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
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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