HomeMy WebLinkAboutFeb 25, 1980OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUHBIA HEIGHTS, HINNESOTA
FEBRUARY 25, 1980
The meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Present
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Councilman Norberg.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to approve the minutes of the regular
meeting of February ll, 1980 as presented in writing and reading be dispensed
with.
Roll Call: All Ayes
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:
1. Ordinance Regarding Science,
Energy and Technology Committee
Councilman Norberg suggested the Council defer the first reading of this
proposed ordinance until after the break as the Council just received their
copy and needs time to read it.
2. Ordinance Conveying Land
to Daniel W. Beaman
This ordinance would convey the property at 43½ Avenue, behind the post office,
to Daniel W. Beaman as the high bidder on the parcel.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to dispense with the reading as sufficient
copies were available to the public.
Roll Call: All Ayes
ORDINANCE 912
BEING AN ORDINANCE CONVEYING CERTAIN
REAL ESTATE TO DANIEL W. BEAMAN
The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Section 1: The City of Columbia Heights shall convey its interest in the real
estate described as follows:
Lot Thirty-three (33), Block Two (2), (Except South 5I)
(Except East 45') (Except South 137-1/2'), subject to
public road and utility easement over the north 30
feet to the City of Columbia Heights, Reservoir Hills,
Anoka County, Minnesota
to Daniel W. Beaman.
February 25, 1980
Page 2
Section 2: The conveyance shall be made by (~uit Claim Deed.
Section 3: The purchase price of said property is twelve thousand dollars
($12,000.O0).
Section 4: The Mayor and City Manager are herewith authorized to execute
the documents necessary to make such conveyance.
Section 5: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after
thirty (30) days after its passage.
The second reading will take place at the next regular Council meeting and
will constitute a public hearing.
Resolution Regarding City Council Endorsement of HRA's
Agreement Regarding the Downtown Development Project
This resolution will endorse offers for exclusive negotiations between the HRA
and Watson Centers, Inc; P. J. gaughan, Inc.; and the Columbia Heights Office
Center (CHOC) regarding the Downtown Development Project.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the reading of the resolution be
waived as sufficient copies were available for the public.
Roll Call: All Ayes
RESOLUTION 80-12
ENDORSING OFFERS FOR EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE HOUSING
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND WATSON CENTERS, INC., P. J. GAUGHAN, INC.
AND THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS OFFICE CENTER
WHEREAS, it has been the intent and desire of the City of Columbia Heights to
improve conditions in the "Central Business District" of the community, and
WHEREAS, the Housing & Redevelopment Authority and the Downtown Development
Council have prepared a p]an for a revitalization program in the Central
Business District, said plan being formally adopted by the City Council at a
public hearing on August 3, 1977, and
WHEREAS, Watson Centers, Inc., P. J. Gaughan, Inc. and the Columbia Heights
Office Center, a partnership consisting of Watson Centers, Inc.; Barna, Guzy,
Terpstra, Merrill & Giancola Ltd. and Walter Rasmussen have submitted offers to
negotiate exclusively as the primary developers within that area designated and
approved as the Development District under the provisions of MN Statute
Q62.52], and
WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, after review and consideration
of said '~offers", at a special meeting on February 25, 1980 approved the offers
by their Resolutions, contingent upon approval by the Downtown Development Council
and City Council (a copy of said resolutions are attached and made reference to
herein), and
February 25, 1980
Page 3
WHEREAS, the "offers" were duly reviewed and approved by the Downtown
Development Council at their regular meeting on February 20, 1980 by Resolution
80-1, finding that the offers are consistent with the goals and objectives of the
approved "Revitalization Plan'l (a copy of which is attached and made reference
to herein), and
WHEREAS, the City Council has been apprised of the actions by the Authority
and the Downtown Development Council and has reviewed the "offersI'
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia
Heights that:
The actions by the Housing & Redevelopment Authority and Downtown
Development Council approving offers for exclusive negotiations
between the HRA and Watson Centers, Inc.; P. J. Gaughan, Inc.; and
the Columbia Heights Office Center are hereby endorsed.
Passed this 25th day of February, 1980.
Offered by: Hentges
Seconded by: Logacz
Roger Jensen, HRA Director, read the following addition to the agreements:
"If the terms and conditions of this agreement are not fulfilled by the Developer,
the Developer shall reimburse the Authority for all costs associated with the
Commercial project from the date of this agreement not to exceed $5,000. These
costs represent necessary appraisal work, legal fees and other costs attributable
directly to determining the feasibility of the development." Councilman Norberg
asked whether the addition will be accepted by the developers. Roger Jensen
answered that he doesn't feel this one item will make or break the deal. He
added the proposed development is one floor of commercial space from 40th Ave.
to 41st Ave. as the developer feels this is the best use for the site. The
bank and offices will be constructed with the parking ramp from Gould Ave. to
4Oth and will be from five to seven stories. This would involve the taking of
up to nine homes, Coast to Coast, and Sir Waxer.
