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~