HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec 13, 1982OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CIiTY COUNCI. L
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 13, 1982
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Nawrocki at 8:00 pm.
1. Roll Call
Hovland, Petkoff, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--present
2. Invocation
The Invocation was offered by Pastor Walter Wahl of the First Lutheran Church.
3. Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion by Hovland, second by Hentges to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting
of November 8th; the Board of Trustees-Fire Relief Association of November 9th; the Special
Council Meeting of November 15th; and the Regular Council Meeting of November 22nd as pre-
sented in writing and that the reading be dispensed with. Roll call: All ayes
4. Oral Petitions
The resident at 3961 Van Buren addressed the Council with his concerns regarding the act-
ivity in the City-owned parl;ing lot adjacent to his property. He was advised that this park-
ing lot is soon to be redesigned but that the police department will check the situation.
The resident had concern with all-night parking, signs that have been removed by the County
when it was owned by the County, and head-in parking.
The resident at 4446 Arthur Street had concern with the handling of an accident that had
.taken place on October 30th on his property. Much discussion followed regarding the details
of this matter.
Svea Smith, 1212 44½ Avenue, requested that the Council pass a resolution to support a nuc-
lear freeze. Councilman Norberg felt that this was not the correct forum for this issue
since the Council does not have the"power to exercise". Svea Smith read the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION ON NUCLEAR FREEZE
BE IT RESOLVED, that the arms race be frozen by mutual agreement * so that neither side
could test or deploy additional nuclear warheads or weapon systems. This halt would be
negotiated into a treaty. * U,S. and U.S,S.R.
Offered by Hentges, second by Hovland. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye
Norberg--abstain
5. Resolutions and Ordinances
a. Resolution No. 82-64 Designating Depositories for City Funds
The purpose of this resolution is to establish those banks and financial institutions which
will be designated as depositories for the funds of the City of Columbia Heights.
RESOLUTION 82-64
DESIGNATING DEPOSITORIES FOR FUNDS FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, HEREBY RESOLVED, that the Marquette State
Bank of Columbia Heights, the Fidelity Bank and Trust Co., the Northeast State Bank, the
irst Security State Bank of St. Paul, First Federal, Third Northwestern National Bank, Twin
ity Federal and American National Ban~ of St. Paul be hereby designated as the depositories
for moneys of the City of Columbia Heights, and the Treasurer of this City is hereby directed
to deposit moneys of this City in said Banks, and the Marquette State Bank of Columbia Heights,
the Fidelity Bank and Trust Co., the Northeast State Bank, the First Security State Bank of
St. Paul, First Federal, and Third Northwestern National Bank, Twin City Federal and American
National Bank of St. Paul are hereby authorized and directed to honor and pay any checks or
orders, when signed by the City Treasurer for the withdrawal or transfer of funds on deposit
in said banks in whatever form.
Regular Council Meeting
December 13,1B82
page 2
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in case such deposit shall at any time exceed the sum for
which its deposits are insured under the acts of Congress of the United States relating
to insurance of bank deposits, said depository shall immediately furnish bond or secur-
ities in lieu of bond according to the law, and the Marquette National Bank for the Mar-
quette State Bank of Columbia Heights, the Federal Reserve Bank for Fidelity State Bank,
Northwestern National Bank for the Northeast State Bank, Midland National Bank for Twin
City Federal, Federal Reserve Bank for Third Northwestern National Bank, Northwestern Nat-
ional Bank for First Federal, First Bank of St. Paul for the First Security State Bank of
St. Paul and Federal Reserve Bank or Manufacturers Hanover Bank and Trust for American
National Bank of St. Paul are hereby designated as the places for the safekeeping of all
securities furnished in lieu of such bond.
Passed this 13th day of December, 1982
Offered by: Norberg
Seconded by: Petkoff
Roll call: All ayes
Councilman Norberg requested that other depositories be investigated in six months.
b. Resolution # 82-65 Regarding Labor Agreement, MEGA, Local No. 1
The City Manager reviewed the major portions of the agreement with the Management Employees
of Governmental Agencies Local (MEGA). This agreement is for three years. Much discussion
followed regarding some of the points in the agreement.
Motion by Petkoff, second by Hentges to waive the reading of the resolution there being
ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes
Councilman Norberg stated that he felt this agreement needed more negotiation. Motion by
Norberg to table this item. There was no second. Motion fails for lack of a second.
Motion by Norberg, second by Hentges to table this item until later in the meeting. Roll
call: All ayes
Motion by Norberg, second by Hentges to remove from the table the matter of the MEGA contract.
Roll call: All ayes
There was considerable discussion concerning the language in the agreement that addressed
satisfactory performance, salary increases, and merit adjustments.
RESOLUTION 82-65
REGARDING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AND MANAGEMENT
EMPLOYEES OF GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES, LOCAL NO. ONE
WHEREAS, negotiations have proceeded between the Management Employees of Governmental Agencies,
Local One, representing supervisory employees of the City and members of the City negotiating
team, and said negotiations have resulted in a mutually acceptable contract for calendar
year 1982, 1983, and 1984;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the contract agreement as negotiated, be and hereby
established as the salary and fringe benefit program for calendar year 1982 and 1983, with
a salary and employer insurance contribution reopener for calendar year 1984 for M.E.G.A.
bargaining unit employees of the City; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute this agre-
ement.
Passed this 13th day of December, 1982.
Offered by Hentges
Seconded by Petkoff
Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye
Norberg--nay
Regular Council Meeting
December 13, 1982
page 3
c. Resolution 82-66 Cancelling Assessments
The property at 4262 Polk was assessed for a storm drainage improvement in error.
Motion by Norberg, second by Hentges to waive the reading of the resolution there being
ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes
RESOLUTION NO. 82-66
BEING A RESOLUTION CANCELLING ASSESSMENTS
WHEREAS, the property known and described as:
Lot l, Block 8, Auditor's Subdivision of Walton's Second Subdivision,
P I N 36 30 24 13 0012
was assessed $96.26 for local improvement No. 764
AND WHEREAS,
was not benefitted by said improvement No.764, storm drainage:
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that the City
Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to strike from Local Improvement No. 764 the amount
charged against the property at 4262 Polk Street N.E. in the amount of $96.26.
Passed this 13th day of December, 1982.
Offered by: Norberg
Seconded by: Hentges
Roll call: All ayes
Resolution 82-67 Cancelling Assessments
~e property at 4261 Tyler was assessed for storm drainage improvement in error.
Motion by Norberg, second by Hentges to waive the reading of the resolution there being
ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes
RESOLUTION NO. 82-67
BEING A RESOLUTION CANCELLING ASSESSMENTS
WHEREAS, the property known and described as:
Lot 1, Block 9, Auditor's Subdivision of Walton's Second Subdivision,
P I N 36 30 24 13 0023
was assessed $427.68 for local improvement No. 764
AND WHEREAS,
was not benefitted by the full amount designated in the original levy of said improvement
No. 764, storm drainage:
BE IT THERE FORE RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that the
City Clerk be and he is hereby authorized and directed to strike from Local Improvement No.
764, the excess amount charged against the property at 4261 Tyler Street N.E. in the amount
of $127.35, leaving the balance of $300.33 levied.
Passed this 13th day of December, 1982.
Offered by: Norberg
Seconded by Petkoff
Roll call: All ayes
Resolution 82-68 Animal Impounding Fees
ion by Norber§, second by Petkoff to waive the reading of the resolution there being
ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes
The City Attorney advised the Council that the White Bear Animal Control was not a res-
ponsible bidder but that this agreement does not require going out for bids. Fees for
impoundment are collected from the animal owner if he/she can be found.
Regular Council Meeting
December 13, 1982
page 4
RESOLUTION 82-68
BEING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING ANIMAL IMPOUNDING FEE
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS THAT:
All animals housed at the animal impoundment will be assessed a $16.50 impoundment
fee effective January 1, 1983.
Passed this 13th day of December, 1982.
