HomeMy WebLinkAboutJan 28, 1980OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
JANUARY 28, 1980
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges - Present
Mayor Nawrocki was at an MTC meeting and would join the meeting later.
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Councilman Norberg.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to approve the minutes of the regular
meeting of January ]4, the recessed meeting of January 15, and the January ]4
meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Columbia Heights Fire Department Relief
Association as presented in writing and reading be dispensed with.
Roi] Cai]: All Ayes
ORAL PETITIONS
Ray Smith, 4315 6th St., stated that four or five years ago he came to the Council
to discuss some houses on his block which were in very bad condition. Since then
some have been removed and others have been restored. He thanked the Council and
the Building Inspector for their work because he doesn't feel anything would have
been done without it.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:
1. Fixing Salaries
These are the salary adjustments which were approved during the last quarter. This
item appeared on the last Council agenda but was not acted upon.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to dispense with the reading as sufficient
copies were available to the public.
Roll Call: All Ayes
RESOLUTION 80-6
FIXING SALARIES
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS:
The following employee salaries shall be fixed as listed below:
NAME MONTHLY SALARY EFFECTIVE DATE
Mildred Carlson 1,913 7/ 1/79
Linda Hansen 1,790 lO/ 1/79
Steve Kuha 1,372 7/11/79
William Stawarski 1,474 8/21/79
Rebecca Loader 1,476 7/31/79
January 28, ]980
Page 2
Passed this 28th day of January, 1980.
Offered by: Logacz
Seconded by: Norberg
Councilman Heintz asked how many of these same individuals are going to be
recommended for a range change shortly and added he would like to hold up these
increases unti] the range changes are decided.
City Attorney Kalina stated that this resolution is merely for publication of
raises which have already been given. These people are already receiving the
increases and this has been the Council's policy for some time.
Councilman Norberg stated he will vote for this because the majority of the Council
had previously approved of this policy however he doesn't agree with it.
Roll Call: All Ayes
2. Condemnation of ross Parking Lot
Motion by Logacz, seconded by Norberg, to dispense with the reading as sufficient
copies were available to the public.
Roll Call: All Ayes
RESOLUTION 80-7
AUTHORIZATION FOR ACQUISITION OF
REAL PROPERTY FOR PARKINg LOT
WHEREAS, the following-described property:
Lots 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24, Block 61, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis,
Anoka County, Hinnesota is located N4ithin the boundaries of a "redevelopment
project" of the City of Columbia Heights and the Columbia Heights Housing and
Redevelopment Authority, as that term is defined by Hinnesota Stat. 4~2.42; and
WHEREAS, the above-described parcels are vacant lots presently used for motor
vehicle parking; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights and the Columbia Heights Housing and
Redevelopment Authority intend to redeve]op the area within the redevelopment
project boundaries for the purpose of removing, preventing and reducing blight,
b]ighting factors and the causes of blight; and
WHEREAS, acquisition of the above-described parcels is necessary to effect the
redevelopment of the area~ and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights and the Columbia Heights Housing and
Redevelopment Authority have complied v]ith the provisions of 42 USCA 4651 by
1) Making every reasonable effort to expeditiously acquire the parcels by
negotiation;
January 28, 1980
Page 3
Obtaining, before the initiation of negotiations, an appraisal of the real
property wherein the personal representative of the owner was given an
opportunity to accompany the appraiser during his inspection of the property;
and
3)
The Council and Mayor of the City of Columbia Heights did, before initiation of
negotiations for the said parcels, establish an amount which they believe to be
just compensation therefor and did make a prompt offer to acquire the property
for the full amount so established. The said Council and Mayor did provide
the personal representative of the owner of the parcels with a written state-
ment of, and summary of the basis for, the amount they established as just
compensation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED That the City Council of the City of Columbia
Heights hereby authorizes its attorneys to proceed to acquire the said parcels in
accordance with Minnesota and United States Statutes.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That the City hereby requests the City Attorney to file the
necessary petition to acquire the said parcels by eminent domain and to prosecute
such action to a successful conclusion or until it is abandoned, dismissed or
terminated by the City or Court.
