought maybe the 50.00 deposit should be increased
to cover the additional cleanup necessary. He, also, has received complaints
from prospective and present coaches as to the limited availability of
the fields. Only two hours per week is allowed for park use by home teams.
Hentges questioned the use of the fields by non-residents. Logacz explained
the policy of residency requirement: if you work in the City, you need not
live here to use the fields. He acknowledged that this requirement can
be abused and frequently is, but is difficult, at best, to monitor.
Logacz said the Recreation Commission will be making a recommendation to
the Council that there be a deadline set for being in the Park after the
ball game ends and this might alleviate the clean-up problem.
There was an inquiry as to whether the streets were swept before
the Jamboree Parade. Councilman Hentges replied that they were,they were
both washed and swept.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Fred Salsbury, Public Works Director, advised the Council he is
continuing his efforts with the Oept. of Transportation to have 53rd
Avenue returned to the City in the same condition it was given. His
correspondence spoke specifically to the kinds of repair he felt should
JUNE 23, 1980
page 9.
be done before the road is turned back to the City for maintenance and he
hopes that they would comply. Hentges questioned if the street continues
as a State aid street would it continue as a residential street and
would the commercial sites still have access. The City Attorney said that
they would.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
K-MART_-Property o
Mr. Kalina would prefer to refer this to an executive session. A hearing
must be set for this and if it is set for the meeting of July 14th, there
will be enough time allowed for publication of the hearing in the local
paper.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges to set a hearing on the K-MART
property to be determined at the meeting of July 14, 1980.
ROLL CALL: All ayes
10:45 Councilman Norberg left the meeting as he was ill.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION-CITY MANAGER'S REPORT.
Committee on Closed School Buildings
Logacz said proposals were submitted to the Recreation Cor~nission for
maintenance. The School Board said the City or the City and the School
Board can have the buildings but, not the land. Logacz said the Nelson School
and the Silver Lake School will be torn down if they are not used for something
by the City, and the Park Board may be able to use the land for parks.
Logacz tried to get a breakdown on the maintenance costs for each school.
Heintz was told all the costs of maintenance are lumped together and indi-
vidual costs per school were not available.
The Recreation Commission will make a recon~mendation to the City Council
in the near future as to projected costs for maintenance and renovation
of Columbia Junior High. Hentges said some builders have been looking
at Columbia and the other buildings for possible development. He felt
condominiums could be a consideration. Heintz reintroduced Norberg's
proposal from a previous meeting: that is, to set up an operating committee
that would be a private company that would operate as a business. Rentals
and fees would be charged by this company and the building would be
maintained by them. All expenses incurred would be paid by the company.
Nawrocki felt the City would be interested in Columbia on a cost-sharing
basis and that this proposal was not realistic for the Council to consider.
He felt the building would no way pay its own way but the Council must be
willing to cooperate in exploring uses for it in connection with other
boards and committees. Nawrocki requested a list of questions that need
answers from the School Board. He asked the timetable for the schools to
close. It is June 1981. [lawrocki suggested the Council should tell the
School Closing Committee that the City is interested in exploring uses for
Columbia.
Application for Acquisition of Tax-Forfeit Parcel for Public Purpose
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz to authorize the Mayor and City
Manager to execute the applications for acquisition of tax-forfeited
property located to the north of 49th Avenue, between Johnson St. and
Kordiak Park.
ROLL CALL: All ayes
JUNE 23, 1980
page i O
Billing to Midland Coop Regarding Costs Involved with Sale of Industrial
Revenue Bonds
Nawrocki questioned whether the Council will be given an estimate of the
costs being talked about or an exact amount. He was told the fees being
talked about were primarily legal fees and fees for time spent by the
City Manager and staff.
Penalty Charges on Utility Billings
Mayor Nawrocki felt that he was in agreement with the City Accountant
as to the amended policy with regard to penalty charges for late payments.
Amendments to the Suburban Police Recruitment System
Mayor Nawrocki felt that this item needs more discussion between himself,
the City Manager and the Police Chief.
The City Manager advised the Council that the City had received
approval on a preliminary basis for the funding of the Sullivan Lake
Project.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION-CITY ATTORNEY
Mr. Kalina advised the Council that Mr. Rick Lange from the Board of
Examiners will have same members of that board examine the HRA development.
Kalina advised that the members of the HRA should be cautious and informed
before anything is signed or authorized. HRA should not enter into any-
thing nor make binding committments until approved by the entire City
Council.
Mr. Kalina asked if there were agy.questions regarding the proposed
ordinance eliminating restaurants from R-B zones. There were none.
LICENSES
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz that the licenses be granted as listed
upon proper payment of fees.
ROLL CALL: All ayes
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges that bills as listed be paid out
of their proper funds.
ROLL CALL: All ayes
John Schedler, Finance Director, requested that the request for funds
in the amount of $7,247.00 by the HRA be added to the list of bills.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges that this item be added.
ROLL CALL: All ayes
Motion to adjourn by Heintz, seconded by Hentges. Meeting adjourned
at 11:45.
ROLL CALL: All ayes
JUNE 23, 1980
Page 11
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor
unc [l~.~ecreta ry ~-