Offered by: Hentges
Seconded by: Petkoff
Roll call: -' All ayes
6. Communications
a. Planning and Zoning Commission
1. Steve Jonak, 3841 Third Street Variance
Motion by Hentges, second by Hovland to grant a five foot variance from the required twe-
lve foot setback from the center line of the alley to Steve Jonak, 3841 Third Street N.E.
as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Hentges,
Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay
2. Columbia Heights V.F.W. #230 Preliminary Site Plan Approval
The V.F.W. Club presented a preliminary site plan for review for their property at 45th
and Central Avenue. This was an informational item on the Council agenda.
3. Resignation of I. Parsons
Irene Parsons resigned from the Planning and Zoning Commission. She is serving on the
Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
b. Cable Communications--Increasing Franchise Fee to 5%
The Cable Communications Commission had discussed the need for the City to seek a waiver
from the Federal Communications Commission rules in order that we might charge a 5% fran-
chise fee of Group W Cable. The Commission felt franchise administration and public access
programming expenses would exceed allowable 3% franchise fee. The City Manager requested
that he be authorized to retain the services of attorney Adrian Herbst to prepare the ap-
plication for waiver of the Federal Communications Commission. Costs for these legal ser-
vices were discussed by the Council.
Motion by Norberg, second by Hentges to table this matter until more information is gotten
regarding attorney's fees. Roll call: Norberg, Hentges--aye Hovland, Petkoff, Nawrocki--
nay Motion fails.
The City Manager advised the Council of the estimated time that the waiver application
should take and the hourly rate for an attorney.
Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to authorize the City Manager to retain attorney Adrian
Herbst to prepare the Cities' application for waiver of the Federal Communications Commission
rules to allow a 5% franchise fee to be charged on gross receipts of Group W Cable. Roll
call: Hovland, Petkoff, Nawrocki--aye Norberg, Hentges--nay
c. Science, Technology and Energy Commission
The Council received a report prepared by the Science, Technology & Energy Commission on
the City's Street Lighting Program. It was decided to have this item continued on the agenda
and perhaps addressed in more detail at a work session of the Council.
d. A letter was received from Douglas Jones, 2505 Si]ver Lane regarding rubbish rates in
the City for some property he owns. Mr. Jones cited what he felt was an inequity in rates
REgular Council Meeting
December 13, 1982
page 5
for rubbish pi~k up. This was discussed by the Council and it was determined that the rates
that apply to his property will remain as they are and that Mr. Jones should be notified of
this decision by letter.
e. Other Communications
1. Members of the Council received copies of letters from Senator Boschwitz and Represent-
ative Sabo regarding registration of General Obligation bonds.
2. The Mayor handed out informational packets from the Alexandra House, a facility in Anoka
County for battered women and their children. The packets included a letter of request for
the City of Columbia Heights to consider approving the use of some of its Community Deve-
lopment Block Grant funds for the Alexandra House. The Mayor asked that the Council members
read the material in the packet before the hearing regarding the CDBG funds on January 10th.
3. PERA deduction increase as mandated by the legislature in the last special session was
discussed as was the anticipated reduction in the state aids for cities.
7. Old and New Business
a. Old Business
1. Pugmill for Cold Patch Material--Public Works
Motion by Norberg, second by Hovland to authorize the seeking of bids for a portable pug-
mill for cold patch material; with such bids being opened January 5th and awarded by the
Council January 10th. Roll call: All ayes
2. Library Basement Modifications
Members of the Library Board and an architect from T.K.D.A. were introduced to the Council
by Becky Loader, Librarian. The architect from T.K.D.A. and Ms. Loader gave a presentation
that reviewed all of the items being considered for the basement modifications in the Lib-
rary. Much discussion followed regarding these modifications, particularly the installation
of a fire sprinkler system. The sprinkler system would cost approximately $13,000. Council-
man Hentges stated that he felt the sprinkler system should be installed but that the re-
mainder of the items listed should wait until a later time when the economy was more stab-
ilized.
Motion by Hovland, second by Norberg to authorize the City Manager to proceed with various
library basement modifications and to seek bids or quotations for installation of a fire
sprinkler system and other related improvements with the provisal, that total costs, in-
cluding architectural fees, not to exceed $50,000. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Norberg,
Nawrocki--aye Hentges--nay
RECESS: 10:35
RECONVENE: ll:O0
3. Emergency Lighting at J.P. Murzyn Hall
Motion by Petkoff, second by Norberg to instruct the City Manager to proceed with this pro-
ject and to seek formal quotations for installation of emergency lighting at J.P. Murzyn
Hall. Roll call: All ayes
It was the recommendation of the Public Works Director that the source of funding for this
lighting be the Sullivan Lake Fund.
