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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJun 9, 1980OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA JUNE 9, 1980 The meeting was called to order at 8:10 PM by Mayor Nawrocki. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki -- present NAMING OF SECRETARY Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentgesto appoint Bonnie Jewett as secretary pro-tem for this meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes INVOCATION The invocation was given by Reverend William Otte of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Columbia Heights. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz to approve the minutes of the May 12th regular meeting as presented in writing, and that reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes ORAL PETITIONS There were no oral petitions. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS City Manager Bocwinski commented on the lot split which would be dealt with under Communications - Planning and Zoning Commission; and possibly another resolution will be presented by the City Attorney later in the meeting. 2. Resolution Recognizing the Work of Timothy Yantos RESOLUTION 80-23 BEING A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF TIMOTHY YANTOS WHEREAS, Timothy Yantos has been an employee of the City of Columbia Heights for over ten (10) years; and WHEREAS, he has worked closely with the Mayor, Council and Manager during much of that time; and WHEREAS, he has responded personally to many citizen complaints and has assisted above and beyond the ordinary requirements of his job; and WHEREAS, he has contributed much to the administration of the City through his work on the personnel manual, the affirmative action program, the occupational health and safety program, garbage contract supervision, building of a new addition to City Hall, and many similar projects over his tenure as an employee of the City; June 9, 1980 Page 2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, THAT: The Council herein expresses its appreciation to Timothy Yantos for his fine service to the administration and to the citizens of Columbia Heights; and 2. The Council hereby thanks Timothy Yantos for his fine efforts; and The Council wishes Timothy Yantos the greatest success in the future. Passed this 9th day of June, 1980. Offered by: Logacz Seconded by: Hentges Roll Call: All Ayes COMMUNICATIONS l. Columbia Heights Traffic Commission Minutes of June 2, 1980, were enclosed for the City Council as an informational item. 2. Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendations: a. Franchise Associates Request for Preliminary Plat Approval Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the City Council to approve the proposed p]at providing the following concerns and problems are complied with: That a permanent mutual use easement between K-Mart and Franchise Associates be provided along the north and east side of the proposed plat and that the easement drawn up specify that the City of Columbia Heights shall have the use of the easement for emergency vehicle access. 2. That screening must be provided along the east and north side of the existing K-Mart bui]ding. That the signage must comply with the shortened frontage and the revolving sign be moved to the north side of the driveway, thus, allowing the plat to include the area where the revolving K-Mart sign is, thereby making the plat square. That a provision must be made for parkland dedication or ten percent cash equivalent. The City Council questioned the use of the word IIrecommended~l by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The results of the Planning and Zoning Commission vote were not unanimous on this item. This item had been referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Engineering Department for further consideration. As to date, the Engineering Department recommendations have not been received by the City Council. June 9, 1980 Page 3 bo Co Moved by Hentges, seconded by Heintz to table the Franchise Associates request for preliminary plat approval until later in the meeting. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges -- Ayes Norberg, Nawrocki -- Nays Carsten Friis, 4133 N.E. 6 Street Request for Eleven Foot Variance Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz to approve the eleven foot variance on the setback of a 20' x 22' garage, off the alley, on property at 4133 N.E. 6 Street due to a hardship created by the narrow- ness of the iot as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes This hardship is created due to inability to have access into garage. LeRoy Smith, 1212 N.E. 44½ Avenue Request for Lot Split RESOLUTION 80-25 SUBDIVISION REQUEST I, Leroy B. & Svea Smith hereby request a split of Plat No. 34416, Parcel No. 600 legally described as: East 50' of Lot 41 (Ex. S. 140')(Subject to road & utility easement over N.30'), Block 1, Reservoir Hills. THE DESCRIPTION HENCEFORTH TO BE: 1. West 20' of East 50' of Lot 41 (Ex. S.140')(Subject to road & utility easement over N.30'), to be added to Parcel No. 597. 2. East 30' of Lot 41 (Ex. S.140')(Subject to road & utility easement over N.30') to be added to Parcel No. 625. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that special assessments of record in the office of the City of Columbia Heights as of this day, against the above de- scribed property, in the amount of SNONE be divided. Paid. Any pending or future assessments will be levied according to the new split as approved this day. Passed this 9th day of June, 1980. Offered by: Hentges Seconded by: Heintz Roll Call: All Ayes do Dale Deurmeir, 4109 Jefferson Street Request for Eleven Foot Variance Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges to approve the eleven foot variance on the setback of a 22I x 24' garage, off the alley, on property at 4109 Jefferson Street due to a hardship created by the narrowness of the lot as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes June 9, 1980 Page 4 eo Gregory Haasken, 4225 Jefferson Street Request for Five Foot Variance Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz to approve the five foot variance on the setback of a 22' x 22' garage off the alley at 4225 Jefferson Street due to the hardship created by the narrowness of the lot as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes f. Anna Birosh, 947 N.E. 43 Avenue Request for Lot Split City Manager Bocwinski read resolution with regards to this item. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz to table the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission to approve the request of the estate of Anna Birosh of a lot split for 947 N.E. 43 Avenue, until further consideration can be given this item by the Traffic Commission on July 7, ]980. Roll Call: All Ayes The real estate agent reported that the reason for the request, in priority order, was: 1. Retail establishment 2. Multiple family dwelling OLD BUSINESS 1. Dick's Sanitary Service, Inc. Request for Fuel Adjustment Dick's Sanitary Service, Inc. submitted a request to the City Council asking for a fuel allowance of $1,059 per month for the duration of the garbage contract. The City Attorney indicated that the contract under which the contractor is operating has no provision for such an increase. In exchange for such an increase, the contractor has agreed only to perform those services which it is already obligated to perform. Such increase would thereby amount to a gift of money and constitute an expenditure of public moneys without public purpose justification. The Cities of Robbinsdale and White Bear Lake received increases in their garbage contract due to additional services provided by the contractor. Mr. Phil Lyon, Supervisor of the Columbia Heights area, attended the City Council in representation of Mr. Dick Het]and of Dickls Sanitary Service, Inc. Mr. Lyon gave several examples of regulations which were not being enforced, some of which were extra bags, extra trash and garbage over cans, overweight cans, overweight bags, diameter and length of branches exceeding requirement, branches not tied, and cans not being placed at alley line. He reported on alternatives to the problem: a) City pay for pick up where crews go back on "missedTM calls b) Reduce ]eve] of service; garbage out to curb c) Pay or reimburse for tires d) Pay for overweight items or for pick ups not in conformance with contract. June 9, 1980 Page 5 The Council responded by stating their need of receiving specific statements that would substantiate the claims made by Dick's Sanitary Service, Inc. The garbage contract allows four tires per residence; has no regulation regarding how full a can may be. The City Council proceeded by reporting that everyone cannot be punished for what the indicated violations are. Dick's Sanitary Service should be enforcing their contract. If resi- dents are in violation of the contract, they should not be picked up or should be charged extra. However, Dick's Sanitary Service is obligated to fill out a slip stating that material was left because it was not in compliance with the ordinance or contract. Again, the City Attorney stated that the contract cannot be increased. It was fixed for a fixed period of time and had no provision for an increase. The Council stated that perhaps Dick's Sanitary Service should talk with the City Manager Bocwinski on offsetting ways to justify increase on another basis. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz to deny the request of Dick's Sanitary Service, Inc. as stated in the letter dated May 27, 1980, upon the advise of the City Attorney. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki -- Ayes Hentges -- Abstain 2. Award of Contract for Tree Planting Program City Manager Bocwinski stated that this item appeared on the last Council agenda and that additional information is enclosed for their review. Public Works' Director Salsbury indicated that Noble Nursery will be planting trees in the spring instead of the fall. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges that the City Manager be authorized to enter into a tree planting contract with Noble Nursery, Inc. in the amount of $5,416; based upon low, competitive bids. Columbia Heights Jaycees reported to the Council that they were working cooperatively with the Police and Fire Chiefs regarding Jaycees Energy Conservation Week which starts June 22. A meeting is scheduled for June 10 between the Jaycees and the Police and Fire Chiefs to review further details and areas of support. Request of Resident at 1023 44½ Avenue Driveway Problem Public Works' Director Salsbury met with Mr. & Mrs. Shackle of I023 44½ Avenue to discuss the following alternatives: a) The driveway elevation remain as constructed, however, the contractor remove and replace those portions of the driveway which have cracked. b) The City alter the elevation as requested by the property owner. c) That the City alter the elevation, however, that the Shackles hold the City harmless from any further repair and/or alterations in the elevation of their driveway; and furthermore to stipulate that they will be responsible for any damage done to the City street as a result of their automobiles dragging on the pavement. June Page The Shackles have requested that the elevation of their driveway be altered raising it six feet. The Engineering Department needs to perform some additional work, including taking shots to see if what the Shackles have requested is feasible. The contractor does need to remove four out of the six sections, which are cracked, and replace them. Public Works' Director Salsbury indicated that the elevation would create problems, such as vehicles hitting the street when descending, and due to the ice and snow in the winter being able to ascend the driveway. The shots will be taken Tuesday morning and Public Works will discuss the results and information with the Shackles, settling upon an agreeable action. The recommendation will then be presented to the City Council. NEW BUSINESS l. Appointments to Boards and Commissions Motion by Norberg to authorize the City Manager to advertise vacancies in Anoka County papers and that the City Council defer action until the first regular meeting in August. This motion died for lack of second. