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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMar 12, 1984OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 12, 1984 The meeting was called to order by Council President Petkoff at 7:30 P.M.. 1. Roll Call Hovland, Carlson, Peterson, Petkoff - present Nawrocki - absent It was noted that Mayor Nawrocki was out of town. 2. Invocation The Invocation was offered by Pastor Richard Mork of First Lutheran Church. 3. Minutes of Previous Meetings Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of February 27th as presented in writing and that the reading be dispensed with. Councilman Carlson stated that his vote on the rental of data processing equipment in the minutes was recorded incorrectly. Roll call: All ayes 4. Oral Petitions A resident who owns commercial property in the City appeared before the Council again to state his concerns regarding this property. He requested that barricades be placed at the entrances of his lot which is adjacent to one of the city-owned liquor stores as well as requesting that a police officer be stationed at his lot during certain hours. This resident felt that the City should move its liquor store, be responsible to see that the vehicle which was tagged on his property pay no fine, and reinstall the sign that he stated was knocked down by a patron of the liquor store. It was noted that his letter of March 12th was received and distributed to all members of the City Council. 5. Ordinances and Resolutions a. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1077 Trespassing in a Park This ordinance deals strictly with signage at Silver Lake Beach area and with the boat landing at that lake. Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes ORDINANCE NO. 1077 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, PERTAINING TO TRESPASSING IN A PARK The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1: Section 10.201(18) of Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, passed June 21, 1977, which is currently reserved, shall hereafter read as follows: "The Park Board is hereby authorized to post the Silver Lake Beach area, which includes the boat landing, with signs indicating that the said beach area or designated portion thereof is closed to the public. Signs posted pursuant to this ordinance must clearly describe the area which is closed, the times at which such restriction applies, and the penalty which may re- sult to any person who violates the prohibition of the sign. The location of signs posted pursuant to this section shall be reasonably calculated to give notice to persons of the prohibition. No sign shall be posted in accordance with this section unless the Park Board shall first approve the message placed upon the sign and the proposed location thereof. Regular Council Meeting March 12, 1984 page 2 No person shall enter or be upon the beach property, including the boat landing, in violation of the prohibitions of any sign posted pursuant to this section. Section 2: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First Reading: March 12, 1984 ° The second reading of Ordinance No. 1077 is scheduled for March 26, 1984. b. Resolution 84-14 Setting Penalty for Late Payments The City Manager stated that this resolution was intended to accomplish the following: revise the City's penalty for late payment, establish a water turn-on fee of $20 for those accounts where, due to delinquency, the water was shut off, and extend to the City Treasurer authorization to waive late charge fees. All points of this resolution were discussed. Some of the basis for waiving the fee that may be used by the City Treasurer are; mail foul ups, lack of communication, and previous record of payments. 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. 84-14 SETTING A PENALTY FOR LATE PAYMENT ON SEWAGE DISPOSAL, WATER SUPPLY AND REFUSE SERVICE, AND SETTING A WATER TURN-ON FEE IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS WHEREAS, the late payment of utility bills by a few, adds to the total cost of the bil- ling function which is borne by the majority of the users who pay their bills on a timely basis. BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that at the time the utility bill becomes delinquent a late charge of 5 percent will be added to the account. BE IT HEREBY FURTHER RESOLVED that at the time the water is shut off a turn-on fee of $20.00 will be added to the account. BE IT HEREBY FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Treasurer is appointed to hear and decide appeals of late charge fees. Passed this 12th day of March, 1984. Offered by: Hovland Seconded by: Carlson Roll call: Ail ayes Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Jo-Ar, ne Student, Council Secretary c. Resolution No. 84-15 Labor Agreement - Local No. 320 This labor agreement is between the City of Columbia Heights and the Minnesota Team- sters Public Law Enforcement Employees' Union which represents the police sergeants. All of the language in 'the agreement remains the same as the previous agreement except the following items which are a 5% wage adjustment and an increase in the employer contribution to insurance from the current $120 per month to $140 per month. Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting March 12, 1984 page 3 RESOLUTION NO. 84-15 BEING A RESOLUTION REGARDING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AND MINNESOTA TEAMSTERS PUBLIC AND LAW ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYEES' UNION, LOCAL 320 - POLICE SERGEANTS BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of Columbia Heights, that: WHEREAS, negotiations have proceeded between the Minnesota Teamsters Public and Law Enforcement Employees' Union, Local No. 320, representing Sergeants of the City's Police Department, and members of the City negotiating team, and said negotiations have resulted in a mutually acceptable contract, for the calendar year 1984, and WHEREAS, a copy of said contract is available for inspection at the office of the City Manager and is made a part hereof by reference, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the contract agreement as negotiated, be and are hereby established as the salary and fringe benefit program for calendar year 1984 for Sergeants of the Columbia Heights Police Department. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute this ageeement. Passed this 12th day of March, 1984. Offered by: Hovland Seconded by: Peterson Roll call: All ayes Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary d. Resolution 84-16 Personnel Policy Proposed Changes Two proposals for changing the City's personnel policy were recommended by the City Manager. They deal with vacation and sick leave. Discussion was held regarding the increments being proposed. Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 84-16 AMENDING CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS' PERSONNEL POLICY MANUAL, SECTION 5(1) VACATION SECTION 5(111) SICK LEAVE BE IT RESOLVED that Section 5(1) paragraph 2, Vacation, and Section 5(lll) paragraph 8, Sick Leave, of the City of Columbia Heights' Personnel Policy Manual, be amended to read as follows: Vacation Vacation leave shall be charged as used in amounts of not less than one (1) hour incre- ments, not to exceed 24 one hour increments in a calendar year. All other vacation leave shall be charged and used in the amount of not less than 8-hour increments. Regular Council Meeting March 12, 1984 page 4 Sick Leave The use of sick leave will be charged in units of not less than one-fourth hour increments. Passed this 12th day of March, 1984. Offered by: Carlson Second by: Peterson Roll call: All ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor RESOLUTION NO. 84--17 BEING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TEMPORARY INTERFUND LOAN FROM THE LIQUOR FUND TO THE UNIVERSITY AVENUE TAX-INCREMENT FINANCING PROJECT BE IT RESOLVED that the City Manager be authorized to provide for a short-term loan from the Liquor Fund - Retained Earnings in an amount not to exceed $370,000 at an interest rate of 11% for the University Avenue Tax-Increment Financing Project Fund. Passed this 12th day of March, 1984. Offered by: Carlson Seconded by: Hovland Roll call: All ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor f. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1080 Vacating an Alley Motion by Hovland, second by Carlson to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes The alley addressed in Ordinance No. 1080 runs through the Nelson School property. ORDINANCE NO. 1080 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, VACATING AN ALLEY The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section l: The City of Columbia Heights herewith vacates the public alley over the following described property: All of the alley lying in Block 7, "Roslyn Park" as dedicated and shown on the plat of "Roslyn Park", Anoka County, Minnesota. e. Resolution No. 84-17 Interfund Loan This resolution will authorize the City Manager to temporarily use unexpended fund balances in the Liquor Fund and/or General Fund to provide funds for the HRA to com- mence some purchase negotiations Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting March 12, 1984 page 5 Section 2: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First reading: March 12, 1984 6. Communications a. Planning and Zoning Commission Trucker Development, Inc. Conditional Use Permit/Variance Trucker Development, Inc. appeared at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting re- questing a Conditional Use Permit to construct and operate a 237 seat restaurant and lounge with banquet facilities, site plan approval, and a variance on the required number of parking spaces. The parking variance would be for 94 parking spaces. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the City Council approve the variance re- quest. Much discussion followed regarding the variance. The City Manager distributed material that contained conditions that would address the parking problem and stated that the developers found them acceptable. These conditions were discussed and also were acceptable to the Council. Motion by Peterson, second by Hovland to approve the Condtional Use Permit based on the following conditions: 1. The City grants a 10 foot right-of-way easement over the west 10 feet of the southerly 80 feet of Lot 2, Block 1, Northwest Addition, Anoka County, Min- nesota 2. All exterior storage ( i.e., trash dumpsters) shall be enclosed by a 6 foot high screening fence with at least 50% capacity. 3. All items to be complied with to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director as detailed in a memo dated March 1, 1984 from Fred Salsbury, Director of Public Works. plus the three conditions as presented by the City Manager: 1. That applicant provide an additional 94 parking spaces within one and one half blocks (1½) of the restaurant property for use by its banquet patrons. 2. That if the additional parking spaces become unavailable by termination of the lease or otherwise, the applicant will provide substitute parking or consent to be included in the City's parking assessment district if the City deems and can demonstrate that the parking is necessary. 3. That an agreement satisfactory to the City detailing the parking conditions be included in the Redevelopment Contract and that the City Council would review the agreement before it is signed. Roll call: All ayes It was noted that the Site Plan was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission and that a variance would not be needed if acceptable arrangements can be made by the deve- loper for parking. This matter will be an agenda item for the Council work session scheduled for March 19th. b. Traffic Commission 1. Bicycle Lane Request The Traffic Commission had heard a request from a resident regarding the designation of 44th Avenue as a bicycle route. The Traffic Commission was unwilling to designate 44th Avenue as a bicycle route because of the high volume of traffic on that street. The Traffic Commission did request that the Council advise it if the City is int- erested in developing a bicycle route system. The resident who made the request also came to the Council meeting. He stated that his real concern was with pedestrian traffic on 44th Avenue and safety. He thought if a bicycle lane were designated that would afford pedestrians more safety. Regular Council Meeting March 12, 1984 page 6 After some discussion, the Council agreed that if striping for parking were done on each side of 44th Avenue pedestrians may have some additional protection. The City Engineer was so directed. The consensus of the Council was for pursuing the instal- lation of a bicycle route system. Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to direct the Traffic Commission to pursue the installation of a bicycle route system in the City. Roll call: All ayes 2. Permission to Park Two Vans in City Parking Lot Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to table this item until the next regular Council meeting for additional information. Roll call: All ayes c. Insurance Commission - City Insurance Renewals Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to authorize the City Manager to purchase insurance coverage from Home Insurance Company for the following policies: fire and general lia- bility, automobile coverage, and workers compensation at an estimated annual premium of $112,859 and coverage from National Indemnity Company for the City Bus Policy at an annual premium of $1,176. Roll call: All ayes It was noted that the premium for the bus insurance decreased approximately $500. d. Property Owned by Mr. Gondek Mr. Gondek owns the property adjacent to Liquor Store #2 and stated he has been exper- iencing problems with unauthorized vehicles parking on his property. This problem of Mr. Gondek's has been on-going for some time. The Council President requested that the City Manager schedule a meeting to address the problem and that the Mayor, Police Chief, Mr. Gondek and he attend this meeting. e. Public Hearing - Hazardous Waste Treatment Facility The Mayor of Fridley had sent a letter requesting that a representative from Columbia Heights attend the public hearing and present a statement. On March 12th the City Man- ager was advised by the Fridley Public Works Director that the site in Fridley was no longer being considered. No Council action was taken. RECESS: lO:O0 P.M. RECONVENE: 10:20 P.M. 7. Old and New Business a. Old Business 1. Data Processing - Purchase of Microcomputers Previously, a detailed report regarding proposed purchases of microcomputers had been received from the Finance Director. This report was again discussed as was the place- ment of the five microcomputers. Their placement is as follows; Finance Director's Office, City Manager's Office, Fire Department, and two units for Public Works. A re- quest was made for a typewriter for the Police Department but was withdrawn. Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to authorize the City Manager to purchase five I.B.M. microcomputers under State Contract M4348 at a total cost of $25,432.30 based upon low, formal bid. Roll call: All ayes 2. Authorization to Seek Bids for Steel Wheel Roller The City Engineer stated that the roller we presently are using is not well built, is clumsy, too light, and not appropriate for what it is intended to be used for. Councilman Peterson and Carlson, after viewing the equipment, felt it was very dan- gerous. Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to authorize the City Manager to seek bids for 'Regular Council Meeting March 12, 1984 page 7 the purchase of a steel wheel roller. Roll call: All ayes It was noted that the roller presently being used by the City will be traded in. b. New Business 1. Sale or Salvage of Surplus Property The sale of surplus City property will be held in conjunction with the Police Auction on April 14th. Councilmember Petkbff requested that a copy of surplus property be given to a resident who is presently organizing a teen drop-in center in the City. Motion by Hovland, second by Carlson to authorize the sale or salvage of surplus prop- erty as submitted by the City Manager on a list dated March 9, 1984. Roll call: All ayes 2. Authorization to Purchase Root Control Foaming Material It was noted by the City Manager this has been an annual purchase and has proven to be very effective. Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to authorize the City Manager to purchase lO0- gallons of Sanafoam Vaporooter at $51.50 per gallon amounting to $5,150 from Davies Water Equipment Company; and, furthermore that the City Council recognize this pur- chase to be a proprietary item. Roll call: All ayes 3. Purchase of Transit Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to authorize the City Manager to purchase a Nikon Model NT-25 scale reading theodolite and a wide frame wooden legged tripod from Brunson Instrument Company of Bloomington in the amount of $2,170 based upon low quotation received. Roll call: All ayes 4. Authorization to Execute Change Order for Media Transmission of Data in our Sewer and Water Alarm System This item deals with the manner in which information is relayed from our various sewer and water lift and pump stations to the Public Works Department. The City Manager re- commended the radio transmission system being offered by Hoffman Electric would be better than opting to have Group W Cable do it. There may be a considerable delay if Group W Cable were chosen to install the system on their institutional network. It was also noted that there was some problem who would pay for some of the costs and that if the cable system were interrupted the radio transmission system would also be inter- rupted. Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute a change order with Hoffman Electric for a price of $18,900 to supply and install an operable radio transmission system; and furthermore, that Hoffman Electric be required to apply on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights for the necessary radio frequency allocation from the Federal Communications Commission. Roll call: All ayes 5. Request Permission to Advertise for Bids a. Tree Removal Program Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to authorize the City Manager to seek bids for the City's 1984 Tree Removal Program; with bids being submitted to the City Council for award on April 23, 1984. Roll call: All ayes b. Tree Planting Program Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to authorize the City Manager to seek bids for the City'.s 1984 Tree Planting Program with bids being submitted to the City Council for award on May 29, 1984; and furthermore, that included in the bid will be the op- portunity for residents to purchase trees based upon the City's bid prices. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting March 12, 1984 page 8 6. Authorization to Enter Agreement with Miller & Schroeder Municipals, Inc. for Fiscal Consulting Services This agreement is similar to the previous agreement the City had with Miller & Schroeder, however, the firm has deleted the 125% charge on PIR bonds. Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the financial consultant contract with Miller & Schroeder Municipals, Inc.. Roll call: All ayes 8. Reports a. Report of the City Manager The City Manager's Report was submitted in writing. b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. 9. Licenses Motion by Hovland, second by Carlson to approve the licenses as listed upon payment of proper fees. Roll call: All ayes 10. Payment of Bills Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to approve the bills as listed and that they be paid out of proper funds. Roll call: All ayes Adjournment Motion by Hovland, second by Carlson to adjourn the meeting at 11:05 P.M.. Roll call: All ayes ~Anne Student~ Secretary Rita\M. Petkoff, Cou~.~/l President