The seventeen unit apartment building which was planned to be moved into this area
will now have to be moved to one of several other potential sites. Mayor Nawrocki
noted that this resolution gives Watson Centers 180 days to develop a proposal.
The Council will have the option of accepting or rejecting the proposal at the
end of that time. Discussion continued on the use of tax increment funding and
the number of years the City would have to pay off the bonds.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye
Norberg - Nay
4. Resolution Regarding the Para-Transit Program
The State requires this resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to
execute the agreement between the State and the City for the para-transit program.
February 25, 1980
Page 4
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to dispense with the reading as sufficient
copies were available to the public.
Roll Call: All Ayes
RESOLUTION 80-13
SHARED. RIDE
BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights enter into an agreement with
the State of Minnesota, Department of Transportation, to provide a para-transit
service in the City of Colunbia Heights.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights agrees to provide 33.33
percent of the total deficit of the para-transit project from local funds not to
exceed $9,500 from the General Fund.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that authorization to execute the aforementioned
agreement is hereby given to the Mayor and the City Manager.
BE IT ALSO FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized
to execute requests for reimbursement from the Minnesota Department of
Transportation.
Passed this 25th day of February, 1980.
Offered by: Heintz
Seconded by: Logacz
Roll Call: All Ayes
5. Resolution Regarding City Attorney Retainer
The City Manager is recommending the increase in the retainer as requested by
the City Attorney because of the increase in the number of complaints. The
City Attorney is asking an additional $2,500 clerical fee which is a new item.
The City Attorney explained the processing of a formal complaint which makes up
the increase in the clerical time.
The Mayor asked whether it was reasonable to expect this number of tickets,
generated by the new parking ban from 2 to 6 a.m., to continue. Police Chief
Anderson stated that his department is still issuing approximately 15 parking
tickets per night.
The Mayor also feels that the number of people not paying their tickets will also
be reduced lowering the number of formal complaints, also during the summer of
1980 the ordinance will not be enforced. The City Attorney noted the increase in
tickets in other areas and stated he doesn't expect a decline in the coming year.
Discussion continued on how much the City Attorney was paid last year, the number
of hours charged to the City last year, and the amount budgeted for this year.
February 25, 1980
Page 5
Councilman Norberg asked whether people could pay the City directly for
their fines. The Mayor agreed there ought to be a way to handle the ticketing
through the City. The City Attorney pointed out that there is almost as much
time spent in typing and sending out formal notices as there would be for an
informal letter.
RESOLUTION 80-14
BEING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING
ATTORNEYS' FEES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 1980
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
that remuneration for the City Attorney be established effective January 1, 1980
as follows:
Retainer
Excess Prosecution Clerical Fee
Prosecution (650 hours maximum)
Court Cases, Bonding Fees and
Other Extraordinary Non-Retainer
Services
$14,700.OO
2,5100.00
42.50 per hour
42.50 per hour
Passed this 25th day of February, 1980.
Offered by: Hentges
Seconded by: Logacz
Roll Call: All Ayes
LETTER REGARDING SALE OF LIQUOR ESTABLISHMENTS
A letter was received from Sterling Investments, Inc. offering their services
if the City wished to sell its liquor establishments. This was for the
Council's general information.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Sullivan Lake Park
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the City Manager to prepare
plans and specifications and to call for and accept formal bids on a dual water
system to be constructed in conjunction with the Sullivan Lake sprinkler system;
and furthermore, that bids be opened on April 23, 1980 with a report to the
following regular Council meeting.
The primary source of water would be from the lake and the secondary source
would be from the City supply.
Fred Salsbury, Public Works Director, will have a cost estimate at the end of
March. The Mayor stated he will not vote for a call for bids without an estimate
of the cost. Councilman Norberg agreed.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges - Aye
Norberg, Nawrocki - Nay
February 25, 1980
Page 6
2. Other Old Business
Councilman Norberg stated that he (lid not get a report on the hill for the stop
watch the City purchased from Hitch DeMars. The City Manager stated he would
get an answer to the Councilman.
NEW BUSINESS:
l. Uniform Fine Schedule
Motion by Hentges to table this matter until the next regular Council meeting.
The Mayor asked the Council to discuss the proposal. Councilman Hentges withdrew
his motion.