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz to appoint David Larson, 4995 Johnson Street, to the Library Board. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Ayes; Norberg - Abstain. Norberg informed Council members and Mayor that Eileen Sterling was interested in the position on the Library Board also. Mayor Nawrocki indicated that she was interviewed and we have a copy of her application. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg to reappoint: Frank Breen, Traffic Commission Gerral Herringer, Police and Civil Service Commission Roger Stenberg, Planning and Zoning Commission Bill Hollom, Park Board Joe Orendorff, Merit Commission Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz that Mayor Nawrocki duly appoint Mr. Kenneth Hentges to the Housing & Redevelopment Authority Board. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Ayes Norberg - Nay Hent:ges - Abstain The Energy Awareness, Science and Technology Commission positions and the Planning and Zoning Commission position openings will be advertised in the Sun and City newsletter. The applications on file will be reviewed again for consideration also. 2. Tax Forfeit Parcels Available for Public Purpose City Manager Bocwinski reviewed the public purpose for the three tax-forfeit parcels: a) Lot Seven, Block One, Auditor's Subdivision of Walton's Sunny Acres Fourth -- storm water drainage June 9, 1980 Page 7 b) Lot Six, Block Three, Reservoir Hills -- allow street right-of-way and relocate persons displaced by proposed downtown development c) Lot Nine, Block Seventeen, Auditor's Subdivision of Walton's Sunny Acres Third -- alley right-of-way Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to apply for tax forfeit lands as described on the application for tax forfeit lands. Roll Call: Al! Ayes Concern was expressed by Councilman Hentges that all tax forfeit parcels available from the county be presented to the City Council for decision. Two other parcels were available at this time. Both strips would benefit the abutters; property owners were contacted. Establish Date for Assessment Hearing Regarding Backlot Drainage at 1029 42½ Avenue City Manager Bocwinski indicated that this would affect nine property owners. Mrs. Woxman is requesting some assistance from the City. The cost estimate is $4,100 over nine parcels. Mrs. Woxman will review engineering plans out- lining the alternative construction to eliminate this drainage problem: RECESS: 9:30 PM RECONVENE: 9:45 PM Engineering plan alternatives: a) To grade it out to street and drain it across the property b) To build storm drain and run it down back lot line of adjacent properties; this plan would double the costs and create problems with freezi~ng. Motion by Heintz,. seconded by Hentges to include backlot drainage at 42½ Avenue on the agenda of the Special Assessment Hearing to be held at 7:30 PM on June 30. Roll Call: All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki expressed the need to explain the cause to the other people. The drain at 44½ Avenue was checked for blockage. It was plugged and problem has been corrected. 4. Energy Mini-Audit Bid City Manager Bocwinski reported that three bids were taken. The engineering company in town was contacted and did not choose to bid. The quotations re- received were in performance with the state document, "Minnesota Mini-Audit Manual". The purpose of this project is to make City buildings more energy efficient. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges to retain Pope-Reid Associates, Inc. to prepare the City's Energy Mini-Audit on City properties for a price of $3,850; based upon Iow, informal quotations. Roll Call: All Ayes June 9, 1980 Page 8 5. Request to Expend Funds for Purchase of Filing Cabinets for Library Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg to authorize the expenditure of funds for the purchase of filing cabinets for the library in the amount of $615.70 from Highsmith Company; based upon low, informal quotations. Roll Call: All Ayes The Mayor and Council were pleased with the logo used on the Columbia Heights Public Library letterhead. Authorization to Expend Funds for the Purchase of a Card Catalog for the Library The frames of the old units can be re-painted and by adding four 15-drawer units which match the ones currently in use, space for 72,000 additional cards can be provided. These additional units are available only from Demco. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges to authorize the expenditure of funds for the purchase of card catalog file in the amount of S1,221, F.O.B. Wisconsin, Demco Educational Corporation; based upon low, informal quota- tions. This is a proprietary item. Roll Call: Ali Ayes New Hires Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz to approve: l) The hourly rate of Mr. John Shold, Maintenance, Liquor Operations, at $5.03 per hour, Range 12, Step A. 2) The hourly rate of Matthew Graves, CETA Special Projects employee in Public Works Department at $~.50 per hour. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges to approve the yearly rate of $13,200 of Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary. Roll Call: All Ayes 8. Non-Intoxicating Malt Liquor Permit for McKenna Park Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz to approve Charles F. Sherman and invitees to possess and consume non-intoxicating malt liquor at McKenna Park. on June 21, 1980, based upon recommendation of Park Board. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Ayes; Hentges Nay; Norberg - Abstain Strong beer or liquor is only allowed at Huset Park, 530 Mill Street. No insurance or deposit is required for use of the parks. 