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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApr 13, 1981 (2)Official Proceedings--Regular Meeting Columbia Heights City Council April 13, 1981 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Nawrocki at 8:06 pm. 1. Roll Call Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki--present Commission meeting. Councilman Hentges was attending a Traffic 2. Invocation The Invocation was offered by Ron Kalina, City Attorney. 3. Minutes of Previou~ Meetings Motion by Heintz, second by togacz to approve the minutes of the March 9th regular meeting; the March 16th public hearing (assessments); the March 23rd public hearing (office center facility); the March 23rd public hearing (shopping center project); the March 23rd regular council meeting; the March 30th public hearing (registered land survey); the March 30th public hearing (seal coat assessment) and the March 30th special meeting, and that the reading be dispensed with. Roll call: All ayes 4. Oral Petitions There were no oral petitions, 5. Ordinances and Resolutions a. Resolution No. 81-22 being a resolution urging Columbia Heights City Council,members and residents of the City of Columbia Heights to wear or display green ribbons in sup- port and concern for black families and the children in Atlanta. This resolution was prepared at the request of Councilman Norberg. Motion by Norberg, second by Heintz to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 81- 22 BEING A RESOLUTION URGING COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL ~EMBERS AND RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TO WEAR OR DISPLAY GREEN RIBBONS IN SUPPORT AND CONCERN, FOR BLACK FAMILIES AND THE CHILDREN IN ATLANTA WHEREAS, the color green is symbolic of life; and WHEREAS, the lives of twenty-three Black children have been heinously ended.: and WHEREAS, the lives of Black children in Atlanta are continually threatened; and WHEREAS, the Black community in Atlanta is encompassed in the suffocating atmos- phere of grief, apprehension and fear; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that the City Council and residents of Columbia Heights are urged to Join in wearing or displaying green ribbons to show their support and concern for the Black families and their children in Atlanta. Passed this 13 day of April , 1981. Regular Council Meeting April 13, 1981 page 2 Offered by: Norberg Seconded by: Heintz Roll Call: All ayes Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor -Anne Student, s~tary to the Council b. Resolution No. 81-23 being a resolution regarding labor agreement between the City of Columbia Heights and Minnesota Teamsters Public and Law Enforcement Employees' Union, Local No.320 - Patrolmen Motion by Norberg, second by Heintz to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION 81- 23 BEING A RESOLUTION REGARDING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AND MINNESOTA TEAMSTERS PUBLIC AND LAW EN- FORCEMENT EMPLOYEES' UNION, LOCAL NO. 320 - PATROLMEN BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that: WHEREAS, negotiations have proceeded between the Minnesota Teamsters Public and Law Enforcement Employee's Union, Local No. 320, representing Police Officers of the City's Police Department, and the City's labor consultant and management bargaining team, and said negotiations have resulted in a mutually acceptable contract, for the calendar years 1981 and 1982, and WHEREAS, a copy of said contract is available for inspection at the office of the City Clerk and is made a part hereof by reference, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the contract agreement as negotiated, be and are hereby established as the salary and fringe benefit program for calendar years 1981 and 1982 for Police Officers of the Columbia Heights Police Department. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City ~lanager be authorized to execute this agreement. BE IT ALSO FURTHER RESOLVED that the reading in full of the actual contract be, and it is hereby, waived. Passed this 13 day of Aprll , 1981. Regular Council Meeting April 13, 1981 page 3 Offered By: Logacz Seconded By: Heintz Roll Call': All ayes Bruce O. Nawrocki, Mayor l/o-Anne Student, Council Secretary 6. Communications a. Planning and Zoning Commission 1. Dennis Beales, llO9 43rd Avenue, Special Purpose Fence Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to grant, as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission, a request to construct a six (6) foot high, board-on-board special purpose privacy fence on his property at 1109 43rd Avenue. Roll call: All ayes 2. Morris Ballingrud, 3940 Johnson Street, Special Purpose Fence Motion by Heintz, second by Norberg to grant, as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission, a request to construct a seven (7) foot high woven redwood special purpose privacy fence along his south property line at 3940 Johnson Street. Roll call: All ayes b. Traffic Commission The agenda for the Traffic Commission meeting was received. c. Pam and Pat Moore, 3904 Reservoir Boulevard, Appeal of City Planner's Decision Pam and Pat Moore are appealing a decision of the City Planner regarding the use of their building as a four-plex. The