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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMar 24, 1980OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA MARCH 24, 1980 The meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki -- aye NAMING OF SECRETARY Motion to appoint Ardelle Burt Secretary Pro-rem for this meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Reverend Robert Carl of Oak Hill Baptist Church. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 10 as presented in writing and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: Ail Ayes ORAL PETITIONS Ann Galuski, 1006 42nd Avenue N.E., stated that her reason for appearing at the Council meeting was to find out if there is anything the Council can do to help her with a drainage problem. Mayor Nawrocki stated that the City Manager has viewed this property at least once. The City Manager stated that the water was standing in the back lot of the property and the drainage area does flow to her property. He also stated that staff has not had a chance to complete the check of City records regar- ding the public hearing held several years ago for improvements in this area. He was not sure what kind of plan had been presented at that time. Mayor Nawrocki stated that Ms. Galuski had been to the "Tell It to the Mayor" session held on March 6, and he did ask the City Manager to have this matter checked out. Councilman Heintz stated that, in the past, when people have had a problem like this, the practice of the City was to help people out. He wondered what had happened to this practice. Councilman Logacz stated that the City does not have a written policy, and that something on this order should be prepared. Mayor Nawrocki stated that the City should help out where they can; however, it is the responsibility of the property owner to protect their property. The City cannot guarantee that they can solve a water problem. March 24, ]980 page two Councilman Logacz asked if the City has a written policy. If not, it would be useful to set certain guidelines so the citizens would know where the City stands on these matters. The Mayor stated that the City does not have a written policy, and no matter how many words you put into a policy, you will never cover alt of the circum- stances that arise. The City Manager stated that since he came on board, he wasn't aware of whether there was a written or formal policy. He had instructed staff, Pub- lic Works in particular, that the City would provide assistance when there was no other means available to the property owners; for example, emergency situations affecting the community. The Mayor asked if the Public Works Superintendents has been contacted re- garding past practice. The City Manager stated that it was discussed. The Public Works Department had responded to requests through City Hall in those situations where it was considered to be an emergency with the community. The term "emergency" was discussed, and the City Manager stated that he has tried to determine whether or not service is available to the residents from another source. Ann Ga]uski stated that the City had surveyed the property at one time to put in a drainage system; however, some of the neighbors had objected to the pipe lline going through their properties. The C]:ty Manager suggested that he could prepare something that might be a guidel!ine and bring it back to the next Council meeting and have the Council review it. Councilman Hentges stated that Ms. galuski wants an answer tonight. He suggested that the City pump the water out now and then find a permanent solution to the drainage problem. Councilman Heintz suggested that first the City should help with the immediate problem, and, secondly, alleviate the problem in the future. Councilman Logacz noted that if there are many calls because of unforeseen problems, how would the City determine who should be helped first. The City does not have enough equipment to help everyone, so some priorities should be set. The Mayor stated that, as far as a perma- nent answer is concerned, he has asked the City Manager for this information, and that response is forthcoming. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to dis- patch a crew to 1006 42nd Avenue with a pump, to pump the water away from Ms. galuski's home. Roll Call: All Ayes Discussion continued and Councilman Norberg stated that it should be clear for the record that this is not setting a policy~ but, in this case, it seems the prudent: thing to do. March 24, 1980 page three ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 1. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 908 Technology Commission Energy Awareness, Science and Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to dispense with the reading of Ordi- nance No. 908 as ample copies were available for the public. Roll Call: All Ayes Councilman Norberg stated that he had talked with the City Attorney and they had agreed that the proper approach was to present the ordinance as is and have the Council amend or delete it as they wish. Motion by Nawrocki, seconded by Norberg to delete the last two sentences of section 3.314 (1): 'lNo person may be reappointed to the Commission unless such person has demonstrated increased education, training or experience since the time of the person's last appointment, such that the member's technical perspective had been broadened. No person may be appointed to more than two (2) consecutive three (3) year terms. Councilman Norberg stated that the intention of these sentences had been to encourage the membership of the Commission to stay sharp. Discussion continued on section 3.314 (2). The last sentence of this section reads: "Each ex-officio member shall possess the title of Technical Advisor." Councilman Norberg stated that the idea was to prevent a proliferation of titles for these members; and the second was to induce them to be interested in serving on the Commission. Mayor Nawrocki asked if these ex-officio mem- bers are voting members. Councilman Norberg stated that they are not. The City Attorney stated that the City Code provides that ex-officio members do not vote. Mayor Nawrocki also question section 3.314 (3) a. He asked if it was some- thing that was covered in another section, or if it could be deleted. Councilman Norberg stated the intent was that essentially the group would work on items that were referred to it by the Council. He stated that he hopes that the group would be able to function at times other than formal meetings, especially the Technical Advisors, in that: the Administrative staff would be able to consult with them on items of concern. Roll Call on above motion: All Ayes ORDINANCE 9O8 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, PERTAINING TO THE CREATION OF AN ENERGY AWARENESS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights Does Ordain: March 24, 1980 page four Section 1: Section 3.314 of Ordinance No. 853, City Code of ]977, passed June 2i, 1977, which is currently reserved, shall hereafter read as follows, to-vJit: SECTION IQ -- ENERGY AWARENESS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION 3.314 (1) An Energy Awareness, Science and Technology Commission is hereby established which shall consist of seven (7) permanent members to be appointed by the Council for terms of three (3) years each. Permanent members shall be resi- dents of the City and shall include one member of the Council. At least four (4) permanent members shall possess technical expertise by virtue of education, training, or experience in the physical sciences, engineering, or mathernatics and shall possess at least a baccalaureate degree therein. 3.314 (2) The Energy Awareness, Science and Technology Commission shall establish and appoint its own ex-oFficio members of such nunlbeFs and identity as it shall deem appropriate. Terms of ex-ofFicio members shall be oF such duration as is necessary and expedient to the topics being considered by the Energy Awareness, Science and Technology Commission shall continue thereafter to prepare and maintain a current list of persons who may agree to donate technical expertise helpful to the topics which may be studied by the Comnlission. Ex-officio members need not be residents of the City and their expertise need ot be limited to physical sciences, engineering or mathematics. Each ex-officio member shall possess the title of Tech- nical Advisor. 3.314 (3) The Energy Awareness, Science and Technology Commission shall: a) evaluate and advise the Council on highly technological proposals such as the use of computer services by the City Administrative Service (as requested by the Council). b) analyze, devise and recommend to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council such changes in the Zoning Code as may be necessary and desirable to both permit and closely regulate energy conservation enhancement in structures; c) provide analysis and advise to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Coun- t:il, Administrative Service, or other Boards and Commissions on techni- c:al subjects referred to it from time to time; (d) advise the Council and aid the Administrative Service in the prepara- tion of technical specifications for the purchase of technical equip- ment or services; (e) review the City Code to determine areas of obsolescense or impending obsolescence and recommend changes to the City Council before such problems bec:ome acute; March 24, 1989 page five (f) conduct such studies as are necessary to advise the City Council about the development of a City energy policy and energy action statement; (g) inform the residential, commercial and industrial citizens of the City of the importance of energy cons. ervation and motivate the public to conserve energy as the Ci~'y Council shall direct; and (h) evaluate its effectiveness in achieving the City Council's objectives. 