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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 27, 1980OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA MAY 27, 1980 The meeting was called to order at 8:00 PM by Councilman Norberg. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges -- present NAMING OF SECRETARY Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges to appoint Bonnie Jewett as secretary pro-tem for this meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes INVOCATION The invocation was given by Councilman Norberg. Councilman Heintz joined the meeting at this time. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz to approve the minutes of the May 12th Continued Board of Review Meeting as presented in writing and that the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes ORAL PETITIONS 1. Dick Hetland of Dick's Sanitary Service, Inc. presented a request to the City Council with regard to a fuel allowance for the duration of the con- tract. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz to table this item until the next City Council meeting on June 9, 1980. Roll Call: All Ayes Judy Shackle of 1023 44½ Avenue presented a complaint on the quality of her driveway after the 44½ Avenue Street project. The City Manager was instructed to discuss this subject with the Public Works Department and the Engineering Department on its current status. After the City Manager's research, he will relate the data to Judy Shackle. Energy Conservation Week, June 22-28 Mr. Dave Regel of the Columbia Heights' Jaycees presented a preliminary outline to the City Council on the Energy Conservation Week. The Jaycees are requesting the City Council's support for police assistance at the crossings of the major intersections during the Jog-A-Thon, and that a rescue squad be available in case of an emergency. The means of communi- cating with the present rescue squad was discussed. The Police Chief responded to some of Mr. Regel's questions, however, the Fire Department also needs to be contacted. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz to table this item until the next City Council meeting on June 9, 1980. Roll Call: All Ayes May 27, 1980 Page 2 Mr. Hans Severson approached the City Council with concerns regarding the pension of the retired volunteer firemen. The City Council and administrative staff urged Mr. Severson and other retired volunteer firemen to attend the Volunteer Firemen Pension Plan Meeting which wit1 be held Wednesday, May 28, at 4 PM in the Police Training Room. The results of this meeting will be presented to the City Council on June 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz that the formal reading of Resolution 80-21 be dispensed with since ample copies are available for the public. Roll Call: All Ayes RESOLUTION 80-21 WHEREAS, Councilman Gayle R. Norberg has or may possibly have financial interest in 3M Company and the City of Columbia Heights has purchased Scotchal letters and numbers from the 3M Company for $52.80, said amount not requiring the taking of informal bids. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS HEREBY RESOLVES that the $52.80 be paid out of the proper funds upon the filing of an affidavit with the City of Columbia Heights in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 471.89, Subdivision 3, by Councilman Norberg. Passed this 27th day of May, 1980. Offered by: Logacz Seconded by: Hentges Roll Call: All Ayes The City Manager read the resolution as presented to the City Council. RESOLUTION 80-22 BEING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE SALARY FOR THE CITY MANAGER BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS establish the salary for the position of City Manager at a rate of $36,300 per year, and that this rate be effective as of April 1, 1980. Passed this 27th day of May, 1980. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: Logacz Norberg Logacz, Heintz, Norberg -- Ayes Hentges -- Nay There was discussion by the councilmen regarding City Managers' salaries in surrounding communities and existin9 Federal guidelines. The Council- members reviewed the City Manager's performance and conclude that his performance has been satisfactory. Councilman Norberg questioned the City Attorney on a proposal for petition- ing for the idea of initiative and referendum. This item will be discussed at the next City Council meeting on June 9, 1980. May 27, 1980 Page 3 COMMUNICATIONS Report on Unused School Buildings The City Manager requested the City Council to review this report and set a work session date to discuss the unused school buildings in more detail. Before adjournment of tonight's meeting, a work session date will be set. Mayor Nawrocki joined the meeting at this time. Cable TV - Joint Powers Agreement The draft of the Joint Powers Agreement relative to the Cable TV franchise of Columbia Heights and Hilltop was discussed by the councilmen in great detail. Items discussed included: revised membership regulations, terms of service with or without compensation, establishment of how expenditures will be incurred, regulation of Council member being appointed to this board, the original purpose of the board, how the board will or can be terminated at the appropriate time, why the formality of an agreement is needed, and the legal standpoints of the board. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz to table the Cable TV - Joint Powers Agreement at this time. Roll Call: All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki suggested that the proposed franchise ordinance stage and public hearing process be continued as we have been proceeding to at this point of time and also that we would certainly accept their "fair share" of this consultant cost. PROCLAMATIONS 1. Mayor Nawrocki read the following proclamation: WHEREAS, Stanley Fudro will be retiring from office this term after serving the citizens of this area for twenty-four years as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, and WHEREAS, Stanley Fudro has shown a general concern for the impact of legislation on the citizens of Columbia Heights during his many years as a legislator, sending periodic reports to the citizens and the City Council on matters affecting them, and WHEREAS, among his many accomplishments, Mr. Fudro worked successfully to resolve the problems regarding the Fire and Police Department pensions, and WHEREAS, of particular service to Columbia Heights, Mr. Fudro worked to provide the Central Avenue Urbanization Project for the City, and success- fully obtained an agreement from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to pay costs on that project above and beyond what had been originally proposed. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor of the City of Columbia Heights, do hereby recognize and commend Stanley Fudro for his years of dedicated service to the City of Columbia Heights and its people. S/Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Mr. Fudro thanked the City Council for establishing this proclamation and still will be very much involved with the City of Columbia Heights. May 27, 1980 Page 4 2. Mayor Nawrocki read the following proclamation: PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH WHEREAS, by virtue of the authority vested in the Governor of Minnesota by the Constitution, June has been proclaimed Parks and Recreation Month, a major statewide event which would both celebrate and seriously consider the role of leisure in the "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness" of Third Century AmericansI' and WHEREAS, all citizens can fulfill their potential in the use of their leisure time through the varied individual and group opportunities pro- vided by Parks and Recreation; and WHEREAS, suitable and positive leisure experiences are vital to good physical and mental health and enhances the quality of life for all people; and WHEREAS, all the citizens of Columbia Heights can enjoy leisure time self-renewal in the out-of-doors through green spaces, facilities and programs and take advantage of the parks and recreation system; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Columbia Heights City Council through action by its Mayor, does hereby proclaim June, 1980, as Parks and Recrea- tion Month. S/Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor OLD BUSINESS 1. Tax Forfeit Parcel on 40th Avenue and Jefferson Street Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute the appropriate agreement to provide for the sale of the tax forfeit property (Plat 33365, Parcel 5242) to Mr. Patrick Grady of 636 40th Avenue NE for the amount of $1. The councilmen discussed the proper or correct way of disposing or trans- ferring property and the costs involved. Motion to amend by Logacz, seconded by Hentges that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute the appropriate agreement to provide for the sale of the tax forfeit property (Plat 33365, Parcel 5242) to Mr. Patrick Grady of 636 40th Avenue NE for the amount of legal costs. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawroci~i -- Ayes Norberg -- Abstain Discussion followed on the probability of asking the property owner to combine the lots and sell as one. The City Attorney responded that the property owner cannot be binded by agreement to do this. Wayne Protection Agency -- Additional Payments Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz to concur with Park Board's recommenda- tion that Wayne Protection Agency be compensated for court appearances at their present rate. May 27, 1980 Page 5 There was further discussion and the motion was amended by Norberg, seconded by Hentges to recommend that Wayne Protection Agency be compensa- sated at a rate of 75% of the hourly rate for court appearance purposes. Roll Call on Amended Motion: Norberg, Hentges -- Ayes Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki -- Nays Motion fails. Roll Call on Main Motion: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki -- Ayes Norberg, Hentges -- Nays Chair will rule that the motion prevails based on City Attorney ruling of three-fifths vote. Discussion