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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 29, 1984 (2)OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 29, 1984 The regular Council meeting was called to order at 8:00 P.M. by Mayor Nawrocki. 1. Roll Call Hovland, Carlson, Peterson, Nawrocki - present Petkoff - absent 2. Invocation The Invocation was offered by Pastor W. Karl Smith of Oak Hill Baptist Church. 3. Minutes of Previous Meetings Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of May 14th; the Special Meeting of May 21st; the Public Hearing of May 21st; and the Board of Review of May 21st, as presented in writing and that the reading be dispensed with. Roll call: All ayes 4. Oral Petitions There were no oral petitions. 4a. Presentation of Plaque Richard Homicke, the retiring Assistant Fire Chief, was presented with a plaque by Mayor Nawrocki for thirty five years of service. Homicke was congratulated on his years of service and thanked for a much appreciated committment. Fire Chief Johnson also commended Homicke and noted that he had served for nearly half of the time that the Fire Department had been in existence. 5. Ordinances and Resolutions a. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1087 Granting 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 Three members of the Library Board attended the meeting to speak in opposition to this ordinance and requested that the Council reconsider granting this easement. There presently are plans to make two handicapped parking spaces from three regular sized spaces in the Library parking lot. This change combined with the deletion of two add- itional spaces that will be lost with this easement will make the patron and employee parking for the Library very small stated one member of the Library Board. Discussion continued concerning vehicles parked in the lot that do not belong to either employees or patrons of the Library. The Mayor requested that a letter be sent to a driving school adjacent to the Library advising them of the intended purpose of this lot. ORDINANCE NO. 1087 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, PERTAINING TO THE GRANTING OF A CERTAIN EASEMENT The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section l: Section 2: That the City of Columbia Heights shall grant a driveway easement over and across the west twenty two feet (22') of the north twenty eight feet (28') of Lot 6, Block 64, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, as mea- sured from the extension of the west property line of Lot 7, Block 64, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis and excepting that portion of plat- ted alley within the described easement. Said easement shall be in favor of the property described as Lot 7, Block 64, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis. Regular Council Meeting May 29, 1984 page 2 Section 3: Said easement shall expire at such time as the garage located on the pro- perty described in Section 2 of this ordinance shall no longer be in existence or shall have been damaged in excess of fifty percent (50%) or more of its fair market value, regardless of whether such damage shall be intentional or by fire, explosion, war, riot, or any act of God. Section 4: Section 5: The Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized to execute any documents required under this ordinance. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First reading: May 29, 1984 b. Resolution No. 84-39 Metropolitan Waste Control Commission Management Study Motion by Hovland, second by Carlson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes The City Manager reviewed the activity taken by other cities regarding this resolu- tion and recapped his conversation with a member of MWCC, who is also an Anoka County Commissioner. This resolution was prepared by the Suburban Rate Authority. RESOLUTION NO. 84-39 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT MANAGEMENT STUDY OF METROPOLITAN WASTE CONTROL COMMISSION WHEREAS, many municipal officials, businessmen and other persons throughout the met- ropolitan area have expressed grave concern about the operations of the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission, and WHEREAS, in recognition of such concerns, Governor Rudy Perpich commendably appointed an able and representative Governor's Citizens Commission to review the MWCC, and WHEREAS, such commission conducted an extensive investigation of the operations of the MWCC and of public perceptions of it, and WHEREAS, such commission, on December 29, 1983, reported its findings and recommend- ations to the Governor of the State of Minnesota, and WHEREAS, such recommendations included a recommendation for the conduct of an indepen- dent management study of MWCC, and WHEREAS, the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities, the Association of Metropol- itan Area Managers, the Suburban Rate Authority, and others concurred in the recom- mendation that such an independent management study be conducted, and WHEREAS, it appears that the state planning office has undertaken initial steps to- wards obtaining such an independent study, and WHEREAS, the aforesaid organizations have expressed their interest in providing re- presentation on a committee which would help to formulate the work program for such study, to monitor its progress and to evaluate its conclusions, and WHEREAS, it is critical to the credibility and acceptability of any such management study that it be an independent study, rather than a study done under the supervision and control of the MWCC, and Regular Council Meeting May 29, 1984 page 3 WHEREAS, such commission recommended a number of measures requiring legislative action, but it now appears that the Governor's office has chosen not to support any such legis- lative action at this time, and WHEREAS, the compromising or abandoning of the concept of an independent management ~t,J~y, especially when coupled with a lack of legislative action, would constitute a severly damaging blow to the hopes and expectations of those who have been working in good faith to establish a higher level of confidence in the MWCC. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, as follows: 1. This council strongly endorses and urges the conduct of an independent manage- ment study of the MWCC as recommended by the Governor's Citizens Commission to review the MWCC. 2. This council believes that such study will have maximum value only if it is an independent study formulated and conducted through the use of an advisory committee broadly representative of the municipalities in the metropolitan area. 3. This council urges the Governor of the State of Minnesota and other appropriate off!cials to take whatever actions may be necessary to initiate such an independent study at the earliest possible date. 4. Let a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor of the State of Minnesota, the chairman and members of the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission, the chairman and members of the Metropolitan Council and the members of the Minn- esota State Legislature representing this City. Passed this 29th day of May, 1984. Offered by: Hovland Seconded by: Peterson Roll call: All ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor 6. Communications There were no communications at this time. 7. Old and New Business a. 01d Business 1. Service Agreement with AT&T The telephone system being used in City Hall is not owned by the City therefore a service agreement is required with AT&T for any repairs or changes to the system. Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute a master service agreement with American Telephone and Telegraph Information Systems, Incorporated. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting May 29, 1984 page 4 2. Request for Assistance Regarding Utility Service - 233 42nd Avenue The owner of this property requested that the City assist in the relocation of the stub outs that serve the property. After researching this matter, the City Engineer determined that the original placement of the stub outs was done through a private agreement be- tween the property owner and the contractor and that the City was not involved. There was no Council action taken. 3. Purchase of Folding Machine Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to authorize the purchase of one AB Dick Model 58 from AB Dick in the amount of $999 based upon low, informal quotation. Roll call: All ayes 4. Award of Book Security System Bid Formal bids were received from two companies for the book security system for the City library. They were very close. Other considerations such as the warranty and the maint- enance contract were discussed. The costs and convenience of these two factors differed dramatically. Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to award the library print and non-print materials security/detection system bid to 3M Company based on quotations received including a six month warranty, a service contract and the "money back" agreement, and, further- more that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into an agreement for same. Roll call: All ayes RECESS: 9:20 P.M. RECONVENE: 10:05 P.M. b. New Business i. Establish Work Session Monday, June 4, 1984 at 7:30 was the time established for a Council work session. The agenda item for this work session will be the five year capital improvement program. 2. Contract for Assistant Week Inspector Services Motion by Hovland, second by Carlson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute an agreement with Mr. Walter Logacz as Assistant Weed Inspector for a fee of $1,500. Roll call: All ayes 3. Agreement - Cutting and Removing of Weeds and Grass Motion by Hovland, second by Carlson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute a contract with Mr. Stan Jensen for cutting or removing weeds and grasses in the City of Columbia Heights. Roll call: All ayes 4. Billing Charges for Weed and Grass Control Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson that the 1984 fee for cutting unlawful weeds and grasses shall be $50 per hour based on actual cutting time when using tractor with brush cutters and $25 per hour based on actual cutting time when using rotary lawn- mowers and power trimmers. Roll call: All ayes 5. "Old-Fashioned Fourth of July" Celebration The committee for this celebration is requesting permission to close Jefferson Street from 40th to 39th Avenues during the hours of 1:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M. on the 4th of July. Staff had been requested to submit their comments; the Police Chief was not sup- portive of the idea, and, the Fire Chief commented that he had no problem with the request. Mayor Nawrocki stated he felt the street should be opened