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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFeb 9, 1981OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 9, 1981 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Nawrocki at 8:10 pm. I. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--present 2. Invocation: The Invocation was offered by Councilman Norberg 3. Minutes of Previous Meetings Motion by Hentges, second by Heintz to approve the minutes of the January 12th Regular Meeting of the City Council, and the January 19th Public Hearing, with corrections, as presented in writing, and that the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All ayes 4. Oral Petitions There were no oral petitions. 5. Ordinances and Resolutions a. First Reading of Ordinance # 943, being an ordinance amending Ordinance # 853, City Code of 1977, pertaining to the authority and duties of the Traffic Commission Mo~ion by Norberg, second by Hentges to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll Call: All ayes Th~s ordinance provides that the Traffic Commission could consider variances of the ordinance dealing with traffic visibility at intersections. The second reading of this ordinance will constitute a public hearing. ORDINANCE NO. 943 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, PERTAINING TO THE AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1: Section 3.308(2) of Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, passed June 23, 1977, which reads as follows; to-wit: "3.308(2) The Commission shall serve as an advisory body to the Council and the administrative service of the City. The Commission shall study and investigate all matters pertaining to the regulation of traffic upon the streets and ways within the City on its own initiative, or as are referred to the Commission by the Council or the administrative service of the City. The Commission shall conduct public hearings as are necessary to give full consideration to such matters. Written recommendations shall be forwarded to the Council and to the Manager." is herewith amended to read as follows, to-wit: Regular Council Meeting February 9, 1981 page 2 3.308(2) (a) The Commission shall serve as an advisory body to the Council and the administrative service of the City. The Commission shall study and investigate all matters pertaining to the regulation of traffic upon the streets and ways within the City on its own initiative, or as are referred to the Commission by the Council or the administrative service of the City. The Commission shall conduct public hearings as are necessary to give full consideration to such matters. Written recommendations shall be forwarded to the Council and to the Manager. The Commission shall also be responsible for the enforcement of Section 9.104(7) of the City Code pertaining to traffic visibility. (b) The Commission shall also have the duty of hearing requests for variances from the literal provisions of Section 9.104(7) of the City Code in instances where strict enforcement would cause undue hardship because of circumstances unique to the individual property under consideration and to recommend variances only when it is demon- strated that such action will be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the Ordinance, and said variance will not create a traffic hazard. (c) Variance applications shall be filed with the Commission and shall state the exceptional conditions of the lot and the peculiar and practical difficulties claimed as a basis for a variance. (d) The Commission shall have authority to recommend a variance after due study and deliberation. Should the Commission act favorably on the request for a variance, it shall forward its decision as a recommendation to the City Council for final action. Should the Commission deny a request for a variance, the applicant may appeal the Commission's decision to the City Council. Section 2: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First Reading: Second Reading: Date of Passage: Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: February 9, 1981 Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayo~ Jo-Anne Student, Secretary to the Council Regular Council Meeting February 9, 1981 page 3 b. First Reading of Ordinance # 942, being an ordinance amending Ordinance # 853, City Code of 1977, pertaining to changing the title of the Energy Awareness, Science and Technology Commission. Motion by Norberg, second by Logacz to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available to the public. Roll Call: All ayes This ordinance was prepared by the City Attorney as per Councilman Norberg's request. It was generally felt by members of this Commission that the name, in its present form, put too much emphasis on the aspect of energy, thereby diluting the importance of its functions in science and technology. ORDINANCE NO. 9~2 BEING AN ORDINANCE AKENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, pERTAINING TO'CHANGING THE TITLE OFT HE ENERGY AWARENESS, S~IENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMI~SSION The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1: Sections 3.314(1) - 3.311(I), inclusive of Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, passed June 23, 1977, which reads as follows; to-vii: An Energy Apareness, Science and Technology Co~fssion is hereby esta- blished vhich s~a11 consist of.seven (?) pemanent members to be appoint- ed hy the Council for ter~s of three (3) years each· Permanent members shall he residents of the City and shall include one member of the Coun- cil. At least four' (4) permanent members shall possess technical exper- tise by virtue of education, training, or experience in the physical sciences, engineering, or mathematics and shall possess at least a bacca- laureate degree therein. 