followed regarding voting regulations and powers by the City Council in terms of three-fifths vote and four-fifths vote. RECESS: lO:O0 PM RECONVENE: 10:15 PM The meeting was recalled to order by Mayor NawrocI~i. Record should show that monies cannot be taken from general unallocated funds, but can be taken from other funds. All councilmen agreed upon this matter. Preparation of Plans and Specifications for Electrical Wiring of the Emergency Generator The City Manager reviewed with the City Council the bids for the emergency generator circuits. Motion by Norberg and seconded by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to retain Bob Diedrich, Architect & Engineer, for the purpose of preparing the bid, specifications, and to provide the inspection for wiring of the Police and Fire Departments to the emergency generator circuit. Such costs are not to exceed $400. Roll Call: All Ayes There are drawings available to contractors of the addition of the City Hall as regards the wiring. Because Diedrich was previously familiar with the pre-wiring, he was the low bidder. 4. Public Hearing on Arby's Restaurant Proposal There was discussion by the City Council on this item. The public hearing had been scheduled for June 9; however, the City Council wishes to set a hearing date after the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Engineering Department have made their recommendations to the Council. The City Manager reminded the Council that they had been advised of the legal notice. The first public hearing notice will appear in the Sun Newspaper on May 28, 1980. The City Manager will cancel the second ad and ask that a notice be published stating that the public hearing will not be held until a future date. May 27, 1980 Page 6 NEW BUSINESS 1. Setting Public Hearing Dates for Alley Assessment Projects - The reconstruction and bituminous overlay on the alley located off Chatham Road and on the alley located between 37th and 38th Avenue was previously discussed by the City Council. The reconstruction and bituminous overlay between 40th to 41st and between Madison and Monroe Street had been brought to the attention of Mayor Nawrocki at a "Tell It To The Mayor" session. The City Manager requested a preliminary report from the Engineering Depart- ment regarding this area. The City Council and staff discussed the recom- mended alternatives and costs. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg that a public hearing be called for June 30, 1980, to consider the following projects: a) Reconstruct and bituminous overlay on the alley located off Chatham Road (petition on file) b) Reconstruct and bituminous overlay on the alley located between 37th and 38th Avenue and 2½ and 3rd Street (petition on file) c) Reconstruct and bituminous overlay between 40th to 41st and between ~adison and Monroe Street Roll Call: All Ayes Request to Purchase Pager Units Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges to authorize the City Manager to expend funds to purchase two Motorola Pagers with chargers for a total price of $520, based on low, informal quotations received. Roll Call: AT1 Ayes The City Council and staff discussed the pros and cons of pagers with chargers or with batteries. Bids a. Tree Planting There was general discussion on the bid specifications published for the supplying and planting of trees on public and private property. Discussion continued on the two low bidders. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg to table decision until further consideration could be given to the bid and specifications. Roll Call: All Ayes Bid specifications do allow for individual citizens to purchase trees at the City's contract price. The trees which were purchased last year need to be inspected and those that have died, replaced. b. Concrete Work Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract in the amount of $7,546.30 with Halvorson Construction for miscellaneous concrete work, based on low, formal bids received. Roll Call: All Ayes May 27, 1980 Page 7 o Removal of Tennis Court Coloring from Keyes and McKenna Hockey Rinks Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into contract with Slama Brothers for the removal of the color coating at Keyes and McKenna Hockey Rinks by profiling, in the amount of $2,878.50; based on low, informal bid received. Roll Call: All Ayes Establishing a Park Department Separate from Public Works The City Manager reviewed and updated the City Council with the knowledge relating to this item which he was aware of. The City Council and staff members raised numerous concerns and questions regarding the establishment of a separate Park Department. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Norberg that the City Council meet with the Park Board to discuss the letter of May 7th in further detail. This meeting will take place at the next regular Park Board meeting on June 18 at 6:30 PM. Motion to amend by Norberg, seconded by Hentges to include the Park Board supplying background information at the next regular Park Board meeting. Roll Call on Amended Motion: Norberg, Hentges -- Ayes Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki -- Nays Motion fails. Roll Call on Main Motion: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki -- Ayes Norberg -- Abstain New Hires - Police Department Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz to approve the monthly rate of Ms. Joyce Fisk, Police Technician, at $890 per month. This would be equivalent to Range 12, Step A. Roll Call: All Ayes The Suburban Police Recruitment System was discussed briefly along with the Police Department positions which are currently vacant. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Heintz to waive the ll:30 PM adjournment rule and continue the meeting until the agenda is completed. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki -- Ayes Norberg -- Nay Review of Preliminary Plans for Reconstruction of 37th Avenue Plans and specifications prepared by the City of Minneapolis staff members were reviewed in detail with the City Council by staff members as regards: sidewalk, curb and gutter; the width of the street; signal lights; the location of the crown and middle line; Cargill frontage; landscaping features; and costs-assessment/state aid. A work session was scheduled for June 14, at 9 AM in the Council Chambers. The Minneapolis engineer will be will be contacted to participate in this work session. June 30, 1980, has been set for a public hearing, with the proposal being subject to further refinement at the time of the hearing. May 27, 1980 Page 8 Minimum Qualifications for Administrative Assistant to the City Manager Position City Manager Bocwinski reviewed the changes in the minimum qualifications for the Administrative Assistant position with the City Council. Present Qualifications- Training & Experience: A combination substantially equivalent to post secondary training in business or public administration or related fields and some experience involving public contact in an inspection, investigative or enforcement capacity. Requested Revision- Training & Experience: A combination of training including successful completion of a college degree, a bachelor's degree preferred, in public administration, business, or related field and experience in a related area; two years responsible administrative experience preferred. The City Council and City Manager discussed the current duties and responsi- bilities of the Administrative Assistant compared to when the position was first approved. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to estab]isF the above requested revision in the minimum qualifications of the Administra- tive Assistant to the City Manager. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki -- Ayes; Hentges -- Nay; Norberg -- Abstain 10. Columbia Heights Float Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to ex- pend additional funds for the major overhaul of the Columbia Heights Float in the amount of $300. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki -- Ayes; Norberg -- Abstain REPORTS 1. The City Manager report had been read by the City Council. Mayor Nawrocki had questions relating to: a. The cost of the spring clean up in 19797 -approximately $6,500 b. The need for rewelding of the seams on the water tank; shouldn't this have been done from the original quality of work? This matter will be discussed at the June 9th City Council meeting after the staff has reviewed the specifications which were published. c. What was the mileage on the vehicles auctioned by Hennepin County? -mileage on all three vehicles was in the 90,O00's. Could more money have been made by selling them outright? The City Manager reported that past experience in 1978-79 proved this untrue. Additional items to the City Manager's Report were the Fire Department letter regarding a publishing company falsely representing Minnesota Fire Fighters and the St. Jude Medical, Incorporated Environmental Assessment Worksheet being withdrawn. The City Manager will keep the City Council advised to any future changes by St. Jude Medical, Incorporated. May 27, 1980 Page 9 Report of the City Attorney The City Council should be prepared to make a recommendation on the value set for the park donation regarding Arby's. All other items had previously been covered in the City Manager's Report and brought to the attention of the City Council. LICENSES Motion by Heintz, seconded By Logacz that licenses as listed be granted upon payment of proper fees, with the exception of the Columbia Heights Jaycee Women license fee being waived. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz to pay the bills as listed out of their proper funds. Roll Call: All Ayes WORK SESSIONS - Unused School Buildings, Pay Plan Tuesday, June 3, 9 PM Thursday, June 5, 9 PM OTHER BUSINESS The Mayor and Councilmen briefly discussed appointments needed to the Commissions and Boards. This matter will be discussed at a future Council meeting. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges to adjourn the meeting at 1:35 PM. Roll Call: All Ayes Secretary P r o-T/e~J ~a~r Bruce G. Nawrocki