3.31zi (4) Notwithstanding ti~e foregoing list of duties, tk~e Eqergy Awareness, Science and Technology Commission shall undertake none of the tasks provided in this section unless the City Council specifically directs it to perform such a particular duty. Section 2: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First Reading: Harch lO, 1950 Date of Passage: March 24, 1980 Second Reading: Narch 24; 19c30 Offered by: Ncrberg Seconded by: Logacz Roll Call: All Ayes COMHUNICATIONS P, ayor Nawrocki referred to a letter from Roseville regarding their Cable Service Territory Proposal. This letter is for information purposes and will be referred to the Columbia Heights/Hilltop Cable TV Advisory Committee at their next meeting. Counci!m~n Norberg asked if the City was /-o take ti'is as an invitation to join in 'the Cable Service Territory. Mayor l~'awrocki stated that it ~,~cs just a notification of their intent to apply for reccgnition as a Cable Service Terri tory. There was further discussion on Cable TV. OLD BUSINESS Uniform Fine Schedule Motion by Hentges, Seconded by I.ot~acz to approve the fine schedule as sub- mitted by the~ity ?ianager and City Attorney. Thi~_ ~,,~.~u]~ v,,ill be for;.~arded to the Anoka County 2udge's Conrail:tee. Councilman ~'lorberg stated that he would prefer a motion 'to inst,-uct the City Manager to communicate this as tlle City's input; not to imply that the Council is pleased with the idea. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges -- aye Norberg, Nawrocki -- nay Motion carries. March 24, 1980 page six NEW BUSINESS 1. No Fault Grievance Procedure Mr. Brad Tatting, Chairman, Columbia Heights Human Services Commission, requested approval of the No Fault Grievance Procedure, and was present to tell about it. The No Fault Grievance Procedure is a way in which local commissions can get involved more directly with handling discrimination complaints. At the present time, the grievant has six months to fi]e a Formal complaint with the State Human Rights Commission, and the hope was that many of these complaints could be handled on a ]oca] ]eve], before Filing a formal com- plaint. If within four months, the informal process does not materialize anything, the peop]e wou]d be encouraged to forma]]y fi]e with the State Human Rights Commission. If the State receives a complaint from the City of Columbia Heights regarding discrimination, they would forward this complaint to the Columbia Heights Human Services Commission. Before com- plaints can be handled; however, the Commission would have to participate in a training process. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to approve the No Fault Grievance Procedure as presented by the Human Services Commission. Discussion continued and Mr. Tatting stated that the Commission would have the State Human Rights Commission look at these grievances. This is one of the services available from the State. Also, they are considering the idea of involving the City Attorney in this process. The Hayor agreed that this was a good idea. Roll Call on above motion: All Ayes Mr. Tatting asked tha~ written authorization be forwarded to the State Human Rights Commission. Mayor Nawrocki stated that the City Manager and the City Attorney will take care of this. RECESS at 9:25 p.m. RECONVENE at 9:55 p.m. 2. Housing and Redevelopment Authority -- 1980 Finances The City Manager had outlined a request by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority in his last Hanager's Report indicating that additional funding in 1980 would be necessary. The HRA Board is requesting the use of $25~000 in Revenue Sharing monies that were set aside for Downtown Development. Also, additional monies may be required in the near future to pay for costs incurred with preliminary work associated with the Downtown Development pro- ject; those would have to be financed from some other source. March ~, 1980 page seven Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the use of $25,000 in Revenue Sharing monies by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority for work being done in conjunction with the Downtown Development Pro]act, Discussion continued and Hayor Nawrocki asl~ed John Schedler~ Finance Dir- ector, to check on the restrictions regarding the use of Revenue Sharing funds. Councilman Logacz stated that he would like the HRA to come up with a definite plan for budgeting in the future. Mayor Nawrocki stated that this information was contained in the memo the Council had received on this subject. Roll Call on above motion: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki -- aye Norberg -- nay Motion carries. 3. Fire Prevention Booklets Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to authorize the purchase of 8,000 booklets entitled ~ire i~ Your Home for distribution by the Fire Department at a cost not to exceed $3,920° Roll Call: All ~ves 4. Quotations for Fire Hydrants Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to authorize the purchase of replacement fire hydrants in an amount not to exceed $4,792 from Water Products Company, based on low, informal quotation received. Roll Call: All Ayes 5. Street Material Bids Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to award the bids on street materials to the ]ow bidders as listed in the attachments to the Public Works Director's memo of March 19, and that the Mayor s~d City M~a~er be authorized te enter into contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes 6. Final Settlement regarding City Hall Addition -- Leverette Weekes Company Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to authorize final payment to Leverette Weekes Compsny regarding the City Hall Addition project. Discussion was held on the stain on the brick, roof,, ponding, steam, cleaning, fire extinguishers, and the heating/cooling system. Roll Call on above motion: LoCacz, Heintz, F!entges -- aye Norberg, Nawrocki -- nay Motion carries. March 24, 1980 page e i ght Preparation of Plans and Specifications for Electrical Wiring Staff's recommendation was to retain Mr. Robert Diedrich, Architect, for the purpose of preparing plans and specifications regarding electrical wiring of the Police and Fire Departments to the City's emergency genera- tor. Motion by Heintz to deny the request. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to direct the City Manager to inves- tigate the matter further and report back to the next meeting. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges -- aye Heintz, Nawrocki -- nay Motion carries. 8. Wage Adjustments There are two employees who are being recommended for merit increases. Mayor Nawrocki stated that if there are no motions to the contrary, the performance adjustments will go into effect adn/inistratively. There were no motions. 9. Review City Policy regarding Assistance to Property Owners This item was discussed under "Oral Petitions." OTHER BUSINESS 1. Recognition Program Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg that the City Manager continue working on this program. Councilman Norberg seconded this motion for purposes of discussion. Councilman Norberg stated that he continues to object to the idea of including people not appointed by the Council. He feels that Commissioners, not ex- officio members, should be included under this program. Also discussed were the proposed cost:s. Substitute motion by Heintz that the Council instruct the City Manager to inplement the Recognition Program for boards and commissions and City employees. Councilman Norberg accepted this substitute motion. Roll Call on substitute motion: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges -- aye Norberg. Nawrocki -- nay Motion, carries. March 24, 1980 page n i ne Councilman Ilorberg stated that he did not know what the Recognition Program consisted of, and he was sure that the other members of the Council also did not know what the program was. He felt that the City Manager would have difficulty carrying out the Council's instruction if no one knew what the Recognition Program was. 2. Surplus Haterial and Equipment Motion by !aeintz, Seconde.J by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to sell the equipment as listed in his memo regarding this item. Motion by Norberg that no action be taken on this item until the list of items is circulated to all departments, and they have a chance to indicate whether they need this equipment or not. Motion dies for lack of a second. Roll Call on above motion: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki ---aye Noro,~rg, Hentges ---nay 3. Housing and Redevelopment Authority -- 1980 Finances Motion by Norberg that the $25,000 authorized for use by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority not be transferred all at one time, but be drawn as needed. Motion dies for lack of a second. Finance Director John Schedler explained that the intent was to draw on the money as necessary. 4. Energy Awareness, Science and Technology Commission Mayor Nawrocki stated that he would like to set up a small budget for this Commission. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to authorize S700 of unallocated sur- plus for the Energy Awareness, Science and Technology' Commission. Motion to amend by Hentges to authorize $500 for this purpose. Motion dies for lack of a second. Roll Call on above motion: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki -- aye Hentges -- nay Motion carries. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT The Manager discussed the items which were contained in his report. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT The City Attorney asked the Council to formally approve the settlement in the Klm case on behalf of Patricia Gliniany and Patricia Hendricks in the amount of $5,000. March 24, 1980 page ten Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to approve the settlement in the Klm case in the amount of SS,000 as recommended by the City Attorney. Roi 1 Cai 1 -- All Ayes L I CENSFS Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg that the licenses as listed be approw}d upon payment of proper fees, and the fees for Columbia Junior High and Columbia Heights Senior High Schools be waived. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to pay the bills as listed out of their proper funds. Councilman Norberg questioned bill x/35033 to Mark Hurd for S945. This bill was for an aerial topography that was previously authorized. Councilman Norberg also questioned bill ;:35120 to the HRA for S8,578. This bill is for reimbursement for salaries and expenses for the Down- town Development. Roll Call on motion to pay bills: All Ayes ADJOURNMENT Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to adjourn at 11:25 p.m. Roll Call: All Ayes Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Ardelle. Burt, Secretary Pro-Tem ab/kk