3.31~(2) 3.31/-, (3) The Energy Awareness, Science and Technology Co~fssion shall establish and appoint its o~n ex officio members of such numbers and identity as it shall deem apprgpriate. Terms of ex officio ~embers shall he of such duration as is necessary and expedient to the topics being considered by the Energy Awareness, Science 'and Technology Co~tssion. The Energy Awareness~ Science ~nd Technology Co~fssion shall continue thereafter to prepare and maintain a current list of persons vho'~ay agree to donate technical expertise helpful to the topics ~hich may be studied by the · Co~fssion. Ex officio members ~eed ~ot he residents of the City and their expertise need not he limited to physical sciences, engineering or mathematics. Each ex officio member shall possess the title of Tech- nical Advisor. The Energy Awareness, Science and Technology Co~fssion shall: (a) evaluate and advise the Council on highly technological proposals such as the use of computer services By the City Administrative S~rvice [as requested by the Council]. ..314 (1) 3.31~(2) Regular Council Meeting February 9, 1981 page 4 (b) analyze, devise and recommend to the Planning and Zoning Co~fsSton- and Council such changes in the Zoning Code as smy be necessary and desirable to both permit and closely regulate energy conservation enhancement in structures; (c) .(d) provide analysis and advice to t~e Planning and Zoning Commission, Council, Administrative Service or other Boards and Co~ssions on technical subjects referred to it fro~ tiee to time; advise the Council and aid the Administrative Service in the pre- paration of technical specifications for the purchase of technical equipment or services; (e) review the City Code to determine areas of obsolescence or impend- ing obsolescence and recommend changes to the City Council before such problems become acute; (f) conduct such studies as are necessary to advise the City Council about the development of a City energy policy and energy action 'statement; (g). inform the residenttal,"con~ercial and industrial citizens of the City of,the importance of energy conservation and motivate the public to conserve energy as the City Council shall direct; and (h) evaluate its effectiveness in achieving the City Council's objec- tives. Nothwtthstanding the foregoing list of duties, the £nergy Awareness0' Science and Technology Co~fssion shall'undertake none of the tasks provided in this section unless the City 'Couficil specifically directs it to perform such a particular duty." is herewith amended to read as follows, to-~t: A Science, Technology, and Energy Commission is hereby established which shall consist of seven (7) permanent members to be appointed by the Council for terms of three (3) years each. Permanent members shall be residents of the City and shall include one member of the Council. At least four (4) permanent members shall possess technical expertise by virtue~of education, training, or experience in the physical sciences, engineering, or mathe~atics and shall possess at least a baccalaureate degree therein. The-.Science, Technology, and Energy Commission shall establish and appoint its o~n ex officio members of such numbers and identity as it shall deem appropriate. Terms of ex officio members shall be of such durations as is necessary and expedient to the topics being considered by the Science, Tech- nology, and Energy Commission. The Science, Technology, and Energy Co~tssion shall continue thereafter to prepare and ~aintain a current list of persons who may agree to donate technical expertise helpful to the topicsvhich ~ay be studied by the Commission. Ex officio members need not be residents of the City and their expertise need not be limited to physical sciences, engineering or ~athematics. Each ex officio ~ember shal~ possess the title Technical Advisor. 3.314(3) The Science, Technology, and Energy Co~ntssion shall: Regular Council Meeting February 9, 1981 page 5 (a) evaluate and advise the Council on highly technological proposals such as the use of computer services by the City Administrative Service [as requested by the Council]. (b) · analyze, devise and recommend to the Pl~--ing aud Zoning and Council such changes in the Zoning Code as may be necessary and desirable to both permit and closely requlate energy conservation enhancement in structures; (c) provide ana'lysis and advice to the Planning and Zoning Council, Administrative Service or other Boards and Co-~tssions on technical subjects referred to it from time to time; (d) advise the Council and aid the Administrative Service in the pre- paration of technical specifications for the purchase of technical equipment or services; (e) review the City Code to determine areas of obsolescence or impend- ing obsolescence and recommend changes to the City Council before such problems become acute; (f) conduct such studies as are necessary to advise the City Council about the development of a City energy policy and energy action statement; (g) (h) inform the residential, coumercial and industrial citizens of the City of the importance of energy conservation and motivate the public to conserve energy as the City Council shall direct; and evaluate its effectiveness in achieving the City Council's objec- tives. 