The City Attorney pointed out that this schedule pertains to vio]ations such as
various forms of public nuisance, specific traffic violations, and other
miscellaneous violations. The County is already using the system for speeding
tickets and the judges thought it wou]d be a good idea to extend this practice
to other areas. They are looking for uniformity in the hope that people will be
able to put a check for the fine in an envelope and mail it in instead of having
to appear in court. Councilman Heintz stated he would like a work session to
look at the proposed fines so Colunbia Heights can set up its own proposals.
Mayor Nawrocki stated that he doesn't go along with the judges' feelings that
there should be a uniform fine schedule. He feels a community should have the
right to set its own fines on the basis of what is important to that community
and doesn't like the County forcing this on the cities.
Councilman Norberg asked if the City could still set its own fines if the other
cities adopted the schedule. The City Attorney answered that the City will
probably have to go along with the County's decision. Councilman Norberg stated
that he thinks it is silly to make it so easy to plead guilty and pay a fine but
he feels that this is going to be adopted by the County and the City probab]y
should have some input.
Hotion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to defer further consideration of this
matter at this time.
Ro11 Call: All Ayes
A work session was set for Monday, Hatch 3 at 7:30 p.m. to further discuss the plan.
RECESS at 9:42 p.m.
RECONVENE at 10:00 p.m.
2. Budget Change/Intern Position
The City Hanager is requesting an additional expenditure of funds for the purpose
of retaining an intern to work a six month program to aid in the preparation of
the City's comprehensive plan.
February 25, 1980
Page 7
Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the City Manager to hire
an intern for six months at a pay rate of $700 per month to assist the City
Planner in the preparation of the City's comprehensive plan; and furthermore,
that $2,200 be expended from the General Fund Unallocated Fund Balance.
Mayor Nawrocki asked what the sources for this internship were. The City
Manager listed the colleges which were contacted about the intern program.
The Mayor stated that part of the reason the City went to a full time planner
was because of the comprehensive plan which had to be prepared. He doesn't
understand how the City can have a full time planner now and still need another
part time one to help with the comprehensive plan.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye
Norberg, Hentges - Nay
3. Schools and Conferences
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize attendance and expenses for
Sergeant Jendro to the Risk Reduction School from April 28 30.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize attendance and expenses
for Sergeant Marchiniak to the Police Civil Liability School from June 23 - 25.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize attendance and expenses for
John Schedler, City Clerk, to the City Clerk's Conference from March 26 28.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize attendance and expenses for
Don Jolly, Water Superintendent, to the Annual Water Pollution Control Federation
Conference from September 28 - October 3.
Councilman Norberg stated he doesn't understand the Superintendent's being asked
to submit a paper for reviewal at the conference and feels this is just a way of
getting approval to attend.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye
Norberg Nay
4. Wage Adjustments
There are five employees who are being recommended for merit increases. Councilman
Norberg asked for written justification on one of the employees. He repeated
that he wants more than just an evaluation, he expects justification on what the
City gets back from the employee in the form of cost or time savings. He was
provided with the information. The adjustments will go into effect administratively.
February 25, 1980
Page 8
Other New Business
Councilman Logacz asked what happened to the sign ordinance the City was working
on some time ago. Councilman Heintz stated that the Planning and Zoning Commiss'
sent the proposed ordinance to the Council for review and the Council never gave
any direction. Mayor Nawrocki stated that this could be discussed during the
Council's work session on Monday night.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ORDINANCE
Councilman Norberg stated he doesn't feel the City Attorney included everything
he had asked for in the proposed ordinance and he would like some things exempted.
He stated that his idea was to make resource people available to the staff to
help with advice on any item without having to go through the Council with a
referral to the whole committee. Mayor Nawrocki noted that it will probably be
difficult to get members together for meetings and this fact will cause many time
delays.. He added that because this would be a commission, they would be subject
to the: open meeting law. Councilman Norberg explained that the technical
advisers are resources and are not making policy decisions; they would only be
helping the staff to formulate ideas.
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to table this until the next regular
meeting.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki -Aye
Norberg - Nay
Discussion was held on the possibility of having a recognition dinner for members
of the commissions and boards. The matter will be discussed further at the
Monday work session.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
The City Manager asked what the Council's direction was to him on revising the
employee pay plan. Mayor Nawrocki answered that everyone is still covered by the
old pay plan. The City Manager was directed to develop a new pay plan and come
to the Council with some alternatives for the plan they have been working on.
LICENSES
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to grant the licenses as listed, except for
the taxi driver license which will be rejected based on the recommendation of the
Police Department, upon payment of proper fees.
Roll Call: All Ayes
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to pay bills as listed out of their proper
funds.
Roll Call: All Ayes
February 25, 1980
Page 9
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to adjourn at ]]:00 p.m.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Bru-"~e G. Nawrocki, Mayor
~---~unc i 1 Secretary