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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJul 20, 1981Official Proceedings Special Meeting Columbia Heights City Council July 20, 1981 The special meeting was called to order by Council President Heintz at 7:43 pm. 1. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Heintz--present Nawrocki--absent It was noted that Mayor Nawrocki was attending an Open Mike session at WCCO Radio and would join the meeting later. 2. Secretary Pro-Tem Motion by Norberg, second by Hentges to appoint Keith Masuda Secretary pro-tem. Roll call: All ayes 3. Orders of Business a. Wilbert A. Mackey, 4763 Chatham Road Sewer Line Repair Policy The City Manager informed the Council as to what had transpired in the last few weeks with this sewer line problem. He also indicated the location of Mackey's property in relation to the sewer line which is approximately thirty feet below ground. He gave the history of what has happened to this sewer line during the time the rest of the area was being developed. Olson Plumbing had been hired by Mr. Mackey to repair the problem he has been experiencing with the service connection. After investigation Olson Plumbing found the service connection and the riser to be broken. Much discussion followed regarding the City's policy and past practice in situations such as this and who would be responsible for the repair costs. The proposed repair costs are quite high and Mr. Mackey is appealing the Council policy of the homeowner being responsible for all of them. Fred Salsbury, Public Works Director, reviewed the estimate received from Olson Plumbing by Mr. Mackey. It was the opinion of the staff of the Public Works Department that the estimate for the number of hours this repair would take is quite high. Also, what had transpired with the sewer from the investigatory work of Olson Plumbing and the City crew was discussed. It was advised by the City Attorney that if the City is going to participate in set- tling this problem it should be done in the manner of settling a claim. The City Man- ager explained that Mr. Mackey could hire the work done, pay the costs and the City would pay him for that portion of the bill the Council authorizes, similar to set- tling a claim. Members of the Council agreed the present policy of the City in these matters is a good one and it would be contrary to their wishes to change it by any precedent-setting action with this matter. Councilman Heintz wanted the staff to explore why this problem occurred and felt the street department should go down into the main and determine the source of the problem and the proposed solutions before how the costs will be paid is determined. Motion by Norberg, second by Hentges that the City Council affirm the policy of the City and deny the request of Mr. Mackey to change the policy. Roll call: All ayes Motion by Norberg, second by Hentges to instruct the City Manager to seek informal bids and to do an exploratory excavation of the sewer in that location to determine the condition of the main line. Roll call: All ayes Councilman President Heintz called a recess at 9:00 pm on the advise of the City Attorney to disucss some legal affairs. The special meeting was reconvened at 9:20 pm. Mayor Nawrocki joined the meeting at this time. b. Group Health Insurance Plans-- Contract Renewals through Anoka County The City Manager gave the specifics of the plans being considered for City employee health insurance. Much discussion followed concerning one plan, Physicians Health. Special Meeting July 20, 1981 page 2 PHP is the choice of a total of 78 employees of the City at the present time. The new rates being proposed have raised significantly. PHP is offering two options on a retro plan. The Council discussed the merits of each of these retro plans. Three members of the Council support the "C" option. c. Mortgage Lien Release Agreement This agreement establishes the method by which P.J.Gaughan, one of the developers of the Downtown Development, can draw down funds from the bank. This agreement is between Gaughan Land Incorporated, the First National Bank of St. Paul and the City of Col- umbia Heights. Motion by Heintz, second by Hentges to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the agreement. Councilman Norberg had concerns about this authorization and felt it could invite option buying. Roll call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges Nawrocki--aye Norberg-- nay ' d. Resolution Authorizing Acquisition of Real Estate Property for Downtown Development On the advice of the City Attorney this item was dropped from the agenda. e. Street Lighting Bid-Project #8121 41st Avenue The Public Works Director reviewed the bids that were received for this project. Motion by Logacz, second by Heintz to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract with Collins Electric Company for Project #8121 with the base bid of $23,740. Councilman Norberg feels the lamps being selected for this project will be more likely to breakage and more expensive. Roll call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay f. Review Proposals and Select Architect to Conduct Evaluation of Columbia Junior High School as a Community Center The City Manager gave a brief run down of the five proposals that have been received from architectural firms for the evaluation of Columbia Junior High School. All of the firms submitting a proposal had been requested to also submit an energy audit. It was noted that this was not done by all of the firms. The deadline for submitting these proposals was 4:45 pm of this day, July 20th. The City Manager advised the Council there has been little time in which to review these proposals in detail. Motion by Hentges, second by Heintz to table this item until the next regular Council meeting. Roll call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay g. Review Proposals and Select Architect to Undertake Design and Construction of a New Community Center and Renovation of John P. Murzyn Hall Motion by Hentges, second by Heintz to table this item until the study of Columbia Junior High School is completed. Roll call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Adjournment Motion by Heintz, second by Hentges to adjourn the me,ting at 1 : . : All ayes ~ Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Ke~th Makuta, Secretary Pro-T~