· Metropolitan Waste Control Commission--Joint Use Rental Agreement
A copy of Contract rio. 929, Joint Use Rental Agreement, as revised, was received from the
MWCC for Council consideration. Some members of the Council and the Mayor expressed some
concern with some of the language that remainded in this draft of the Agreement.
Motion by Hentges, second by Norberg that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter
into the Joint Use Rental Agreement, Contract No. 929 conditioned upon removal of sub-
stantial change to Section 7 of that Agreement. Roll call: All ayes
Regular Council Meeting
December 13, 1982
page 6
5. National League of Cities Membership
In 1981 the Council authorized the City's joining the National League of Cities. Since
this action had not yet been taken it was felt that this authorization should be consid-
ered again.
Motion by Hentges, second by Hovland to authorize the expenditure of funds from the Mayor/
Council Budget or from the General Unallocated Fund Balance for membership for the City of
Columbia Heights in the National League of Cities. Roll call: All ayes
b. New Business
1. Propane for Vehicles
Motion by Hentges, second by Hovland to refer the matter of propane for City vehicles to
the Science, Technology and Energy Commission for investigation and to submit a report to
the City Manager and to the Council. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye
Norberg--abstain
2. Establishing Salary for William Elrite, Finance Director-City Clerk/Treasurer
Motion by Norberg, second by Hovland to establish a salary of 52,536 per month for William
Elrite, Finance Director-City Clerk/Treasurer effective December 1, 1982. Roll call: All
ayes
3. Establish Date for Public Hearing--1983 CDBG Monies
Motion by Norberg, second by Hovland to ratify the action of the City Manager to establish
January lOth as the date for a Public Hearing for 1983 Community Development Block Grant;
with such public hearing to be held in City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m.. Roll call:
All ayes
4. Award of Bids
a. Legal Publications--1983
Motion by Norberg, second by Hentges to award the bid for legal publications to the SUN
Newspapers, Inc. based upon low, formal bid. Roll call: All ayes
b. Animal Control Service
Motion by Norberg, second by Hentges to reject all bids for animal control service. Roll
call: All ayes
Motion by Norberg, second by Petkoff to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into
a contract with MAPSI for animal control for the period of January 1, 1983 to December 31,
1983 at the following rates:
Monthly Administrative Fee 5100.OO
Daily Board Fee 5 5.00
Patrol or Callout per Hour 5 16.50
Destroying Fee 5 7.00
Roll call: All ayes
5. Purchase of TV Camera-Police Department
Motion by Norberg, second by Petkoff to authorize the City Manager to purchase a color
video camera from Video Midwest in the amount of 51,096.25 based upon low, informal quo-
tation. 51,000 had been budgeted for this item. Roll call: All ayes
6. Purchase of Sign Posts and Street Sweeper Brooms
Motion by Norberg, second by Hovland to authorize the purchase of 200 7' sign posts at
$5.20 each for a total of 51,040 based upon Hennepin County Cooperative Purchasing Agre-
ement. Roll call: All ayes
Motion by Norberg, second by Petkoff to authorize the purchase of 6 mobil 4-segment gutter
brooms (556 each); 36 wire sectional main brushes (54.60 each); and 40 plastic sectional
main brushes (53.50 each), totalling 5641.60 based upon Hennepin County Cooperative
Regular Council Meeting
December 13, 1982
page 7
Purchasing Agreement. Roll call: All ayes
7. Final Payment for 41st Avenue, Project 8121
Motion by Norberg, second by Hovland to authorize final payment and acceptance of the work
for Project 8121 (PIR 767), and that a check in the amount of $41,699.82 be issued upon
receipt of a check from P.J.Gaughan for $2,000 as insurance for performing sod work in 1983.