City Planner gave the history of this matter and explained how this building does not meet the requirements of the R-2 zoning in this area. In an R-2 zone there can be a maximum of three units per lot. A number of ideas were discussed that could help the Moores with their dilemma; rezoning, extension of the deadline to comply with the City Planner's recommendations and temporary rezoning. Councilman Norberg suggested that the Moores could call for a public hearing on the rezoning of the building. Mrs. Moore gave the background on the problem and the house's living arrangements since she and her husband have owned the building. Councilman Logacz felt there would be much opposition from neighbors if this building were to be rezoned and believes it would be doing the Moores a disservice to suggest that this rezoning was a possibility. Motion by Norberg to defer enforcement of the zoning ordinance until June 1st. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Heintz to deny the request for an extension. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Logacz, second by Norberg that the notice to the Moores from the City Planner have a date change from May 1st to June 1st. Councilman Heintz feels there is no legi- timate hardship in that the City Planner gave the Moores ample time in which to comply with the ordinance and they have been aware of their violation of this ordinance for many years. The Council had understood a short extension would be of sufficient benefit to the Moores for solving their problem. Mrs. Moore advised the Council they would need at least a year. Roll call: Logacz, Norberg, Nawrocki--aye Heintz--nay ~h',~in~J th~ m~tlnn ~t ~:~ Dm. Regular Council Meeting April 13, 1981 page 4 d. Request for Increase in Cab Meter Rates A letter was received from the Columbia Heights Cab Company requesting an increase in meter rates. No one came to this meeting to speak to this request. Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to table this matter until the next regular Council meeting. Roll call: All ayes 7. Old and New Business a. Old Business 1. Stinson Boulevard Traffic Control The City Manager reviewed this matter and spoke specifically to the police reports from Columbia Heights and New Brighton. Residents of New Brighton had presented this problem to their city council in December of 1980 and they feel that the data presented from radar records and patrolling, support the sign staying down that previously stood at the intersection of Stinson Boulevard and Innsbruck Parkway. Erection of the sign was prompted by citizens complaints regarding speeding on Stinson Boulevard. These residents, who are from Columbia Heights, were concerned about safety, as well as, access of vehicles onto Stinson Boulevard. Some residents of the area again stated their concern about safety when this sign was standing. They felt it posed more problems for this area when it was standing than when it was taken down. They felt there is still a problem with speeding, but it should be handled in a different fashion. Councilman Hentges mentioned that both Ramsey County and Anoka County concurred with the suggestion of Columbia Heights to place three-way stop signs at the intersection of Fairway Drive and( Stinson Boulevard, but had received no cooperation from the City of New Brighton. Council- man Norberg commended the residents from New ~righton for the efforts they have extended on behalf of this problem and the time they have spent presenting it to their council. His thought was, since they were so successful in this instance, that perhaps they could approach the New Brighton Council concerning the three-way stop under discussion and have them reconsider it. Motion by Hentges, second by Norberg to recommend the placement of three-way stop signs at the intersection of Fairway Drive and Stinson Boulevard in concurrence with New Brighton placing a stop sign for traffic southbound on Stinson Boulevard, and that a letter to that effect be sent to New~ ~iighton. Roll call: Heintz, Norberg, Hentges--aye Logacz, Nawrocki--nay Motion carries 2. Agreement Regarding Grading of Lots 1,2, and 3 at Columbia Court The City Manager explained the problems that exist in this matter. Attorneys for the parties involved were in attendance at the meeting to present their client's points of view. At this point in time no type of agreement among the parties ~involved has been reached and the matter appears to be at a standstill. The attorney for Sizzler Steak House reviewed the purchase agreement between Sizzler and the sellers, the Oslunds. It was the opinion of the purchaser that dirt could be moved from their lot, lot 4, to the other lots 1,2,and 3, which are still owned by the Oslunds. The Oslunds felt there was no such agreement and all that they had to do contracturally would be done; that is, to put in a berm and do the landscaping according to what had been agreed upon with the City when they purchased the parcels in 1976. The Mayor summed up part of the dilemma stating that the ordinances of the City had been violated in that there was no permit sought from the City to move the dirt and that loose dirt behind the construction site violated the City ordinance posing a hazard to surrounding properties