3.314(4) NotwithstandinE the foregoing list of duties, the Science, TeChnology, and Energy Commission shall undertake none of the tasks provided in this section unless the City Council specifically directs it to perform such a particular duty." Section 2: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First Reading: Second Reading: Date of passage: February 9, 1981 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Bruce G. Na~rrocki, ltayor Jo-Anne Student~ Secretary to the Council Regular Council Meeting February 9, 1981 page 6 6. Communications a. Traffic Commission The scheduled meeting of the Traffic Commission for February 2, 1981 was cancelled as there were no new items for the Commission to consider. The written report re- ceived by the Council reviewed some items that had been previously considered by the Commission. b. Planning and Zoning Commission 1. Jim Ruvelson, 4017 Central Avenue, Variance/Site Plan Approval Jim Ruvelson is requesting a five foot rear yard setback variance, a fifty foot set- back variance on the location of a loading zone and site plan approval to allow the construction of a 20,000 square foot two-story office building at 4111 Central Ave- nue. A1 Carlson, City Planner, explained how the need for the variances evolved and gave details of the original site plan. Councilman Norberg felt the new plan for placement of the building was much better, aesthetically, as well as every other aspect. It was noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends this plan except for the landscaping. The landscaping plan must be amended and resubmitted to the Commission. Motion by Heintz, second by Norberg, upon recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission, to grant a five foot rear yard setback variance and a fifty foot var- iance on the location of a loading zone. Roll Call: All ayes 2. P.J.Gaughan, 1068 S.Lake St., Forest Lake, Mn. Variance/Site Plan Approval Mr. P.J.Gaughan is requesting a 6,190 square foot lot size variance, a five foot front yard setback variance on the parking lot and site plan approval to allow construction of a sixty unit condominium at 1000 41st Avenue. The City Manager stated the reasons for the request for these variances and site plan approval. Councilman tlorberg inquired why the HRA hadn't given enough property to this development so these variances wouldn't have been necessary. Staff explained that with the changes re- quired for the relocation of 41st Avenue these variances were necessary to maintain enough space between this building complex and the residences that are already standing. It had been suggested by the Planning and Zoning Commission that this developer present his plan to the Park Board to obtain their input in matters concer- ning LaBelle Park. This stipulation is also in the agreement with HRA and P.J. Gaughan. Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to grant to P.J.Gaughan the 6,190 square foot lot size variance, a five foot front yard setback variance on the parking lot and site plan approval. Roll Call: All ayes c. Appointment of Members to Joint Cooperative Cable Communications Commission Previously, there had been an ad hoc committee dealing with the subject of Cable TV. Now that the two cities, Hilltop and Columbia Heights, have entered into a Joint Powers Agreement regarding this subject it is necessary to formally appoint members. This body will have five representatives from the City of Columbia Heights and two representatives from the City of Hilltop. It was also suggested that this body get additional direction from the Council as to what will be expected of it. Councilman Norberg suggested the commission be organized and the appointments be based on the needs of the users of the service; that is, one person each repre- senting the school board, local industry and the City, and two persons represent- ing the private users. Motion by Logacz, second by Heintz to appoint to the Joint Cooperative Cable Regular Council Meeting February 9, 1981 page 7 Communications Commission the following persons: Joan Niznik, Dave Szurek, Ron Naegele, Jim Fowler and Sebe Meintz. Roll Call: Logacz, Meintz, Norberg, Nawrocki-- aye Councilman Hentges was not present in the chambers at the time of the vote. d. League Building Progress Report A letter was received from the League of Minnesota Cities detailing the progress for constructing an headquarters building for this association. Construction will begin early during 1981 for occupancy in 1982. This was an informational item. 7. Old and New Business a. Old Business--None b. New Business 1. Bids and Authorizations to Purchase a. Shared Ride Program On Friday, February 6th, bids for the service of the Shared Ride Program were open- ed. Bids were received from Suburban Taxi Service, Inc. and Town Taxi Co. lnc.. Two representatives from the Minnesota Department of Transportation were present at the meeting to answer any questions about the program. Representatives from both cab companies were also present. A new method of payment for ridership was explain- ed, the coupon system. This system has been employed in another suburb and has proven successful. Also, the increase in rates was discussed. Since there was consid- erable difference in the bids there was much discussion concerning the low bidder's ability to supply the type of service that the City has had in the past and still operate financially soundly. It was noted, by the City Attorney, that the owner of Town Taxi, who presently supplies the City's Shared Ride Program, has no disagreement with the contract being awarded to Suburban Taxi. Motion by Heintz, second by Hentges that Suburban Taxi Service, Inc. bid for the Shared Ride Para Transit Program Contract be accepted in the amount of $1.20 per passenger rate and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into a contract for same, subject to approval by the State of Minnesota, Department of Transportation. Roll Call: All ayes Recess: 10:lO Reconvene: 10:45 b. Authorization to Expend Funds for Patches and Chevrons for the Recreation and Community Services Motion by Hentges, second by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to expend funds for the purchase of patches at $.96 each, and chevrons at $.60 each from A & B Sporting Goods, based upon low, informal quotation received. Councilman Norberg observed that an item identical to this one appears in the list of bills yet tO be considered at this meeting. He inquired if, indeed, the purchase had already been made. Staff said they would get back to him with this information. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay 2. Schools and Conferences Regular Council Meeting February 9, 1981 page 8 a. Fire Department Instructors Conference--Memphis, Tennessee Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to authorize the expenditure of $536 for the at- tendance of Lowell DeMars at the Fire Department Instructors Conference to be held in Memphis, Tennessee, March 15-19, 1981. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay b. 21st Annual North American Snow Conference--Baltimore, Maryland Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to authorize the expenditure of $736 for the at- tendance of Mitch DeMars at the 21st Annual North American Snow Conference to be held in Baltimore, Maryland, April 13-16, 1981. Upon reviewing the schedule and subject matter of this conference, Councilman Hentges felt the information being presented at it would be of questionable value to the City of Columbia Heights. Roll Call: Heintz, Logacz, Nawrocki--aye Norberg, Hentges--nay 3. Agreement Retaining CTIC .Associates, Inc. for Technical Assistance The Council received a copy of a letter from the Cable TV Information Center requesting that the City approve an amendment to our contract regarding consulting services. The purpose of the amendment is to allow CTIC to be in conformance with an IRS rule regarding its non-profit status. This request has been reviewed by the City Attorney and he sees no problem with executing the new agreement. Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with CTIC Associates, Inc. for technical assistance on cable television proposals. The Mayor inquired if there were any charges for this addition to the agreement and was informed there were not. Roll Call: All ayes 4. CDBG Grant Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to ratify City Council action taken on February 2, 1981, to amend Resolution 81-08 to include school site preparation as part of the list of eight items; this to be the ninth item. Roll Call: All ayes 5. 1981 Goals This item deals with suggested goals for 1981 to be undertaken by City staff, as submitted by the City Manager. The City Manager reviewed the list of goals in order of priority. There were questions from Council members concerning specific goals and it was felt there should be more information gotten on some of the goals. Motion by Heintz, second by Norberg to table this item for further consideration until the next regular meeting. Roll Call: All ayes 6. Other New Business a. Councilman Norberg questioned the City Attorney's opinion regarding the calling of a meeting, in particular, the meeting of December 31, 1980. b. Spring Clean Up Dates The City Manager requested that the Council set the dates for the City's annual Spring Clean Up. Motion by Heintz, second by Hentges to authorize the City Manager to call for bids and to establish the Spring Clean Up dates of Saturday, April 25th through Sunday, May 3rd. Roll Call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting February 4, 1981 page 9 c. State of the City The Mayor referred to the State of the City address that all of the members of the Council had received and invited any comments or questions they may have. 8. Reports a. City Manager's Report This report was presented in writing. The City Manager addressed some items in this report. He also requested that work session dates be chosen to discuss the following matters; Charter Commission, Amendments to Personnel Policy Manual and the On-Sale Liquor Operation. Work sessions were scheduled for Wednesday, February 11 at 8:00 pm and Thursday, February 12 at 8:00 pm. b. City Attorney's Report The City Attorney requested an executive session to discuss his report. 9. Licenses Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to grant the licenses as requested upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All ayes 10. Payment of'Bills Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to pay the bills as listed from the proper funds. Councilman Norberg questioned bill # 38963 in the amount of $660 for gas purchased by the Park Department. He felt informal bids should ha'~e been gotten for this pur- chase. Motion to amend by Norberg to delete from the list of bills bill # 38963 and bill # 38873. Bill # 38873 was for the purchase of business products in the amount of $700. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion to amend by Hentges, second by Norberg to delete from the list of bills bill # 38873. Roll call on amendment: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--nay Norberg, Hentges-- aye Motion fails Roll call on main motion: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--aye Norberg, Hentges--nay Motion carries Adjournment Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to adjourn the meeting. Roll Call: All ayes Adjournment: 12:10 am -A~ne Student, Council Secretary