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