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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSept 10, 1984.OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER IO, 1984 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Nawrocki at 7:30 P.M.. !. Roll Call- Hovland, Petkoff, Carlson, Peterson, Nawrocki - present 2. Invocation There were no ministers available to offer the Invocation. 3. Minutes for Approval , Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to approve the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 27, 1984 as presented in writing and that the reading be dispensed with. Roll call: All ayes 4. Oral Petitions A representative of the Sizzler Restaurants International Corporation requested the Council to waive a requirement for a wine license. The requirement in question was that of submittal of individual financial records of the corporate officers and others. Discussion followed regarding the assets and financial complexion of the corporation. A memo received from the Police Chief advised the Council that he had investigated the corporate application and is comfortable with the information obtained from his investigation. The City Attorney stated that no formal action was necessary to grant this waiver other than approval of the license applications. Licenses Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to grant the licenses as listed upon payment of proper fees and that those waiver of fees as listed be granted. Roll call: Ali ayes James Kokesh, owner of Kokesh Motorcycle Company, requested the Council approve the operating of his business at 4018 Central Avenue. Initially, when he was considering moving his business into Columbia Heights he was advised that it may not be a permitted use in the business district. It had been understood he would be doing tire mounting and parts installation on the premises. Upon further explanation at the Council me- eting it was stated there would be no bike repairs, tire mounting nor any hands-on installation of parts in the store. Mr. Kokesh stated that approximately 90% of the business would be retail sales of motorcycle accessories and apparel. With this additional explanation it was determined that this business is a permitted use in the district and no Council action was necessary. 5. Ordinances and Resolutions a. First Reading of Ordinance No. --- Vacation of Alley This ordinance was not prepared for this meeting and it was not discussed. b. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1089 Vacation of an Easement Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes ORDINANCE NO. IO89 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, VACATING A UTILITY EASEMENT NEAR THE REAR OF 825 50½ AVENUE NORTHEAST The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does ordain: .Regular Council Meeting September lO, 1984 page 2 Section l: The City of Columbia Heights herewith vacates the utility easements over, under and across the following described property, to-wit: -That portion Of the platted utility easement along the west line of Lot 2, Block 2, RObbie's Addition lying south of a line parallel to and 39.7 feet north of the south lot line of said Lot 2. Also, all of the platted 5 foot utility easement along the west line of Lot 3, Block 2, Robbie's Addition. Also, that portion of the platted utility easement along the east line of Lot 4, Block 2, Robbie's Addition lying south of a line 5 feet south of and parallel to the north line of said Lot 4. Section 2: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First Reading: September 10, 1984 The second reading of Ordinance No. 1089 shall be held on September 24, 1984. c. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1090 Vacating an Alley Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes ORDINANCE NO. 1090 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, VACATING AN ALLEY NEAR 40TH AND VAN BUREN STREET NORTHEAST The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1: The City of Columbia Heights herewith vacates the alley easement des- cribed as follows, to-wit: That portion of the platted alley within Block 60, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, lying easterly of the southerly extension of the westerly line of Lot 12, Block 60, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, according to the recorded plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Anoka County, Minnesota Section 2: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First Reading: September 10, 1984 The second reading of Ordinance No. 1090 shall be held on September 24, 1984. d. Resolution No. 84-53 Adoption of Sign Map The original official sign map had been adopted in 1974. Since that time the original sign map had been used to make additions rather than being revised as adopted changes were made. The official sign map being adopted in Resolution No. 84-53 will bear the date of September 4, 1984. Mayor Nawrocki suggested that there should be a des- ignated place in a city office for all of the City's official maps, .Regular Council Meeting September 10, 1984 page 3 Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 84-53 ADOPTING SIGN MAP BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS: that, WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights has already adopted a city traffic control device system at its meeting of March 11, 1974, and WHEREAS, a copy of the City Sign Map was not preserved in its adopted form but changed through various actions by the duly appointed Traffic Commission and the City Council, and WHEREAS, the Traffic Commission has after reviewing the attached City Sign Map recommended its adoption and has determined that it represents the current status of the City's traffic control device systems as has been duly adopted by the Traffic Commission and City Council, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Sign Map dated September 4, 1984, as recommended by the.City Traffic Commission be and is hereby adopted as the traffic control device system for the City of Columbia Heights. Passed this lOth day of September, 1984. Offered by: Hovland Seconded by: Carlson Roll call: All ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor 6. Communications a. Planning and Zoning Commission 1. Special Purpose Fence, 1125 5Otb Avenue This request had been referred to the Council by the Planning and Zoning Commission for consideration. The owner of the property had requested that Council consider- ation be postponed until its meeting of September 24th. Mayor Nawrocki requested that the property owner at 1105 50th Avenue be advised by letter that this item will be on the September 24th's agenda. Councilman Peterson asked each Council member to drive to the property and look at this fence before the next Council meeting. b. Traffic Commission 1. Bicycle Route Survey The results of the bicycle survey were discussed. The Traffic Commission is recom- mending no further action be taken on the bicycle route issue. The resident who had initiated the bicycle route issue will be advised by the City Engineer that no action will be taken. It was noted that this resident's original request also concerned the safety of pedestrians and bicyclers on 44th Avenue. 44th Avenue has been striped. Regular Council Meeting September lO, 1984 page 4 2. Official Sign Map This item had been dealt with earlier in the meeting with Resolution No. 84-53. 3. Removal oF Handicapped Sign Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to authorize the removal of a handicapped sign located at 4816 Sixth Street. Roll call: All ayes 7. Old and New Business a. Old Business 1. Soil Testing Quotations Three bids were received for soil testing at the University Heights Development. All three bids were discussed. It was noted that one of those companies bidding is doing work for the developer. Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to award a contract to Twin City Testing for soil testing at University Heights and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into a contract for same. Roll call: All ayes 2. Drainage Easement, Plans and Costs, Cheery Heights Subdivision The history of this drainage problem was reviewed by the City Manager. There was some discussion regarding whose responsibility it would be to make the corrections. It was noted that all of the work in the area was done to grade by the developer but it is unknown if the developer advised the hc.meowners of the drainage easements on their property. Presently the subdivision has only two open drains and the eest of the development depends on gravity flow back to these drains. It was decided that this matter should be on a work session agenda. Mayor Nawrocki also suggested that an informal meeting with the residents of Cheery Heights be arranged. RECESS: 9:20 P.M. RECONVENE: 9:50 P.M. b. New Business 1. Appointment of Auditor for Audit of 1984 Financial Records Motion by Hovland, second by Carlson to appoint George M. Hansen Company to under- take the 1984 audit of the City's financial records at a cost not to exceed $11,OO0. Roll call: All ayes 2. Approval of Part-Time Meter Reader Job Description Motion by Hovland, second by Carlson to establish the position description dated September 10, 1984, for Part-Time Meter Reader; and furthermore, to establish the hourly rate for this position as follows: Entry: $4.00; 6 Months: $4.19; 1 Year: $4.37; 2 Years: $4.55 Roll call: All ayes 3. Urban Corps The Urban Corps program places college students and students from other post-secondary schools in internships in government and non-profit agencies. The City has partici- pated in this program previously and the City Manager recommends participation again. The City pays part of the wages of these students. Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to exe- cute an agreement between the City of Columbia Heights and the City of Minneapolis for participation in the Urban Corps Program. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting September lO, 1984 page 5 4. Final Payment - Allied Blacktop Company - Project #8400 Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to authorize the final payment to Allied Blacktop Company of Maple Grove, Minnesota in the amount of $24,814.19 for 1984 bituminous seal coating, Project #8400. Roll call: All ayes 5. Purchase of Police Report Forms Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to authorize the City Manager to purchase various police report forms from Davidson's Print Shop at a cost of $1,077.70 based upon low, informal quotations. Roll call: All ayes 6. Purchase of Radio Equipment Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to authorize the City Manager to purchase various communications equipment from Motorola Communications of Minnetonka, Min- nesota in the amount of $3,640.15 based upon low formal bids received. Roll call: All ayes A memo from the Fire Chief noted that a department radio had been stolen and not recovered. Councilman Peterson requested that the City Manager inquire if this item may not have been covered by insurance. 7. Electrical Quotations on Highrise Parking Lot Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to award the bid for lighting of the Parkview Villa parking lot project to Glynn's N.E. Electric based on low, informal quotations received in the amount of $2,967.00 and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into same. Roll call: All ayes 8. Water Wagon Chassis The two bids received for this chassis came in under the estimate. Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to award the bid for the truck chassis for the water wagon to Superior Ford of Plymouth in the amount of $17,568 based on low, formal bids received and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into an agreement for same. Purchase of this chassis is one phase of a three part project. The second part will be from a fabricator for the mounting of our existing tank and refitting with new controls, piping, distribution nozzels and skirting. The final part is for the city's shop to overhaul the pump engine. The Mayor inquired if the water wagon the City has is 'presently being used and was advised that it is. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Carlson, Paterson - aye Nawrockl - nay 9. Tree Planting Program Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to authorize the City Manager to proceed with the purchase of additional shade trees for planting in public rights-of-way/property; and furthermore, to increase by $5,370 the General Fund-Fund Balance. Roll call: All ayes lO. Petition for Boulevard Trees A petition was received from residents of Cheery Heights requesting that trees be planted on the boulevard on the west side of Fillmore Street, 47th to 49th Avenues. The petition also included a request to replace the popular trees on the east side of Fillmore but the Council determined that this is school property and no action on this request would be made by the Council. The City Engineer told the Council that he had advised the signers of the petition that there is a plastic gas line in the boulevard and to plant trees in this area would be ill-advised. The residents chose to proceed with the petition to the Council. He also stated that the policy had not been to buy boulevard trees width the money budgeted to buy trees but had always been used to replace boulevard trees, Regular Council Meeting September I0, 1984 page 6 The City Engineer was requested by the Council to draft a letter to be sent to the petitioners informing them of the gas line in the boulevard, that the poplar trees they find objectionable were on school property, and if any tree planting is done it will be done on an assessable basis. 11. Flyover Program The Six Cities Watershed District, of which the City of Columbia Heights is a r0ember, addressed the matter of an aerial flyover and topography maps. The City Engineer indicated that none of the other cities intended to do any flyovers. He felt that "spotty flyovers" may be of value in problem areas in our City. Mayor Nawrocki inquired if the City Engineer felt the cost would be justified for this project. The City Engineer did not feel the high costs were justified and did not recom~end it. 12. Handicapped Access Study - Revenue Sharing The City Manager stated he had purchased an handbook on this study and it was to be completed by September 17th. 13. Rice Creek Watershed District Task Force Appointment A citizen appointment to the Task Force is yet to be made by the Council. 14. Civil Defense Reserve Recognition Dinner The date for this affair is Saturday, October 27, 1984. 15. Unused Allocation of Industrial Development Bonds Federal regulations allow a city to give its unused allocation of industrial deve- lopment bonds to another city. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he understood the City of Brooklyn Park will be sending a letter of intent for this purpose to the City Of Columbia Heights. Granting of this request is subject to the approval of the City Council. 8. Reports a. Report of the City Manager The City Manager's Report was submitted in writing. The following items were dis- cussed: 1. Appointment of Assistant Fire Chief The City Manager advised the Council that he appointed Charles Kewatt as Assist- ant Fire Chief effective September 24, 1984 at the salary entry rate of $2,409 per month. This appointment is contingent on the appointee and the City reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement regarding the appointee's Volunteer Fire Relief Association retirement benefits. 2. Striping of Library Parking Lot The striping is proposed to be done on September 11, 1984. A five foot strip will be left in tact on the southeast section of the parking lot for snow stacking as requested by the Library Board. The striping will accommodate eleven stalls on one side of the lot and twelve stall on the other. 3. Stop Order on Construction of Structure at 4347 Central Avenue The stop order was issued by the Building Inspector as the work was in violation of the City's zoning ordinance and no permits had been acquired. Regular Council Meeting September 10, 11984 page 7 4. Electrical Installations Electrical installations at 4016 Madison Street had been viewed by two electrical inspectors who determined the work was in violation of the code. 5. Road Jurisdictional Changes The City Engineer attended a meeting of the Highway Study Cor~ission. The purpose of the meeting was to receive input from cities regarding jurisdictional changes in road ownership from the State to local jurisdictions. There was a lengthy discussion regarding this matter. 6. Joint Comparable Worth Study A memo was received from the Metropolitan Area Management Association indicating that design proposals for comparable worth studies were received from ten vendors. This is the preliminary stage of this program and no costs have been determined. 7. Cable Communications - Rate Review & Performance Audit Previously, the Council had authorized the City Manager to seek additional propo- sals on a Cable rate review and performance audit. The one proposal that had been received was discussed. 8. Appointment of Assistant Building Inspector The City Manager advised the Council that he appointed Douglas Nord as Assistant Building Inspector effective September 10, 1984 at the entry level rate of $8.91 per hour. The City Attorney advised the Council that this employee is covered under a specific type of insurance titled "Second Injury Fund" in relation to an injury he sustained on another job. 9. Appointment of Liquor Operations Manager The City Manager advised the Council that he appointed Phillip Suckerman as Liquor Operations Manager effective September 4, 1984, at a six month rate of $2,791 per month based upon the present MEGA contract. I0. Material was distributed regarding the playground equipment dedication at Prestemon Park and actuary studies. Il. Councilman Carlson inquired how much money was in the Liquor Fund and was advised there is 1.6 million which includes inventory. 12. Mayor Nawrocki stated he disapproved of how the positions in the City are being filled. He said that the City Charter authorizes the City Council to fill these positions by approving their appointments. b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney updated the Council on the activity of Northern States Power and the activities of the Suburban Rate Authority in this matter. 10. Payment of Bills Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to pay the bills as listed out of proper funds. Roll call: All ayes 'Regular Council Meeting September 10, 1984 page 8 The Council was advised that the dedication of the playground equipment at Prestemon Park is schedul:ed for Sunday, September 23, 1984 at 1:00 P.M.. Adjournment Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to adjourn the meeting at 11:55 P.M. >11 cal All ayes Studenl:,' Counci-1 ~g-~retary I. 1