Roll call: All ayes
8. Final Payment for Project 8025 Soo Line Railroad Crossing Safety Arms
Motion by Hentges, second by Hovland to authorize the payment of $3,268.87 to Minnesota
Department of Transportation for our portion of the cost to install the railroad crossing
safety arms on Stinson Boulevard for the Soo Line rails as per our agreement dated July
17, 1981. Roll call: All ayes
9. Capital Improvement Program-5 Year State Aid Construction
A proposed plan for construction on our Municipal State Aid System (M.S.A.S.) was received
from the Public Works Director/City Engineer by the Council for consideration. This plan
indicated how the City plans to expend funds for the next five years. It is the opinion
of the City Engineer, Fred Salsbury, that this plan utilizes funds very well, reflects
previous discussions regarding this matter accurately, and should be adopted. A memo from
the City Manager, dated December 10,}982, concurred with the recommendation of the City
Engineer.
Motion by Norberg, second by Petkoff to adopt the five-year state aid construction Capital
Improvement Program as presented by the City Manager in a memo dated December 10, 1982. Roll
1: All ayes
,10. Car Purchase--Police Department
Motion by Hovland, second by Norberg to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into
an agreement to purchase two 1983 Fords at $8,186.05 each, one parts manual for $21.00,
and one service manual for $25.00 for a total cost of $16,418.10 from Jerry Palmer's South-
dale Ford based on the Hennepin County Purchasing Program. Roll call: All ayes
8. Reports
a. Report of the City Manager
This report was presented in writing. A letter from the Suburban Rate Authority had been
received by the Mayor and its contents were discussed at this time. Councilman Norberg and
Mayor Nawrocki serve as the representatives from the City on the Authority. They are ap-
pointed by the Council. It was determined that these appointments should be made again.
This must be done by resolution
Motion by Hovland, second by Norberg to waive the reading of the resolution there being
ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes
RESOLUTION 82-74
BEING A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING DIRECTOR AND ALTERNATE DIRECTOR TO SUBURBAN RATE AUTHORITY
IT RESOLVED by the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota as follows:
Gayle Norberg is hereby designated as a director of the Suburban Rate Authority, and Bruce
Nawrocki is hereby designated to serve as alternate director of the Suburban Rate Authority
for the year 1983 and until their successors are appointed.
Passed this 13th day of December, 1982.
Offered by: Hovland
Seconded by: Petkoff
Regular Council Meeting
December 13, 1982
page 8
Roll call: All ayes
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF ANOKA
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
I, the undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Columbia
Heights hereby certify that the attached and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a
resolution duly adopted by the City Council of Columbia Heights at its meeting on December
13, 1982, as the same is recorded in the minutes of the meeting of such council for said
date, on file and of record in my office.
Dated this ~ day of January, 1983.
City Clerk
City of Columbia Heights
b. Report of the City Attorney
The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time.
9. Licenses
Motion by Norberg, second by Hovland to approve the licenses as listed upon payment of
proper fees.
Motion by Hentges, second by Hovland to amend the motion and waive the fee for the H.R.A.
of Columbia Heights. Roll call on amendment: Hovland, Petkoff, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye
Norberg--nay
Roll call on amended motion: Hovland, Petkoff, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay
A license application for Christmas tree sales was acted upon separately from the licenses.
The Fire Department had recommended denial of the license for Christmas tree sales at the
Spagenski Mobil Home Sales at 5060 Central Avenue. It was felt that this situation could be
a fire hazard because of the proximity of the trees to the mobile homes. One of the owners
of the sales lot told the Council that he could move the trees so the concern of the Fire
Department could be alleviated. Councilman Norberg felt this license should be denied since
there was another tree sales lot in the City that could not comply with a distance re-
quirement either.
Motion by Hentges, second by Hovland to grant the licence for a Christmas tree sales lot
to be situated fifty feet away from mobile home structures at 5060 Central Avenue. Roll call:
Hovland, Petkoff, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay
10. Payment of Bills
Motion by Hovland, second by Hentges to approve the payment of bills as listed out of
proper funds. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--ab .tain
Adjournment
Motion by Hentges, second by Petkoff to adjourn the meeting
J~ne Student,' Counci-l"~u-cretary
,1: : ayes
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor