HomeMy WebLinkAboutFeb 2, 1981Official Proceedings
Public Hearing
Columbia Heights City Council
February 2, 1981
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Nawrocki at 8:10 pm.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--present
This public hearing was called for the purpose of presenting the draft of the City's
revised Comprehensive Plan to seek comment and input from the public. A second item
to be considered at this hearing, for discussion and comment, is an amendment to the
application to the Community Development Block Grant. This amendment is for the in-
clusion of demolition work on closed school sites. Councilman Norberg questioned this
second item being part of the public hearing in that when the public hearing date was
set this item was not a consideration. The Open Meeting Law was discussed as was the
manner in which the Council members were notified that the second item was part of
the agenda.
1. Revised Draft of the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Columbia Heights
The City Manager explained some of the revisions in the draft of the Comprehensive
Plan and reviewed parts of the plan. The Metro Land Planning Act, established by
the legislature, requires that all communities in the seven county area submit a
comprehensive plan. The final draft of the Columbia Heights Comprehensive Plan must
be submitted to the Metropolitan Council by July 1, 1981. The City's plan must also
be submitted to all adjacent communities for reviewal and comment. After the Metro-
politan Council reviews the plan it will be returned to the City Council for formal
adoption. The City Manager noted that there will probably be a public hearing before
the final adoption of the plan. No formal action need be taken by the Council at this
time. Authorization to distribute the plan for review was given at a previous me-
eting.
Councilman Norberg observed that since there was poor attendance at this public hearing
there should be other ways to make the Comprehensive Plan available for public perusal.
It was suggested a copy should be kept on file at the public library and City Hall,
and that an executive summary of the plan be included in the next newsletter.
Councilman Heintz inquired whether another motion would be needed for distributing
the Comprehensive Plan to surrounding communities since this draft contained revisions
requested by the Council at work sessions. It was felt this motion would be approp-
riate.
Motion by Heintz, second by Logacz to reaffirm that the revised Comprehensive Plan
be sent to adjacent communities.
A1 Carlson, City Planner, introduced zoning maps of the City to supplement the
discussion regarding the Comprehensive Plan. Councilman Norberg asked what the
intention of the maps was. He observed that some of the maps appear to be "future
intent" maps. That is, they appear to reflect what type of business could be con-
sidered for a certain area. A1 Carlson spoke to this point. He explained the re-
zoning would not be done on any basis other than what would actually be proposed
for specific development. He also told the Council the future intent map is not
part of the plan but merely an admininstrative idea of what may occur. Council-
man Norberg again stated his concern with these maps in that they could give a
developer the distinct impression that he would be granted a permit to develop
based on what is reflected in these maps. If this were to happen and the request
Public Hearing
February 2, 1981
page 2
for rezoning was denied, Councilman Norberg questioned if this would put the City
in a vulnerable position legally. The City Planner told the Council since a zoning
change can come about only by specific action of the Council what is shown in these
"future intent" maps in not binding.
Roll Call: All ayes
2. Amendment to Community Development Block Grant List of Activities
This item dealt with the addition of one item to the list of activities being present-
ed for consideration to the Anoka County Advisory Board concerning the Community
Development Grant. A steering committee has been appointed to review this list before
it is presented. Councilman Heintz, representative for the City of Columbia Heights
on the steering committee, gave details of the first meeting of the steering com-
mittee.
Motion to amend Resolution No. 81-08 by Logacz, second by Heintz to include a ninth
activity, that activity being a school site preparation. Discussion followed as to
ranking of these nine activities in order of importance. It was decided this would
be done eventually and that the manner these activities are presently numbered
does not reflect the posture of their importance. Councilman Norberg felt the
action that is being discussed should not have been considered at this meeting.
He had some question about it having been included on the agenda in the fashion
that it was. He suggested the wishes of the Council be indicated verbally to the
staff, but the affirmation of the amendment be left until a later date. The Mayor
requested that the City Attorney respond to Councilman Norberg's concern with this
item. Councilman Norberg objects to this vote being taken now.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--abstain
Mayor Nawrocki read a proclamation for Jaycee Women's Week.
League of Municipalities
The Mayor has been asked by the League of Municipalities to serve on a task force
tha'c will make recommendations to the State League concerning the proposals of
the Governor's budget regarding state aid to municipalities. This was an infor-
mational item.
Motion to adjourn by Heintz, second by Norberg. Roll Call: All ayes
Adjournment: 9:15 pm.
Bruce' G. Nawrocki, Mayor
/~o-A6n~ Student, Cou~6~il Secretary