and the storm sewer system. A recess for an Executive Session was called for by the Mayor at 10:25 pm. The meeting was reconvened at ll:OO pm. Regular Council Meeting April 13, 1981 page 5 Upon advise of the City Attorney, the Council took no action on this matter. The Mayor said the Council thinks the staff has taken action appropriate to the situation. Councilman Hentges was called away from the meeting at ll:05 pm. 3. Acquisition of Anderson furniture Company by the HRA Board In order to relocate and reconstruct 41st Avenue it is necessary to acquire the Anderson Furniture building within the near future to stay on course timewise. The City Manager reviewed all of the plans for this area. Councilman Norberg expressed reservations about this acquisition until there is a signed agreement with the developer. Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to concur with the recommendation of the HRA to acquire the Anderson Property for purposes of getting out of the Downtown Development Project. Roll call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--abstain Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to advertise for bids on the reconstruction of 41st Avenue, bids to be opened on May 20th, and to be presented to the City Council for award on May 26th. Roll call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--aye Norberg-- abstain. 4. Revision to Cable Communications Franchise--Draft Ordinance This item deals with various sections of the City's Draft Cable Communications Ordinance which needs to be amended. These amendments are based upon recommendations received from the Minnesota Cable Communications Board by the City Attorney. They were reviewed by the City Manager and the Chairman of the Cable Communications Commission, Dave Szurek. Motion by Logacz, second by Heintz to adopt the revisions to the Draft Cable Communication~ Ordinance as submitted by the City Attorney in the memo dated, April 9,1981. Roll call: All ayes Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to dispense with the ll:30 adjournment rule and continue the agenda. Roll call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay 5. Shared Ride-Para-Transit Program A letter was received from Suburban Taxi indicating that it is giving thirty days notice terminating the Shared Ride-Para-Transit contract with the City of Columbia Heights. It is understood that the assets of Suburban Taxi are being purchased by Town Taxi. Motion by Norberg, second by Heintz to authorize the City Manager to seek bids for the City's Shared Ride--Para-Transit Program; bids to be submitted for City Council approval on April 27th. Roll call: All ayes b. New Business 1. Trash Accumulation Councilman Logacz expressed concern about the area behind Mady's Bowling Alley. Consider- able trash has collected there and he feels it should be removed before it becomes a health hazard. The City Manager said he will have staff look into this matter. 2. Authorization to Purchase a. Junior Fire Marshall Badges Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to purchase 1,O00 junior fire marshall badges from Twin City Stamp and Stencil Co. at the total price of $500. Motion to amend by Norberg, second by Nawrocki to purchase 600 badges at 55¢ each. Roll call on the amendment: Logacz, Heintz--nay Norberg, Nawrocki--aye Motion fails. Roll call on main motion: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay b. Beds, Box Springs, and Mattresses Motion by Logacz, second by Heintz to authorize the City Manager to purchase Land-O-Nod Regular Council Meeting April 13, 1981 page 6 chiropractic box springs and mattresses, frames and headboards from Anderson's House of Furniture at a total price of $834, based upon low, informal quotations. Roll call: All ayes c. Tractor-Pulled Seeder Motion by Heintz,second by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to purchase one tractor- pulled seeder (Olathe Model) from Minnesota Toro,Inc., at a price of $2,650; based upon low, informal quotation. Roll call: All ayes d. Broadcast Spreader for Fertilizer Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to purchase one broadcast spreader for fertilizer (Diadem Model 290 with trade-in of old form spreader) from Kromer Company of Mound, Minnesota, in the amount of $542; based upon low, informal quotation. Roll call: All ayes e. Sod Motion by Logacz, second by Heintz to authorize the City Manager to purchase sod from Rocket Turf Landscaping of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, at 45¢ per square yard, not to exceed lO,O00 square yards; based upon low, informal quotation. This price includes delivery. Roll call: All ayes 3. Award of Bids a. Annual Spring Cleanup Contract Motion by Heintz, second by Norberg to award the bid and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute a contract with MCS Refuse,Inc. at a price of $3.50 per cubic yard; based upon Iow, formal quotation received. Roll call: All ayes Councilman Hentges rejoined the meeting at this time. b. Engine Analyzer The Public Works Department had made the request to go out for bids on this piece of equipment and the Council received the tabulation of bids with the recommendation for purchase from the City Manager. There was considerable discussion regarding purchase of this item versus repairing and updating the one the City already has. Motion by Norberg, second by Logacz to table this matter until the next regular meeting. Roll call: Logacz, Norberg, Nawrocki--aye Heintz, Hentges--nay Motion carries 4. Surplus Equipment, Materials and Supplies The City Manager had furnished the Council with a list of surplus equipment he had received from department heads. He is requesting authorization to include these items in the Police Department Auction to be held on June 6th. Motion by Logacz, second by Norberg to authorize the City Manager to proceed with the sale or salvage of surplus equipment, materials and supplies listed in the tabulation submitted by staff. Roll call: All ayes 5. Establish Public Hearing Date on Proposed Improvements Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to establish November 16,1981, 7pm, for a Public Hearing to consider various street and utility improvements on Fifth Street from 40th Avenue to 44th Avenue. Motion to amend by Hentges, second by Norberg to change the date to November 2nd. Roll call on amendment: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--nay Norberg, Hentges--aye Motion fail~ Roll call on main motion: All ayes 6. Schools and Conferences a. American Library Association Annual Conference Regular Council Meeting April 13, 1981 page ? Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to authorize the attendance of M. Rebecca Loader at the American Library Association Annual Conference to be held in San Francisco, California from June 26-July 2,198l; and furthermore, that travel expenses (approximately $800) be reimbursed. Councilman Hentges questioned the frequency of attendance at this type of conference. Roll call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki--aye Hentges--nay b. Athletic Turf Management Seminar Motion by Heintz, second by Hentges to authorize the attendance of Thomas Rejzer, Acting Park Superintendent, at. the Athletic Turf Management Seminar to be held in Chicago, Illinois from May 4-6, 1981; and furthermore, that travel expenses (approximately $387) be reim- bursed. Roll call: All ayes c. Sanitary Sewer Lift Station Design Motion by Heintz, second by Hentges to authorize the attendance of Fred Salsbury, Public Works Director, at the Sanitary Sewer Lift Station Design Conference to be held in Madison, Wisconsin, from May 18-19, 1981; and furthermore, that travel expenses (appro- ximately $375) be reimbursed. Roll call: All ayes 7. Authorization to Apply for Tax Forfeit Parcels The Council had received a memo from the Anoka County Auditor's Office indicating that various parcels have gone tax forfeit in the City. The City Manager requested that the Council authorize him to apply for conveyance of the tax forfeit parcels to the City of Columbia Heights. Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to apply for conveyance of tax forfeit parcels to the City of Columbia Heights. Roll call: Logacz, Heintz Norberg Nawrocki--aye Hentges--nay , , 8. Proclamations For the record the Mayor spoke to four proclamations. They are as follows: Loyalty Day, May 1st Knights of Columbus, Tootsie Roll Sale, April 24,25, and 26 with the proceeds to benefit the mentally retarded. Private Property Week, April 19-25 Poppy Day, May 15th 9. Board of Review The Board of Review is scheduled for Monday, May 4, 1981 at 7 pm. 10. Voss Parking Lot dunk Vehicles and Debris Councilman Hentges expressed concern about the junk vehicles and debris in this lot. Much discussion followed regarding the enforcement of the city code pertaining to this parcel and its maintenance. The City Manager said this problem has been under observation for some time and this item will be coming back to the Council soon. 8. Reports a. City Managerls Report This report was presented in written form. The Council was reminded of the joint meeting with the School Board on Tuesday, April 21st at 7 pm. The Mayor mentioned a film being shown on Wednesday, April 22nd at 6:30 by the Science, Technology and Energy Commission and urged interested parties to attend. b. City Attorney's Report The arbitrators for the N.D.H. arbitration are meeting on April 14th and the City Attorney is hopeful that a decision will be reached soon. Regular Council Meeting April 13, 1981 page 8 The Sign Code draft has been sent to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their consi- deration. The City Attorney spoke to some property on 41st Avenue regarding questions of ownership. The area of concern is five feet situated in the street next to the curb. Motion by Heintz, second by Norberg to authorize the City Manager to proceed with register- ing parcels on 41st Avenue (on lot 30 and lot 31). Roll call: All ayes 9. Licenses Mot'ion by Heintz, second by Logacz to grant the licenses, as listed, and that fees be waived for the Columbia Heights Kiwanis Club, upon payment of proper fees. Roll call: All ayes 10. Payment of Bills Motion by Logacz, second by Heintz to authorize the payment of the bills, as presented in writing, out of proper funds. Roll call: All ayes Adjournment ~otion by Heintz, second by Logacz to adjourn the meeting at Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor etStude'nt; Council Secretary