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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAug 13, 1984oFFICiAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 13, 1984 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Nawrocki at 7:30 P.M.. 1. Roll Call Hovland, Petkoff, Carlson, Peterson, Nawrocki - present 2. Invocation The Invocation was offered by Pastor Douglas Henderson of Peoples Church. Mayor Nawrocki presented Pastor Henderson with a plaque in recognition of his thirty- eight years of ministerial service to the families in Columbia Heights. Pastor Hend- erson is retiring and moving to Brainerd. 3. Minutes of Previous Meetings Motion by Hovland, second by Carlson to approve the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of July 23, 1984, as presented in writing and that the reading be dispensed with. Roll call: All ayes 4. Oral Petitions There were no oral petitions from residents at this time. 5. Ordinances and Resolutions a. Resolution 84-50 City of Columbia Heights Emergency Plan The City's Emergency Plan is available for viewing in the City Manager's office. Motion by Hovland, second by Petkoff to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION 84-50 BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that the City of Columbia Heights Emergency Plan, as prepared by the Department of Civil Defense, dated August 1, 1984, be and it is hereby officially adopted as the Civil Defense Plan for the City of Columbia Heights. Passed this 13th day of August, 1984. Offered by: Hovland Seconded by: Petkoff Roll call: All ayes Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Secretary to the Council 6. Communications a. Planning and Zoning Commission 1. Variance, First Landmark Builders, 4400 2½ Street Motion by Hovland, second by Petkoff to grant a variance, upon recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission, to the property owner at 4400 2½ Street for a nine foot side yard variance to allow the construction of a twelve foot by twenty foot addition to the existing attached garage which is eleven feet from the property line. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting August 13, 1984 page 2 2. Variance, James Eldorado, 818 49½ Avenue Mr. Eldorado gave a letter of acceptance from his neighbor to the Building Inspector Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to grant a four foot side yard variance from the required seven foot side yard within a R-1 zone, based upon the recon~endation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll call: All ayes 3. Conditional Use Permit, Towne Square Pizza Systems, 4020 Central Avenue Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to grant a conditional use permit to allow the operation of a pizza restaurant at 4020 Central Avenue whose primary business would be take-out and delivery with sit down seating for 12-14 customers. Roll call: All ayes 4. Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan, 4001 University Avenue Discussion centered on the permitted uses in the RB Zone where this proposed business will be located. The developer's original proposal was amended so that the auto re- pair area included the gasoline sales operation. There also will be a grocery store at this location. Some discussion also addressed the requirements of the screening fence and maintenance of the green area. Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to approve the conditional use permit for 4001 University providing the contractor, Mr. Brama, complies with the ordinance as far as the auto repair and §as sales being conducted as one business; that the park- ing requirements conform to the City's ordinance; and, that the required screening fence along the north property line be installed and the green areas be maintained. Roll call: All ayes b. Traffic Commission I. Skipper's Restaurant, 51st and Central, Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan The Traffic Commission approved the site plan for traffic flow. Members of the Council expressed concern with the traffic flow being that Central Avenue is the only access road. Previously, the plight of northbound motorists was discussed in that it is likely they may make a u-turn on Central to gain access to the restaurant. The Council inquired if it were feasible to install NO U-Turn signs at 51st and 52nd and Central. The City Engineer stated he thought MN-DOT would allow the signs. Other alternatives, as recommended by the Assistant City Engineer, for access were discussed. Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to approve the site plan and the conditional use permit for Skipper's Restaurant on Central at 51st Avenues. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Carlson, Peterson- aye Nawrocki - nay c. League of Minnesota Cities, Annual Dues Schedule Motion by Petkoff, second by Carlson to approve the continued membership with the League of Minnesota Cities, and that the annual dues payment of $6,538 be authorized. Roll call: All ayes d. Metropolitan Council Solid Waste Initiatives - A Public Forum on Alternative Courses for Regional Solid Waste Management. Mayor Nawrocki attended this forum and advised the Council as to what had transpired. e. 1985 Suburban Rate Authority - Annual Contribution This was an informational item. Mayor Nawrocki advised the Council of the recent success of the SRA regarding its efforts in the rate relief that was ordered by the Public Utilities Commission to be made by Northwestern Bell. It was noted that the zone charges were not eliminated but were cut in half. Regular Council Meeting August 13, 1984 page 3 7. Old and New Business a. Old Business 1. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning of City Hall Building Recommendations of an architectural engineer for air movement in the City Hall were discussed. No estimates for costs were received. Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to authorize the City Manager to seek proposals from mechanical engineers and/or architectural consultants for consulting services regarding preparation of plans and specifications to modify the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in City Hall. Roll call: All ayes 2. Six Cities Water Management Organization - 1985 Budget and Tax Levy Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to approve the Six Cities Water Management Organization 1985 Budget and Tax Levy as presented, and to authorize the City Mana- ger to inform the Six Cities Water Management Organization that the County Auditor should levy the tax in behalf of the Six Cities Water Management Organization for those parcels included within the Water Management Organization boundaries. Roll call: All ayes Approval of License Applications Motion by Carlson, second by Petkoff to approve the licenses as listed upon payment of proper fees. Roll call: All ayes 3. Rekeying Public Works Buildings The Public Works Director recommended rejecting City Wide Locksmith and Alarm's Iow bid due to the company's lack of consistency with the bid specifications and not meeting bid spec requirements. Discussion continued regarding the past performance of this company with work they have done for the City. It was felt that they had performed well previously. Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to reject City Wide Locksmith and Alarm as iow bid for rekeying of City park buildings based upon lack of compliance with bid specifications and on the Public Works Director's report dated August 3, 1984. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Peterson, Nawrocki - aye Carlson - nay Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to award rekeying of City park buildings to Security Control Systems in the amount of $9,931.66 based upon formal bid; and fur- thermore, that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute a contract for same. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Peterson, Nawrocki aye Carlson - nay 4. Request to Purchase Topo Maps After some discussion this matter was tabled for additional information until the next regular Council meeting. 5. Organizational Structure of Public Works Department Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to table this item of business until a Council work session. Roll call: All ayes 6. Letter of Credit - Vista Construction, Inc. Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson that the Council authorize the City Manager release the Letter of Credit for Vista Construction, Inc. Roll call: All ayes R~gular Council Meeting August 13, 1984 page 4 7. Registrar - Paying Agent Agreement Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute an agreement with F & M Marquette National Bank for Registrar Paying Agent Services. Roll call: All ayes b. New Business 1. P.J. Gaughan Agreement - City to Provide Engineering Inspection Services The City Manager distributed an agreement that had been drafted by the City Attorney and reviewed by the City Engineer. Overhead costs and fringe benefits were discussed and the City Manager stated he will review these items in the agreement. Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute an agreement for construction inspection in conjunction with public im- provements to be installed in the University Heights project. Roll call: All ayes 2. Minnegasco Maintenance Contract Members of the Council received copies of the new maintenance contract at the meet- ing. Motion by Petkoff, second by Gary to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with Minnegasco for the purposes of servicing the heating equipment in city buildings. This contract begins on August 1, 1984 and continues until July 31, 1985. It was noted that the rate has increased about 10% since last year. Roll call: Ail ayes 3. Sale of Old City Vehicles at Hennepin County Auction Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to authorize the City Manager to sell four used city vehicles as indicated in the City Engineer's memo dated August 3, 1984. Roll call: Ali ayes RECESS: 9:40 P.M. RECONVENE: 10:20 P.M. 4. Request to Seek Bids - Garbage/Refuse There was a discussion regarding the service history of the present hauler and some considerations for recycling. Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to authorize the City Manager to seek bids for garbage and refuse service; such bids to be opened on September 19th and submitted to the City Council at its meeting of September 24, 1984. Roll call: All ayes 5. Award of Bids - Resurfacing of Prestemon Tennis Court There was some discussion regarding the relocation of some of the athletic areas in the park. Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to award the resurfacing of Prestemon Park tennis courts to Action Courts, Inc. of Rosemount in the amount of $3,052.35 based upon low, formal quotation; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute a contract for such service. Roll call: All ayes 6. Street Excavation - 1141 44½ Avenue Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson that the City Council approve the waiver of the five year moratorium and to permit street excavation at 1141 44½ Avenue provided, however, that appropriate permits are secured from the Public Works Department and that such excavation conform to City permit requirements. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting August 13. 1984 page 5 7. Change Order #4, Hoffman Electric, Project #8402 Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to authorize the City Manager to execute Change Order #4 in the amount of $3,179 to Hoffman Electric of Roseville, Minn- esota for the purpose of transmission of an alarm to either the County Dispatcher's Office or another backup number of our sewer and water systems. Roll call: All ayes 8. Authorization to Retain Collection Agency - International Checking Systems, Inc. Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to authorize the City Manager to seek proposals from collection agencies in order to pursue recovery of funds from International Checking Systems, Inc.. Roll call: All ayes 9. Request for Block Party Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to authorize a block party to be held Saturday, September 22nd from Noon to 11:00 P.M., with barricades to block off the alley which runs 40th to 41st between Madison and Monroe. Roll call: All ayes lO. Authorization to Purchase Paint Motion by Petkoff, second by Carlson to authorize the City Manager to expend funds in the amount of $1,012.80 for the purchase of paint from Gateway Hardware Bank based upon low, informal quotation. Roll call: All ayes il. Retention of Cable Consultant to Review Group W Cable Rate Increase The City Manager distributed one additional proposal received from a cable consultant. He also reviewed the content of phone conversations he has had recently with other cable consultants regarding their proposals and fees. No Council action was taken. 12. Schools and Conferences a. Emergency Management Workshop Motion by Hovland, second by Carlson to approve the attendance of Mary Dugdale, Civil Defense Secretary, at the Basic Skills in Emergency Management Workshop to be held at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, from August 13-24, 1984; and furthermore, that 100% of the costs involved will be paid by the state. Roll call: All ayes 13. Auto Body Repair of Police Vehicle #30 This request was withdrawn. 14. Establish Position Description & Salary Range for Liquor Operations Manager This item was tabled. 15. Designation of Election Judges Motion by Petkoff, second by Carlson that the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approve the list of judges, dated August 10, 1984, by precinct for the Pri- mary Election of September ll, 1984, and the General Election of November 6, 1984. Roll call: All ayes 16. Letter of Credit - Bellboy Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to authorize an irrevocable Letter of Credit in the amount of $3,000 to Bellboy Corporation for the purpose of providing Security in anticipation of liquor purchases from Bellboy Corporatio. Roll call: All ayes 17. 1985 Budget Books The City Manager distributed the 1985 Budget Books to the Council. He noted that the revised pages of the book will be coming in the near future. Regular Council Meeting August 13, 1984 page 6 18. Council Work Sessions Monday, August 2Oth and Tuesday, August 21st were selected as the dates for Council work sessions. Wednesday, September 26th is the tentative date chosed for a joint meeting of the City Council, School Board, and the Recreation Commission for dis- cussion of the budget. A joint meeting of the City Council and the Park Board is also being considered for September 26th later in the evening. 19. 1985 Budget Public Hearing Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to establlsh Wednesday, September 12th as the date for the 1985 budget public hearing. This hearing is scheduled for 8:00 P.M. and will be he]d in the Council Chambers. 8. Reports a. City Manager's Report This report was submitted in written form. A number of the items in the report were discussed. Among them were: 1. 1985 License Fees - It was felt that it was premature for the Council to consider any changes. Mayor Nawrocki stated this item could be a subject for a work session. 2. Joint Comparab]e Worth Study 3. Parking Lot at Highrise Fire Contract Negotiations with City of Hilltop - Members of the Council received a copy of a letter from the City's Fire Chief to the Mayor of Hilltop stating the type of fire service our department could supply and the costs. It was noted that a previous contract offered to the City of Hilltop the costs were set to escalate at 8~. All members of the Council felt this should be pursued and it was noted that this agreement would not have a negative impact on our City. 5. Streetscaping Project - Redevelopment Area The City Manager noted that the HRA is checking the performance bond of the contractor for the streetscaping project and seeking other contractors. An addendum to the City Manager's Report was distributed to the Council. The ad- dendum addressed four personnel changes. The position of Property Appraiser in the Assessing Department has been offered to the Clerk-Typist II in the Department contingent on her successful completion of classes to obtain certification as an Assessor. In addition, it was noted that a Clerk-Typist II has been hired fo~ the Library. The City Manager also received two resignations, those of the City Accoun- tant and of the Assistant Building Jnspector. b. City Attorney's Report The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. Mayor Nawrocki inquired about a restaurant's'request for a liquor license and was advised some background infor- mation was being checked out by the City Attorney's office as well as the Police Department. Regular Council Meeting August 13, 1984 page 7 Appointment to the Human Services Commission A letter of resignation from the Human Services Commission was received from George Morris. Motion by Paterson, second by Carlson to appoint Michael Vietor to fill the unexpired term of George Morris. A)I ayes Rice Creek Watershed District It was noted that the Rice Creek Watershed District had requested that the City make appointments to the District's Task Force of an elected official and a citizen at large. No Council action was taken. Columbia Heights Celebration Day Some of the events of the Columbia Heights Celebration Day scheduled for Saturday, September 15th were discussed. 9. Payment of Bills Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to pay the bills as listed out of proper funds. Roll call: All ayes Adjournment Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to adjourn the call: All ayes Bruce /~nne Student, Coun~i'r~S-ecretary