9. Rick Lang's Property - 956 43½ Avenue At the time of purchase, this property was buildable because of the low proximity next to it. The City sold this lot to Rick Lang based on the ability to build a house. The property has been rezoned, making building of a house an impossibility. This was brought to the attention of Rick Lang and the Council will await his decision with regard to what he now wants to do. Mr. Lang needs to take the initiative and contact the June 9, 1980 Page 9 Planning and Zoning Office with a request for rezoning of the property~ and for information on the action being taken on the adjoining property. After application has gone before the Planning and Zoning Commission, it would then be referred to the City Council. Mayor Nawrocki would hope that the City take steps to go through change. 10. Authorization to Call for Bids for New Towing Contract The Chief of Police has requested authorization to seek bids for new towing contract. The present contract expires July 31, 1980. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to call for bids for new towing contract. Bids to be open on July 8, 1980. A recommended award will be presented to the Council at its regular meeting July 14, 1980. Roll Call: All Ayes ll. 16 MM Movie Projector The Fire Department has requested the purchase of a Bell and Howell, Model 1580, 16 MM Movie Projector from National Camera Exchange. This request would include trading in their present Bell and Howell, Model 550 projector which is in need of repair. The total cost with the trade in will be $475. The City Council expressed concern with the duplication of movie projectors within the City departments, particularly the Library. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg to request the City Manager to investigate the scheduling and amount of usage of the three movie projectors by the Library. Verify if there is, in fact, a way that the units could be scheduled and checked out, rather than purchasing an additional movie pro- jector. This will be presented at the regular Council meeting on June 23. Roll Call: All Ayes The City Manager was also requested to find out if trade in quotations were received for the Bell and Howell, Model 550 movie projector by the other two companies, I~lumberg Photo Sound and Singer Projector. 12. Councilman Norberg distributed Suburban Rate Authority minutes to the Councilmen and Mayor. 13. Franchise Associates request for preliminary plat approval will be discussed with the City Attorney and City Council after the agenda has been completed. REPORTS The City Manager reviewed his report and there was considerable discussion on the following items: Computer-Assisted Tax Assessment and Collection Package Questions raised: *Where are assessment records to be kept? *Security and segregation of files; who has access to them and who doesn't? *How is information derived from the county? *What actual information is given from the computer--picture, sketch, rooms, diagram? June 9, 1980 Page 10 *What is the process of updating records and information? *What amount of total time is involved? It was requested that the City Manager contact each City Council member on their concerns and then review the package with representatives. Recruitment for Administrative Assistant to the City Manager There was great concern by the City Council with regard to the value placed upon the education level of the prospective applicants; and the responsibility level of the position of the Administrative Assistant to the City Manager. Additional Work Sessions June 19, 7 PM, Columbia Heights City Hall June 26, 7 PM, Columbia Heights City Hall June 14, with regard to 37th Avenue -- time change to 1 PM; contact Minneapolis engineer for his attendance Report of the City Attorney: Councilman Norberg questioned the progress on the proposal for petitioning for the idea of initiative and referendum. The City Attorney reported that he was still performing research. The terms of the Charter Commission members have expired. Members may only serve two terms on this commission. The City Attorney will compile a listing of those serving two terms already and who may be reappointed. This list will then be presented to the Judge who has the power to make appointments. St. Matthew's Directional Signs -- The City Attorney has indicated that City Council has authority to proceed with directional signs. The City Council referred the request to the Traffic Commission for decision. LICENSES Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz that the licenses as listed be approved upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz to pay the bills as listed out of their proper funds. Bill #35931 in the amount of $982 was questioned with regard to whether it was a propriet:ar¥ item. Records show it is a proprietary item. Bill #35982 was questioned by the Council with regard to actual costs and existing policy relating to expenses incurred while in attendance at an educational workshop, school, seminar or conference. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz to pay the bills as listed out of their proper funds with the exception of bill #35982. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki - Ayes Hentges - Hay June 9, 1980 Page 11 INFORMATIONAL ITEMS l) City of Columbia Heights Newsletter, Summer 1980 -- Let it be known that dates for the Annual Columbia Heights Jamboree were supplied to the City by the Lions' Club. Based on their letter, some of the dates were printed wrong. Newsletters which had not been delivered were called back and the mistake was corrected. An attempt will be made to distribute fliers in the areas where erroneous information was distributed. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz to authorize HRA to expend funds in the amount of $1,000 for boring samples and appraisals on vacant property adjoining Mady's Bowling Alley. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg to adjourn at ll:40 PM. Roll Call: All Ayes Bonnie Jewett, S~cretary Pro-Tem to the Council