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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJan 10, 1983~FFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 1983 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 William Otte of St. Matthew's Church. 3. Minutes of Previous Meetings Motion by Norberg, second by Hentges to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of December 13th and the Regular Council Meeting of December 27th, as presented in writing and the reading be dispensed with. Roll call: All ayes 4. Oral Petitions A business owner advised the Council he was experiencing a problem with a neighboring busi- ness throwing snow up against his property. He also noted that the grade on the building of the business was too high. The Mayor requested that the City Attorney advise this business- man what he can do and that the building permit be reviewed. The findings of the City At- torney are to be in letter form with copies to members of the Council. 5. Ordinances and Resolutions There were no ordinances and resolutions at this time. 6. Communications a. 1983 LMC Legislative Action Conference The League of Minnesota Cities has scheduled a Legislative Action Conference for Wednesday, January 26th. This is an informational item. b. Columbia Heights Human Services-Open Meeting Law and Cable Television The Human Services Commission had sought advise from the City Attorney regarding the Open Meet'ing Law requirements. The concern of the Commission dealt with the presence of news reporters or television cameras at its meetings considering the sensitive nature of some of the business of the Commission. By letter, the City Attorney advised members of the Commission that it has the power to deny local cable television the right to broadcast its hearings. 7. Old and New Business a. Old Business 1. Storm Drainage-McKinley/4Oth Avenue Area Ponding and water problems have existed in this area for some time. The Public Works Dir- ector presented possible solutions to the drainage problems.. Considerable discussion fol- lowed regarding various plans and costs. Motion by Norberg, second by Hentges to direct the Engineering Department to develop the surface drainage solution to the drainage problem and that the City Engineer be authorized to schedule a public hearing. Roll call: Norberg, Hentges--aye Hovland, Petkoff, Nawrocki-- nay Motion fails. Regular Council Meeting ~anuary lO, 1983 page 2 Discussion continued regarding two alternative solutions, number one which concerns an overland flow at an approximate cost of $18,000 and number three which includes the laying of a new, larger pipe at a cost of approximately $380,000. Neither of these approximate cost figures includes engineering or administration costs. Motion by Hovland, second by Nentges to authorize the Engineering Department to proceed with alternatives numbered one and three and prepare for a public hearing or to do nothing. Councilman Norberg felt this motion would only serve to delay any action. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay b. New Business 1. Request of Hylander Radio Club to Install AM Radio Receiver on City's Water Tank A letter of request had been received from the Director of the Audio Visual Department at the Columbia Heights High School to install an AM radio receiver on the City's water tank. The Fire Chief and the Police Chief had been consulted as to their opinions on this installation and felt it would have no adverse impact on their communications systems. Don Murphy, Director of the Audio Visual Department, addressed the Council regarding the positive values of this installation for the students in particula~ and the community in general. Motion by Petkoff, second by Norberg to authorize the Hylander Radio Club to install an AM radio receiver antenna on the City's water tower located at 4700 Stinson Boulevard; however, the City reserved the right to require the installation be removed if interference signals develop, and that the School District enter into an agreement which would hold the City harmless in the event of any problems or accidents. Roll call: All ayes RECESS: 10:30 RECONVENE: 10:45 2. Labor Relations Subscriber Service It was the consensus of the Council that this item should be discussed at a work session. 3. Downtown Lighting System Some of the lighting problems presently being experienced in the downtown area of the City were discussed and it was decided that additional monies should be authorized to improve the lighting, some of which is not operable at all. The City Manager was advised to spend,:up to $500 for some type of lighting on Central between 39th and 41st Avenues, and on 4Otb Avenue between Central and Jackson. Replacement of the lighting system in these areas will be addressed when the streetscaping project is being done in the downtown development area. 4. Authorization to Purchase Sinker Drill Motion by Norberg, second by Hovland to purchase a Chicago pneumatic-69 Sinker drill from Clayhill, Inc. of Minneapolis in the amount of $1,350 F.O.B. Minneapolis based upon Iow, informal quotation, and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to e~er into an agreement for same. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Norberg, Nawrocki--aye Nentges--abstain 5. Authorization to Purchase Paint Motion by'Petkoff, second by Hentges to authorize the purchase of paint supplies from Vogal Paint and Wax Company, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $1,321.15 based upon Nennepin County Contract #3343B. Councilman Norberg felt other sources for this material should be checked and not take Hennepin County bids only. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Nentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Regular Council Meeting January lO, 1983 page 3 6. Establish Work Session to Consider Various Matters Monday, January 17th at 7:30 pm was established as the date and time for a Council ~ork session. 7. Establish Date for Public Hearing for Public Improvement Projects Motion by Hentges, second by Hovland to establish Monday, March 21, 1983 at 7:00 pm as the time and date for a public hearing regarding public improvement projects. Roll call: All ayes 8. Emergency Repair of Vehicle Motion by Hentges, second by Norberg to ratify the action of the City Manager to repair the block on the City's dump truck at a cost of $892. Roll call: All ayes 9. Name Change for Moon Street Motion by Norberg, second by Hentges to direct the City Manager to prepare all necessary actions to change the name of "Moon Street" to a name to be determined. A number of sug- gested names were discussed as the Mayor felt a name should be included in the motion. The City Attorney advised the Council that to change a name of a street needed only a motion not an ordinance. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Norberg, Hentges--aye Nawrocki-- nay 8. Reports a. Report of the City Manager The report of the City Manager was presented in written form. One item on the report was dicussed in detail, that being the Metropolitan Housing Fund. Motion by Norberg to advise the Metropolitan Council that a "No Thank You" position was taken by the City of Columbia Heights regarding the Metropolitan Housing Fund. Motion dies for lack of a second. Request for Beer License A request had been received from a local theatre advising the City Manager that they are considering applying for a beer license. The City Attorney noted that this theatre does not qualify under the ordinance for a beer license. Motion by Norberg to declare a moritorium on beer and liquor licenses until the ordinances regarding them have been reviewed. Motion was withdrawn.. Traffic Signal at 52nd and Central Avenue The City Engineer is awaiting additional information on this matter. Purchase of Astro Slide An offer for purchase of the Astro Slide has been received from the City of Miltona, Minn- esota and the Council authorized the City Manager to pursue the sale. Follow-up on Complaints on Cable TV Equipment The Mayor had received three complaints regarding noise eminating from cable tv equipment and requested that the City Manager pursue solutions. Snow Storm of December 27-28 It was the consensus of the Council that the employees of the Public Works Department are to be heartily commended on the superior job done in plowing and removal of snow after the record setting snowfall on December 27th and 28th. A letter was received from Reverend Jerold Rux, Assistant Pastor of St. Matthew's Church, commending the employees for same. Copies of this letter were distributed to members of the Council. The City Manager referred to the numerous phone calls received and memos received from residents applauding the ef- forts of the Department. Commendation For the Employees of the Public Works Department Motion by Norberg, second by Petkoff to commend the employees of the Public Works Department for their efforts in snowplowing and snow removal during the record breaking snow storm of December 27th and December 28th, 1982; the citizens of Columbia Heights, their safety and Regular Council Meeting January lO, 1983 page 4 well-being, was well protected by those employees who so diligently worked hard and long hours to make the streets, alleyways, and walkways passable, available, and safe; and, furthermore, the cooperation displayed by City employees during this stressful time ac- curately reflects their personal dedication to the community and truly makes the City of Columbia Heights a better place in which to live. Roll call: All aves b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney advised the Council that there is no statute that determines that the Post Office must pay a special assessment, but it was noted that there is no statute that prohibits the Post Office from paying a special assessment. It was observed that the Post Office in Columbia Heights clearly benefits from the seal coat project that resul- ted in this special assessment and may be inclined to voluntarily pay the special assess- ment. The Council was advised by the City Attorney that the company that has the City's contract fc~r refuse removal, MCS, Inc. still has its insurance and payroll in the name of that company although they were recently purchased by another company. Councilman Hentges inquired of the City Attorney regarding the disposition of some debris and inoperable vehicles presently on private property whose owner is confined for some length of time. 9. Licenses Motion by Hentges, second by Petkoff to grant approval of the licenses as listed upon pay- ment of proper fees and to waive the fee for the Kiwanis. Motion to amend by Norberg to strike from the license applications those for cigarette vending machines. Councilman Norberg had a geniune concern how these cigarette vending machines are monitored and the dispensing of cigarettes to juveniles. Council member Petkoff stated she shared this concern. Motion to amend fails for lack of a second. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay 10. Payment of the Bills Motion by Hentges, second by Hovland to pay the bills as listed out of proper funds. Roll call: All ayes Councilman Hentges left the meeting at 12:25 am. Authorization for Attendance--National League of Cities, Minnesota League of Cities, and National League of Cities Small Cities Advisory Committee functions Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to authorize the attendance of the Mayor and members of the Council at the Minnesota League of Cities conferences and National League of Cities conferences and the Mayor's participation in the National League of Small Cities Advisory Committee functions· Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Nawrockl--aye Norberg--nay Hentges-- absent Motion by Petkoff, second by Norberg to adjourn the meeting at 0 a l l ayes · Nawrocki, Mayor ne Studen[, CounF.~'l~Secretary