Passed this 28th day of January, 1980.
Offered by: Logacz
Seconded by: Hentges
The resolution is seeking condemnation of the property known as the Voss parking
lot, 4021 Van Buren St. so the City can redevelop the area.
Mayor Nawrocki joined the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Councilman Norberg stated that he doesn't believe it is necessary to the project
because no one as yet knows what the project is and that he doesn't agree with the
determination of blight. Councilman Hentges stated that the City had to go to
court recently to make the owners clean up the property and he feels that this
constitutes blight.
Mrs. Kuppe stated she just found out about this proposed condemnation proceeding and
is interested in buying two of the lots.
City Attorney Kalina explained that these negotiations have been in the works for
some time, explained the condemnation proceedings, and stated that negotiations could
proceed even though the condemnation procedure has been started.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki
Norberg - Nay
Aye
3. Suburban Police Recruitment System
The City Manager stated that membership in the organization has been modified to
provide for a broader base of representation. The Civil Service Commission supports
this change and recommends the adoption of the resolution.
January 28, 1980
Mayor Nawrocki commented that he wished the City Manager would be as diligent in
pursuing matters the Council directed to him as he was in this. He added that in
the matter of the City selecting members, he feels that this point has been
responded to to his satisfaction. On the matter of assessments, the Mayor stated
he was promised a response from one of the city managers he contacted but he hasn't
received it as yet. He does feel there is ample protection for a city to get out
if it doesn't approve the budget for a coming year and doesn't feel the assessment
procedure is bad enough to disapprove the resolution. He is bothered by the fact
that because this is a policy matter the Council should have been made aware of it.
The City Manager went to the Civil Service Commission before he came to the
Council and this limited the time the Council had to make their decision. Had there
been a reasonable amount of time to consider, the kind of language they were
interested in could have been made a part of the initial agreement. He personally
thinks the concept is good and the Council should participate in the program.
Councilman Heintz agreed that the concept is good but he is not sure that he is
willing to go along with the requirement that the City join before February 2.
feels the City is being dictated to.
He
Mayor Nawrocki stated that if the City doesn't get in now, the City would have to
start recruiting as they did in the past because there are currently several
openings in the Police Department to be filled.
Councilman Norberg stated that the City could simply sign the agreement and put
the organization on notice that the City will not pay dues unless the agreement
is changed as proposed. The Mayor suggested designating Stuart Anderson, Police
Chief, and Ken Nygaard, Civil Service Commissioner, as the City representatives.
RESOLUTION 80-8
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN
THE SUBURBAN POLICE RECRUITMENT SYSTEM
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights is authorized by Minnesota Statute 471.59 to
enter into joint and cooperative agreements with other governmental units; and
WHEREAS., this City' Council has reviewed a joint and cooperative agreement among
suburban municipalities in the seven-county metropolitan area which will establish
a Suburban Police Recruitment System; and
WHEREAS,, the purpose of the Suburban Police Recruitment System will be to recruit
candidates for entry-level police positions in the cooperating municipalities and
to assist the cooperating municipalities in evaluating candidates for these
positions; and
WHEREAS, this City' Council has determined that it will be advantageous to the City
of Columbia Heights to participate in the Suburban Police Recruitment System;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Columbia Heights, Minnesota,
as follows:
January 28, 1980
Page 5
The Mayor and the City Manager hereby are authorized to execute the
Joint and Cooperative Agreement which establishes the Suburban Police
Recruitment System and which provides for City membership in said System.
°
Stuart Anderson and Ken Nygaard hereby are designated as the City's
initial Director and Alternate Director in the Suburban Police Recruitment
System.
The City Clerk hereby is directed to file an executed copy of the Joint
and Cooperative Agreement as provided therein, together with a certified
copy of this Resolution.
Adopted by the City Council this 28th day of January, 1980.
Offered by: Norberg
Seconded by: Hentges
Councilman Logacz stated the City should stay in at least one year to give the
organization a fair chance. Councilman Heintz asked if the Council would be
willing to pull out of the organization if they did not accept the members designated
by the Council. The Mayor stated he thought that this would be a breach of faith
on the part of the organization and the City should not stay in under those circum-
stances. The Council agreed.
Roll Call: 1All Ayes
Discussion continued on where the money should come from for the purchase of the
property known as the Voss parking lot. The City Manager stated that the City
should take it from the general fund or the Sullivan Lake fund. Mayor Nawrocki
asked about using the revenue sharing fund. John Schedler, Finance Director,
stated that the balance in the revenue sharing wasn't that great. Councilman
Heintz thought it should come from revenue sharing because it qualified under
the guidelines for this fund.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that monies for the purchase of the property
known as the Voss parking lot come out of the revenue sharing fund.
Roll Call: All Ayes
4. Seal Coating Policy
The Council was given a map showing the areas which were seal coated last.
Councilman Norberg stated he doesn't like the last sentence of the resolution
authorizing the use of general obligation funds for selected seal coating because
a future council or city'manager could misread it. He stated he wouldn't vote
for the resolution before because of this sentence and he still won't. He added
he not only disagrees with the language of the resolution but he also disagrees
with what the City Manager wants to do.
Discussion continued on which streets were seal coated and when, the cost as
estimated at $1.30 per front foot, and how this was broken down on materials.
January 28, 1980
Page 6
Councilman Heintz stated he agrees with the proposal of seal coating when needed
instead of having a public hearing every time. He added the capital improvement
program should be established first and then the seal coating proposal should be
considered.
The Mayor stated he doesn't believe the resolution is necessary. The Council should
follow the policy which they followed in the past. He believes that authorization
should be given for seal coating in the northwest corner of the City for the summer
and the advertising for a hearing should be authorized.
Motion by Norberg to authorize the City Manager to advertise for a public hearing
to seal coat the area from University Ave. to Central Ave., flSth to 5Brd.
Discussion followed on how long it would take to prepare the assessment rolls.
The City Manager stated it would take approximately until April. The Council
felt that this was too long. The City Manager stated he will put this on the
agenda for the next regular meeting to have a more definite date for the public
hearing. Councilman Norberg withdrew his motion.
5. Local /:7]7 Contract
The City Manager noted the changes in the contract including wages, fringe benefits,
probationary period, etc. Councilman Norberg noted that Article IX, section 9.4
should be rewritten to read: "Full time senior employees will be given preference
within the bargaining unit with regard to transfer when the job relevant qualifications
of employees are equal. Full time senior employees will be considered for transfer
to other job classifications within the City, provided they are qualified to
perform the duties and accountabilities of the new job classification" which
reflects the addition of the words "within the bargaining unit"
Discussion followed on the sa]aries paid bartenders and waitresses outside the
City. Councilman Norberg also noted that the word ~employees~should be added to
the section guaranteeing rights. The Council agreed to the additional words in
Article IX, section ~.4 but did not agree to add the word "employees" to the
section on rights.
RESOLUTION 80-9
REGARDING SALARIES AND BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS
OF LOCAL /17 (LIQUOR EMPLOYEES)
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, THAT:
WHEREAS, negotiations have proceeded between the Hotel and Restaurant Employee
and Bartender's Union, Local /]7, representing employees of the City's liquor
operation, and members of the City negotiation team, and said negotiations have
resulted in a mutually acceptable contract, for the calendar year 1980,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the contract agreements as negotiated be
and are hereby established as the salary and fringe benefit program for 1980 for
members of the Columbia Heights Liquor Department.
January 28, 1980
Page 7
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute
this agreement.
Passed this 28th day of January, 1980.
Offered by: Hentges
Seconded by: Heintz
Roll Call: All Ayes
6. Commending Knights of Columbus
RESOLUTION 80-10
COMMENDING KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS,
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY COUNCIL #4381
WHEREAS, the Knights of Columbus have always been community service oriented, and
WHEREAS, one of their programs in recent years has been to recognize service of
law enforcement officers on an annual basis.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Columbia
Heights takes this means to express its appreciation for their recognition of
law enforcement efforts by members of the Columbia Heights Police Department.
Passed this 28th day of January, 1980.
Offered by: Heintz
Seconded by: Logacz
Roll Call: All Ayes
RECESS at 10:15 p.m.
RECONVENE at 10:35 p.m.
COMMUNICATIONS:
1. State of the Region Meeting
The Metropolitan Council is sponsoring The State of the Region 1980 on February
12. This was for the Council's information.
2. Metropolitan Council Review
The School District Capital Improvement Program has been submitted to the
Metropolitan Council for review. The Planning and Zoning Commission will be
reviewing this Capital Improvement Program as well as New Brighton's Comprehensive
Plan at their regular meeting of February 5.
1980 MTC SHELTER PROGRAM
The MTC will only consider one site for installation of a bus shelter during 1980.
Councilman Norberg doesn't feel the 10+ riders per day at either suggested location
of 965 4Oth Ave. or 44th and Jefferson justifies a shelter. The majority of the
Council agreed to recommending the site of 44th and Jefferson to the HTC.
January 28, 1980
Page 8
OTHER OLD BUSINESS
Councilman Heintz stated that the Council had authorized monies to Pat 01ynyk for
the Miss Columbia Heights activities and she hasn't received payment as yet. The
City Manager will take care of this.
Councilman Norberg again brought up the subject of the timing of the walk lights
on Central Ave. They have been reset recently to a reasonable length of time and
he is concerned that in several months the State will come through, retime the
lights, and change them back to what they were. He would like to make sure that
this doesn't happen. Fred Salsbury, Public Works Director, stated he will check
the situation.
Councilman Hentges asked again about installation of the proposed semaphore for
50th and Central. The Mayor reminded him that the City is scheduled for this
light during either 1980 or 1981.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. North American Snow Conference
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to authorize attendance and expenses for
Tom Hosch and Fred Salsbury to the North American Snow Conference to be held
April i4, 15, and 16 in Toronto, Canada.
Motion by Heintz to table until the next regular meeting for Fred Salsbury to
determine whether this would fit into his schedule.
Motion dies for lack of a second.
Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges
Heintz, Nawrocki Nay
Aye
2. Informal O~uotations on Typewriter
The City Manager stated that the new typewriter will go to his secretary and her
used one will go to the Park Bepartment. Councilman Norberg stated that if the City
Hanager's department needed a new typewriter they should budget for one. He added
that he doesn't see any justification for the specs stating that the parts must be
interchangeable with IBM typewriters already in use. He feels this keeps other
companies from bidding. Councilman Heintz stated that he feels the difference in
cost between the new typewriter and the present one should be transferred from the
Administration Department to Park Department.
Motion by Nawrocki, seconded by Norberg, to deny the request.
Roll Call: All Ayes
3. 1980 Park Budget
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to approve the use of revenue sharing funds
to finance $12,200 of miscellaneous maintenance Park Department expenditures.
Such funds to be used in coniunction with the 1980 budget.
January 28, 1980
Page 9
Mayor Nawrocki asked if there still was money left for this purpose in the revenue
sharing fund. The City Manager answered that there was. Councilman Norberg stated
he is sympathetic with the oversight which resulted in this amount not being
budgeted, but doesn't feel the money should come from the revenue sharing fund.
He believes the budget should be amended. The Mayor pointed out that this motion
is in effect amending the budget. Councilman Norberg felt the monies should come
out of unallocated general funds.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye
Norberg - Pass
4. Labor Relations Subscriber Service
The City Manager stated that the amount due for the Labor Relations Subscriber
Service for the period of March 15, 1980 through March 14, 1981 is $2,225.
Discussion was held on the services performed in the past by the Service.
Councilman Norberg stated that he is bothered by the fact that they don't
recommend anything for the City to be asking for during negotiations.
Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to authorize participation in the contract
with the Labor Relations Subscriber Service in the amount of $2,225 to the
League of Minnesota Cities for the period beginning March 15, 1980 and ending
March 14, 1981.
Mayor Nawrocki commented that he questions whether participation is the right
decision and asked whether any other firms have ever been looked at to provide
this service. The City Manager answered that he didn't know if the LMC had
considered other firms.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye
Norberg, Hentges - Nay
5. Park Planning Services
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to
enter into contract with Brauer and Associates, Ltd., Inc. in an amount not to
exceed $4,050 for park planning services based on low', informal quotation to
develop master plans for Sullivan Lake Park and Huset Park, and for the activities
area immediately adjacent to the new building in Prestemon Park.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize an expenditure of $945 to
Mark Hurd Aerial Surveys, Inc. to provide aerial photographs showing the topography
of Huset Park. They are the only firm in the metropolitan area to provide this
service, thus this is a proprietary item.
Roll Call: All Ayes
January 28, 1980
Page 10
6. Other New Business
Work is being proposed on B7th from Main St. to Central Ave. The City Manager
asked whether the Council was interested in including sidewalks on the Columbia
Heights side and if so would they be assessed to the homeowners.
Councilmen Norberg and Heintz were in agreement to hold a public hearing for the
assessment of the sidewa]k. Councilman Hentges stated that he would consider it
if it came out of state aid monies. Councilman Logacz indicated that the City
should look into state aid monies and if this is not available a public hearing
should be held.
Discussion continued on the curb and gutter replacement, whether it should be
assessed or not.
Mayor Nawrocki asked to see a copy of the agreement between Columbia Heights and
Minneapolis. The City Manager will report back to the Council on the possibilities
of state aid.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
City Attorney Kalina recommended making the following appointment.
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to appoint Ken Nygaard as the unpaid
Police Chief's First Assistant.
Roll Call: Alt Ayes
This action should prevent any misunderstanding in the matter of the resolution
regarding the Suburban Police Recruitment System as the Chief's First Assistant
is authorized to represent the City on the Board of Directors.
Mayor Nawrocki asked that the Insurance Commission's impressions on self insurance
be reported back to the Council.
The City Manager reported he has met with George Brown, City Engineer, and is
proposing asking the Council to put 30 days of vacation in escrow up to retirement.
The vacation days will be paid at the current rate and not at the rate when he
retires. One half of the accumulated sick days will be added to the 30 escrowed
days. He wou]d then continue to accrue sick days. The City Manager will have a
definite proposal at a later meeting.
Mayor Nawrocki brought up the request of Harry A]bro regarding a donation to the
Beltrami Health Center. Councilman Hentges stated he has checked several sources
and no one in the area uses the service because they feel it is too far to travel.
The majority of the Council agreed to decline the request although the Mayor
stated he doesn't feel the City could ever do too much for its senior citizens.
LICENSES
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to grant the licenses as listed upon payment
of proper fees.
Roll Call: All Ayes
January 28, 1980
Page 11
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to pay bills as listed out of their proper
funds.
Councilman Norberg questioned #34382 to Firestone for $549.12. He stated that
because this was bought on the Hennepin County bid doesn't mean the price shouldn't
be checked with other places.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to remove from the list of bills #34382.
Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges - Aye
Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Nay
Motion fails.
Roll Call on main motion: Legacz, Heintz, Nawrocki
Norberg, Hentges - Nay
Aye
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to adjourn at 12:05 a.m.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Bruce--~--G I~a~'r~c-k i , Mayor
Council Sec~eta ry