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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFeb 11, 1980 (2)OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA FEBRUARY Il, 1980 The meeting was called to order at 8:55 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Present INVOCATION The invocation was given by Reverend Waite of Shiloh Bethany Presbyterian Church. PRESENTATION OF PLAQUE Mayor Nawrocki and Police Chief Anderson presented a plaque to Sergeant Lohse of the Police Department on his retirement. FIRE CADET PROGRAM Don Johnson, Fire Chief, explained the cadet program and its history. The Mayor expressed the appreciation of the Council and the community to the cadets for the efforts and time that they have given to the community and he also commended the advisors who make the program successful. RESOLUTION 80-1l COMMENDING DANA ALEXON FOR HIS WORK WITH THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS FIRE CADET PROGRAM The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights hereby resolves: WHEREAS, Dana Alexon was the first fire cadet in the Columbia Heights Explorer Post #778 and the first person to be appointed to the position of Cadet Fire Chief and was highly active in preparing the bylaws and rules and regulations for the Cadet Division, and WHEREAS, he has donated more than 475 hours to the Fire Cadet Program during the past two years, and WHEREAS, Dana is the first graduate of the Fire Cadet Division and is now a member of the Fire Reserve Division and in training to become a Volunteer Firefighter, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights hereby recognizes Dana Alexon as an outstanding individual who has demonstrated a high degree of initiative and enthusiasm for the Columbia Heights Fire Service. Passed this llth day of February, 1980. Offered by: Logacz Seconded by: Heintz Roll Call: All Ayes February l l, 1980 Page 2 Mayor Nawrocki also commended the members of the department for their work in making the remodel lng of the Fire Department so successful. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to approve the minutes of the January 28 meeting as presented in writing and reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Abstain CREATION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION Councilman Heintz stated that he would like to set a definite evening to discuss the proposed ordinance. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to table the second reading of ordinance 908 until the second regular meeting of March. Roll Call: All Ayes The Council will meet informally on Wednesday, February 20 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the proposed ordinance. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS: ]. Zane Boyce, 4419 Madison St. Request for Variance The request is For a variance to construct a 6' x 8' bathroom addition to his house. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to grant the variance for a 6' x 8' addition at 4419 Madison St. based on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: Alt Ayes 2. Wayne Mecl, 2122 Zl5th Ave. N.E. Special Purpose Fence Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to approve the request for a special purpose fence at 2122 45th Ave. based on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes 3. New Brighton Comprehensive Plan The Planning and Zoning Commission finds no significant impact on Columbia Heights from New Brighton's comprehensive plan. February 11, 1980 Page 3 Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, that the Council finds no detrimental effects on the City and approves the New Brighton Comprehensive Plan. Roll Call: All Ayes 4. School District #13 Capital Improvement Program The Planning and Zoning Commission focused on the items of concern such as the possibility of the population changing in the later 1980's and there again being a need for the three schools which will be closed in 1981 and how the future use of the schools will relate to the City's comprehensive plan. Councilman Hentges stated he feels there should be a school on the south side of the City. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Norberg, to concur with the Planning and Zoning Commissionls request of the School District to maintain a line of communication with them and delay any final decisions or commitments on the sites until such time that the City may determine the relationship of these sites to the City's Comprehensive Plan. Roll Call: All Ayes PRECINCT CAUCUSES A letter was received from the County Auditor stating that no meetings can be conducted after 7:00 p.m. on precinct caucus day, Tuesday, February 26. OTHER COMMUNICATIONS The City Manager stated that he had received a letter from Crest View Nursing Home that they are undertaking a fund raiser for the Heart Association. The League of Minnesota Cities is having their annual legislative action conference on Wednesday, February 20 at the Capital Holiday Inn. From March 13 - 15 there will be an environmental use conference in Duluth. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the attendance and expenses of Councilman Norberg to the Environmental Use Conference in Duluth. Roll Call: All Ayes OLD BUSINESS: 1. Seal Coat Program Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that there be a special meeting to deal with the matter of seal coating on March 31 at 7:30 p.m. and the City Manager be authorized to advertise for a hearing at that time. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki - Aye Hentges - Nay February 11, 1980 Page 4 2. Para-Transit Program MnDOT is recommending that the City rebid the para-transit project at the new rate of: City share 1/3, State share 2/3 for an additional year with a review six months from March 1 to look at the possibility of establishing a new type of se rv i ce. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Norberg, that the Council authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the Para-Transit service demonstration program with the State of Minnesota and to give authorization to take bids for the Para-Transit service, bid opening to be March 6 with a presentation to the Council at its regular meeting of March ]0. Councilman Norberg stated he isn't in favor of seeing the program go any further'. Mayor Nawrocki stated his concern that there aren't enough riders in the City to support the program. The majority of the riders are senior citizens, and they like the program. The Mayor added that if it serves the senior citizens, he's for the program. Discussion followed on the proposed spec changes with regard to the change in the payment schedule. Councilman Norberg stated that the Council should approve the advertising for bids but the specs should be carefully put together. Roll Call: All Ayes City Engineer's Vacation Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the City Manager to escrow thirty days of accumulated vacation time for the City Engineer for use as vacation leave or as payment upon retirement, and furthermore, that future vacation accrual not exceed one and one half times the normal annual accrual rate for the City Engineer. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki - Aye Hentges - Nay NEW BUSINESS: 1. City Shade Tree Program Tom Rejzer, Acting Park Superintendent, is again recommending that the City reimburse residents 1004 for trees removed from their property because of dutch elm or oak wilt. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the City will pay lO0~ of the eligible expenses incurred by private property owners toward the removal of dutch elm and oak wilt infected trees and stumps as marked by City of Columbia Heights certified tree inspectors. Roll Call: All Ayes February il, 1980 Page 5 2. Bids on Tree Removal Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the City Manager to call for the opening of bids for the contracted removal of trees and stumps on public and private property in 1980, all according to specifications drawn up by the City Forester and approved by the City Attorney. The scheduled date for the bid opening to be February 29 at 2:00 p.m. Roll Call: All Ayes 3. Quotations for Power Tailgates Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the City Manager to expend $800 for the purchase and installation of a power tailgate from Truck Outfitters, Inc. based on low informal quotation received. Councilman Norberg asked whether a low boy trailer, which could be used with all vehicles, wouldn't have been cheaper. Fred Salsbury, Public Works Director, answered that a trailer would probably cost more and takes up storage room. Councilman Norberg stated that the power tailgate may cost more in the long run because of maintenance on it. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay 4. Quotations for Repair Parts for the Backhoe Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into contract with Carlson Tractor and Equipment Company for repair parts for the sewer and water backhoe in the amount of $1,400.17 (less five percent discount if payment is made upon delivery of parts) based upon low, informal quotation with conditional approval to purchase a main swivel casting at an additional cost of $1,022.00 if it proves necessary. Roll Call: All Ayes 5. Quotations for Carpet for the Fire Department The City Manager stated that the recommended low bidder of his memo is no longer the low bidder and changed his recommendation to Anderson House of Furniture from Complete Flooring. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract with Anderson House of Furniture, 4051 Central Ave., for installation of carpeting in the Fire Department in the amount of $1,260 based on low, informal quotation received. Councilman Norberg questioned whether the low bidder knew of the other bids when he submitted his bid. Tim Yantos, Administrative Assistant, answered that Anderson's didn't know the other bids. Councilman Norberg stated the other bidders should be given the opportunity to negotiate the bids. He added he is not comfortable with the situation and feels the bid should be given to the original low bidder. February l l, 1980 Page 6 Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki Norberg, Hentges Nay Aye 6. O~uotations on Hydrant Markers Notion by Losacz, seconded by Norberg, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract with qavies I.later Enuinment Co,~nanv fnr RNN hvarant markers in the amount of $1,050 based on lo~x informal quotation received. Discussion followed on the cost to straighten a bent rod and replace it, whether the City really needs them, and whether the flexible type wouldn't be better. A substitute motion was offered by Heintz, seconded by Nawrocki, to award the bid to Flexi-Flag Goodin Company for 300 hydrant markers in the amount of $9.00 each. Councilman Norberg stated that the motion is out of order because it negates the original motion. City Attorney Ka]ina ruled that the substitute motion is in order. Roll Call on substitute motion: Heintz, Nawrocki Aye Logacz, Norberg, Hentges Nay Motion fails. Roll Call on original motion: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges - Aye Heintz, Nawrocki - Nay 7. Engineering Agreement with St. Anthony Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement ~ith the City of St. Anthony for supplemental engineering services. Councilman Hentges asked if there would be a change in the hourly rate. The City Manager answered that the amount set was still in excess of the hourly rate paid the City's employees. Roll Call: All Ayes 8. Annual Wastewater Operators Conference Motion by Logacz, seconded by Norberg, to authorize expenses for Ivan Kohl to attend the 1980 Wastewater Operators Conference in Duluth, August 6 through 8 at an estimated cost of $275. Roll Call: All Ayes Other Old Business Mayor Nawrocki asked how much of the recent snow removal work was done between 2 and 6 a.m. Fred Salsbury answered that not a significant amount was plowed by 8 a.m. The Mayor stated he doesn't see that the no parking from 2 to 6 a.m. has had any impact on the snow removal and that the point of the ordinance was to have the streets passable by the time people were going to work in the mornings. February l l, 1980 Page 7 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT The City Manager stated that the Bureau of Mediation Services has decided that there will be another election giving non-union personnel the opportunity to vote on whether or not they would like union representation but a date hasn't been set as yet for the election. The City Manager stated that he will be forwarding a letter to a number of consultants asking that they submit formal written proposals to provide services as requested by the Cable TV Advisory Committee. Discussion followed on the different rates paid to the positions of sewer and water maintenance worker, park keeper, and tree trimmer and why these differences came about. Councilman Norberg stated he still believes that it is reasonable to use the Sullivan Lake water instead of treated water to sprinkle the park area around the lake and Midland Coop and doesn't want the staff to abandon the approach, using City water as a backup if the water level of the lake gets too low. CITY ATTORNEyIS REPORT Discussion was held on the fact that Anoka County is subdividing property without Council approval. The Mayor stated that specific examples should be listed and then pursued with the County. LICENSES Motion by lteintz, seconded by Hentges, that the licenses be granted as listed upon payment of proper fees and fees waived on the food and beverage license for the Lions Club. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that bills as listed be paid out of their proper funds. Councilman Norberg questioned #34519 for a stop watch in the amount of $25 purchased from Mitch DeMars and $300 to Gateway Hardware charged over a period of time. The City Manager stated he will find out about the stop watch and that the $300 was for Fire Department remodeling supplies which was previously approved by the Council. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, Roll Call: All Ayes to adjourn at 11~5 p.m. Bruce-'~G. Nawrocki, Mayor