up prior to the fireworks. No Council action was taken on the request. ~gular Council Meeting May 29, 1984 page 5 6. Street Excavation Permits Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson that the City Council approve the waiver of the five-year moratorium and to permit street excavation at 1002-1003-1008 and 1318 42½ 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 7. Employee Assistance Program - Contract Renewal Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute an agreement with Cromer Management, Inc. (Metropolitan Clinic of Counsel- ing) for diagnostic and referral services for the period of June 1, 1984 to May 31, 1984. Roll call: All ayes 8. Seeking of Bids a. Rekeying of Park, Sewer and Water Buildings Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to authorize the City Manager to seek bids for rekeying of Park, Sewer and Water buildings. Roll call: All ayes b. 72" Upfront Rotary Mower This mower will replace a 1977 model which is a riding, rotary mower. Motion by Peterson, second by Hovland to authorize the City Manager to seek bids for a 72" upfront rotary mower. Roll call: All ayes 9. Award of Bids a. Playground Equipment Motion by Peterson, second by Hovland to authorize the award of bid on miscellaneous playground equipment as follows: Hamele Sales, Inc. $ 3,902.80 Miracle Recreation Equipment, Inc. $21,990.70 Minnesota Playground, Inc. $ 6,676.00 and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into a contract for same. Roll call: All ayes b. Miscellaneous Concrete Motion by Carlson, second by Hov)and ~o award the miscellaneous concrete repair bid to Concrete Curb Company of Burnsville in the amount of $3,739 based upon low, formal bid; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute a contract for same. Roll call: All ayes c. Tree Planting Motion by Hovland, second by Carlson to award the tree planting bid to Fairs Garden Center of Maple Grove in the amount of $8,250 based upon low, formal bid; and further- more, to authorize £he Mayor and City Manager to execute a contract for same. Roll call: All ayes 10. Date Processing Training Motion by Peterson, second by Hovland to authorize the City Manager to expend up to $2,010 for data processing training with Tele-Terminals, Inc. Roll call: Hovland, Carlson, Peterson - aye Nawrocki - nay ~egular Council Meeting May 29, 1984 page 6 8. Reports a. Report of the City Manager This report was presented in written form and all of the items contained in it were discussed. Additional items brought to the Council for discussion are as follows: 1) The Mayor requested that the City Engineer investigate the possibility of having flag standards placed on the newly-installed lights in the Downtown Development. The Mayor had been advised that members of the V.F.W. Post #230 were willing to put up the flags on appropriate occasions if this were possible. 2) There is still some sodding left to be done in the Cheery Heights development and there was question when this would be completed. 3) Who is responsible for watering the newly-laid sod on 46th and Fillmore was discussed and it was understood that the contractor will be watering the sod for thirty days after it is laid. 4) It was understood that the City of Minneapolis agreed to cooperate with the F.A.U. project planned for 37th Avenue but nothing new had been heard lately. 5) The City Manager reported that he is still negotiating space for a liquor store. 6) Utility rates for senior citizens on limited incomes was discussed and members of the Council requested to find out when the rates were last increased. 7) Councilman Carlson inquired as to the disposition of the damaged trailer parked on vacant land in the Cheery Heights development. He was advised that this trailer is used as a work shack by the developer of the area. 9) Councilman Hovland stated his concern regarding a stockpile of fire wood located on 44th Avenue. This pile is stacked quite high and could be a safety hazard. 10) Councilman Peterson inquired what, if any, money is expended by the City for the Jamboree Queen Program. b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney noted that at a previous Council meeting the property located at 4101 Third Street was to be transferred by the City to the Columbia Heights Housing and Redevelopment Authority. He explained that another procedure must be initiated before this transfer can take place as presently the City is being allowed to use this land by the State in that is is being used for a public purpose to accommodate a lift station. Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland that the City apply for the issuance of a state deed for the property at 4101 Third Street for unrestricted use. Roll call: All ayes 9. Licenses Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to grant the licenses as listed upon payment of proper fees and that the fees be waived for V.F.W. Post #230 and Jaycee Women for their food stands; furthermore, the Police Department recommendation for the denial of the Piper application for a taxicab'driver's license was noted as was their recommendation to grant the cab license to the Blue and White Cab Company contingent upon inspection of meters and vehicle. Roll call: All ayes 10. 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 Hovland, second by Peterson to adjourn tht All ayes Anne Stude'n-t, Co6~c'~1'1~ Secretary ~ng a~rt/A.M./ll call: