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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJan 23, 1984OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 23, 1984 meeting was called to order by Mayor Nawrocki at 8:15 pm. 1. Roll Call Hov)and, Petkoff, Car)son, Peterson, Nawrocki - present 2. Invocation The Invocation was offered by Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary. 3. Minutes of Previous Meetings Motion by Hov)and, second by Carlson to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of January 9th as presented in writing and that the reading be dispensed with. Roll call: All ayes The Mayor noted that the representatives to the Suburban Rate Authority and the Six Cities Water Management Organization were selected at the same time that the Council reorganization was done. 4. Oral Petitions A representative of Electro Labs~located at 3757 3rd Street, addressed the Council regarding its denia) of the firm's appeal of the denial by the Planning and Zoning Commission for site plan approval. Discussion followed concerning other problems that are in evidence at the facility as well as those that have been on-going. Staff is accumulating data for a complete report on this business and it was decided that no action would be taken until that report is completed. The City Engineer noted that the improvements that are being proposed may be an integral part of solving the problems that exist. Senator Don Frank addressed those at the Council meeting and gave an update on a subject hat is presently of considerable interest to all residents, that being te)ephone rate creases. The Senator also gave a brief overview as to the financial complexion of the state and what shou)d be anticipated in the next biennium. A local restaurant owner is interested in applying for a wine and beer license. She was interested in what the number of parking spaces is required for this license and any other information applicable to her restaurant before she pays the license fee. She chooses not to have the money tied up if she is not eligible for the )icense. She was referred to the Building Inspector. The Council also requested a report of his findings. 5. Resolutions and Ordinances a. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1074 Pertaining to Licensing Motion by Car]son, second by Hovland to table this item for additional information. Roil call: All ayes b. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1075 Rezoning of Certain Real Estate Motion by Petkoff, second by Carlson to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes The parcels affected by this proposed rezoning are primarily properties owned by the School District including Wargo Park and the vacant hockey rlnk, plus property at 4140/4146/4150 and 4156 Central Avenue. The Planning and Zoning Commission is recommending that these properties be rezoned to Central Business District. ORDINANCE NO. 1075 lNG AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, PERTAINING TO THE REZONING OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE Section 1: That the real property legally described as: Regular Council Meeting January 23, 1984 page 2 Lots I and 2, Block l, Northwest Addition, according to the map or plat thereof on file and on record in the office of the Register of Deeds in and for Anoka County. which is currently zoned "LB" Limited Business District and R-2 District shall hereafter be zoned "CBD" Central Business District. Section 2: That the real property legally described as: Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4, Block 36, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, according to the map or plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the Register of Deeds in and for Anoka County which is currently zoned "RB" Retail Business District shall hereafter be zoned "CBD" Central Business District. Section 3: The zoning map of the City of Columbia Heights is herewith amended in accordance with this ordinance. Section 4: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. )First Reading: January 23, 1984 The second reading of Ordinance No. 1075 is scheduled for February 13, 1984. c. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1076 Pertaining to Intoxicating Liquor Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available to the public. ~oll call: All ayes This proposed change would clarify the definition of a school building by indicating that a post secondary school is not a school building within the meaning of the ordinance. This ordinance change would accommodate the development of a restaurant on the corner of 41st and Central. ORDINANCE NO. 1076 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, PERTAINING TO INTOX- ICATING LIQUOR The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1: (a) Section 5.503(10) of Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, passed June 21, 1977 which reads as follows, to-wit: 5.503(10) Places ineligible for license are as follows: No license shall be granted, or renewed, for operation on any premises, on which taxes, assessments or other financial claims of the City or of the State are due, delinquent or unpaid. In the event an action has been commenced pur- suant to the provisions of Chapter 278, Minnesota Statutes, questioning the amount or validity of taxes, the Council may, on application by the licensee, waive strict compliance with this provision; no waiver may be granted, however, for taxes or any portion thereof, which remain unpaid for a period exceeding one year after becoming due. Regular Council Meeting January 23, 1984 page 3 (b) (c) (d) (e) No license shall be issued for the premises owned by a person to whom a license may not be granted under this ordinance, except any owner who is a minor, alien, or a person who has been convicted of a crime other than a violation of Minnesota Statutes, Sections 340.07 through 340.39. Provided, however, that no such person may have a financial interest in the operation of the business at such location. No on sale license shall be granted for a restaurant that does not have a dining area, open to the general public, with a total minimum floor area of 3,000 square feet or for a hotel that does not have a dining area open to the general public with a total minimum floor area of 2,OO0 square feet. No license shall be granted for any place which has a common entrance or exit between any two establishments except that a public concourse or public lobby shall not be construed as a common entrance or exit. No license shall be granted for any hotel or restaurant building, the near- est point of which building structure is within ~O feet of the center of the main or front door of a church measured in a straight line. A church shall have only one main or front door for the purposes of this chapter. The erection of a church within a prohibited area of a change of location of a main or front foor, after an original application has been granted, shall not, in and of itself, render such premises ineligible for renewal of the license. No license shall be granted for any hotel or restaurant building, the nearest point of which measured in a straight line, is within 300 feet of a school building. (fl (gl No license shall be issued for premises other than a hotel or restaurant. No license shall be granted for any premises which does not have a sprinkler system. is herewith amended to read as follows, to-wit: 5.503(10) (a) (bi Places ineligible for licenses are as follows: No license shall be granted, or renewed, for operation on any premises, on which taxes, assessments or other financial claims of the City or of the State are due, delinquent or unpaid. In the event an action has been commenced pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 278, Minnesota Statutes, questioning the amount or validity of taxes, the Council may, on application by the licensee, waive strict compliance with this provision; no waiver may be granted, however, for taxes or any portion thereof, which remain unpaid for a period exceeding one year after' becoming due. No license shall be issued for the premises owned by a person to whom a license may not be granted under this ordinance, except any owner who is a minor, alein, or a person who has been convicted of a crime other than a violation of Minnesota Statutes, Sections 340.07 through 340.39. Provided, however, that no such person may have a financial interest in the operation of the business at such location. Regular Council Meeting January 23, 1984 page 4 (c) No on sale license shall be granted for a reetaurant that does not have a dining area, open to the general public, with a total minimum floor area of 3,000 square feet or for a hotel that does not have a dining area open to the general public with a total minimum floor area of 2,000 square feet. (d) No license shall be granted for any place which has a common entrance or exit between any two establishments except that a public concourse or public lobby shall not be construed as a common entrance or exit. (e) No license shall be granted for any hotel or restaurant building, the nearest point of which building structure is within 200 feet of the center of the main or front door of a church measured in a straight line. A church shall have only one main or front door for the purposes of this chapter. The erection of a church within a prohibited area or a change of location of a main or front door, after an original application has been granted, shall not, in and of itself, render such premises ineligible for renewal of the license. No lic- ense shall be granted for any hotel or restaurant building, the nearest point of which measured in a straight line, is within 300 feet of a school building. A building housing a post secondary school is not a school building within the meaning of this ordinance. (fl No license shall be issued for premises other than a hotel or restaurant. (gl Section 2: No license shall be granted for any premises which does not have a sprinkler system. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First Reading: January 23, 1984 The second reading of Ordinance No. 1076 is scheduled for February 13th. d. Resolution No. 84-06 Special Assessments 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 NO. 84-06 BEING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AMOUNT OF CITY SHARE AND AMOUNT OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ON PROJECTS TO BE LEVIED WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights by motion on the 9th day of Jan- uary, 1984, ordered a special assessment hearing to levy the cost of improvements and WHEREAS, the following projects will be specially assessed on February 21, 1984, and a portion of the costs may be borne by the City, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 429.061, and City Code 4.103, Regular Council Meeting January 23, 1984 page 5 that the breakdown is as follows: PROJECT CITY SHARE STATE AID ASSESSMENT TOTAL 781 Alley Construction 791 St. Construction 792 State Aid Street $5,363.32 $576,228.58 $19,704.96 29,605.12 91,142.37 $ 19,704.96 29,605.12 672,734.27 Passed this 23 day of January, 1984. Offered by: Hovland Seconded by: Petkoff Roll call: All ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor 6. Communications a. Planning and Zoning Commission l. Preliminary Plan for Nelson Elementary School A proposal has been received for converting the Nelson School property into 33 condominiums. The Community Development Specialist reviewed the details of the development and its sur- rounding landscaping. The Council was informed that residents in the area surrounding the Nelson School property had been advised that this subject was coming before the Planning and Zoning Commission. Only those residents who attended that Commission meeting were made ware of the fact that this subject would be addressed by the Council. It had been the wish of Mayor Nawrocki that all affected residents had been notified by mail that this subject would be considered at this particular Council meeting. The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended to the Council the approval of the plan contingent upon satisfying the following conditions: 1) All items except #2 be complied with to the satisfaction of the Public Works Depart- ment as detailed in a memo dated January 13, 1984 from the Public Works Director 2) The developer be required to satisfy those requirements as detailed in the City At- torney's letter of January 17, )984. Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to approve the Preliminary Plan for the proposed Planned Unit Development contingent upon satisfying the conditions as stated by the Plan- ning and Zoning Commission. Roll call: All ayes b. Insurance Commission Motion by Petkoff, second by Hov]and to authorize the renewal of the Public Officials and Employees Liability Insurance policy with Western World Insurance in the amount of $2,580.15. Roil call: All ayes c. Park Board 1. Authorization to Seek Proposals from Architects The Park Board voted to recommend to the Council that the City seek the services of an architect regarding various improvements to Murzyn Hall. The Public Works Director spoke to the improvements for consideration. (i~otion by Petkoff, second by Carlson to authorize the City Manager to seek proposals for rchitectural services regarding various improvements to Murzyn Hall. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting January 23, 1984 ~age 6 · Murzyn Hall Security Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute a contract with Pinkerton's Inc. for security services at Murzyn Hall on the basis of $6.50 per hour for security service, based upon low, informal quotation. It was noted that this contract offered substantially better rates than those of the previous security service. Roll call: All ayes d. Science, Technology and Energy Commission Earlier this year the Minnesota Legislature passed the Public Utilities Conversation Imp- rovement Program. This legislation requires that large public electric or natural gas utilities make significant investments in energy conservation. The City of Columbia Heights is in the service area of two of these utilities. The utilities involved must submit their proposals for conservation investment to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Cities were advised that they may have input to these proposals after their submittal through the Utilities Commission and through the Department of Public Service. Motion by Carlson, se~nd by Peterson to authorize the Science, Technology and Energy Com- mission to proceed on the public utilities conservation improvement program. Roll Gall: All ayes e. Traffic Commission Vacancy With the resignation of Frank Breen from the Traffic Commission there is a vacancy which should be filled by someone in the community that represents the commercial areas. An ap- plication has been received from Marge Norton who is a resident of the City and employed by First Federal Savings and Loan in Columbia Heights. Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to appoint Marge Norton to fill the unexpired portion )f Frank Breen's term on the Traffic Commission. Roll call: All ayes 7. Old and New Business a. 01d Business 1. Sanitary Sewer Lift Station Improvements Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for lift station improvements with Consolidated Plumbing and Heating Company in the amount of $68,719.00 in settlement of the dispute between the parties. Roll call: All ayes RECESS: 10:30 pm RECONVENE: 11:00 pm 2. Replacement of Murzyn Hall Ceiling The Building Inspector gave copies of the two bids received to repair/replace the ceil- ing in Murzyn Hall. Each bid contained figures for installation of sheet rock and instal- lation of ceiling tiles. Councilman Paterson felt it would be advisable to install only the sheetrock at the present time and let an architect complete the previously-auth- orized study regarding the tile. Discussion followed regarding what policy should be em- ployed if there were complaints on the appearance of the ceiling. Motion by Hovland, second by Paterson to award to Franzen Construction Company the bid for the installation of the sheetrock in the amount of $1,137.OO, conditioned on that installation being done with sheetrock screws, based on low, formal quotations, and that che Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into same. It was noted that the instal- ation of the ceiling tile will be delayed. Roll call: All ayes 3. Replacement of Service Center Lights Motion by Hovland, second by Petkoff to authorize the City Manager to seek bids for the Regular Council Meeting January 23, 1984 page 7 replacement of the lighting system in the City Service Center with the monies to come from the Unexpended Fund Balance in the Central Garage Fund. The City Engineer stated that it had been recommended to replace the present lighting system of mercury vapor with high sodium lights and that the cost would be approximately $4,000. Roll call: Ali ayes 4. School Board Letter Regarding City's Purchase of Property at Wargo Court A letter was received from the District #13 School Board which addressed the City pur- chasing property located at 41st and Central Avenue to make way for development of the area. An appraisal of the property had set the value at $1.50 per square foot. Council member Petkoff indicated that she wished that any agreement between the School Board and the City would contain a guarantee that Wargo Park would remain as a park for a certain number of years as it was the original site of the City's first school and the time capsule is housed on the property. The Mayor wished that the agreement would be conditioned only upon a development occuring and not that it just be an offer to buy without development. Council member Petkoff stated that the Recreation Commission expres- sed an interest in the hockey lights presently at that location to be used in another park in the City. The City Engineer valued the lights at approximately $4,000. It was determined that the length of time that the Council wished for this property to be kept as a park was at least fifteen years or more. Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to authorize an offer to be made to the School District for certain property on 41st and Central Avenue, Wargo Court, incorporating the items discussed at this Council meeting and to be framed in a letter by the City Attorney. Roll call: All ayes b. New Business 1. M.F.O.A. Annual Conference Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to authorize William Elrite, Finance Director, to attend the annual Municipal Finance Officers Association in San Antonio, Texas from April 15-18, 1984; and furthermore, that costs be reimbursed not exceeding $l,OOO. Roll call: All ayes 2. Columbia Heights' Police Relief Association A request has been received from the Treasurer of the Police Relief Association for an increase in his monthly compensation. Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to approve an increase in the treasurer's salary for the Columbia Heights Police Relief Association to $45 per month, effective January 1, 1984. Mayor Nawrocki inquired what the treasurers of other relief associations earn. Roll call: All ayes 3. Purchases a. Authorization to Update Fixed Asset Records The updating of the fixed asset records project was started in 1~77 and not completed. Presently there are no records of the fixed assets since 1979. The purpose of this pro- ject is to give the City an inventory record and values for insurance purposes. Some members of the Council expressed a concern that this may not be needed since it includes the asset records for the last three years. It was their opinion that only the current inventory was necessary to bring the records up to date. Motion by Hovland, second by Petkoff to authorize the City Hanager to proceed with the updating of the City's fixed assets records by American Appraisal Company based upon low, informal quote of $2,000. The Mayor felt an exact dollar amount should be requested~ not an approximate cost. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Peterson - aye Nawrocki - nay Carlson - abstain Regular Council Meeting January 23, 1984 page 8 Authorization to Seek Bids for the Purchase/Installation of Video and Audio Equipment in City Hall The City Manager is requesting authorization to seek bids for the purchase and installation of various video and audio equipment for City Hall which will be used in the Council Cham- bers and the Conference Room. This equipment would be used to televise on the City's cable communications system meetings of the City Council and meetings of boards and commissions that serve the City. This request had been made on the recommendation of the Cable Com- munications Commission. Mayor Nawrocki stated that it had been the expressed desire of the Councll that this equipment either be borrowed or leased and he hoped that this desire had been relayed to the Commission. Also, it was the intent of the Council that the equip- ment be appropriate for black and white filming. No Council action was taken on the re- quest. 5. City Council Work Sessions Two work sessions were scheduled, Wednesday, January 25th at 7:30 pm and Monday, January 30th at 7:30 pm. 8. Reports a. Report of the City Manager The City Manager's report was submitted in writing. The guidelines for the use of the City-owned bus were discussed. b. Report of the City Attorney Fhe 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 Hovland to approve the payment of the bills as listed out of proper funds. Roll call: All ayes Adjournment Motion by Hovland, second by Carlson to adjourn the meeting at 1:0! ayes )~am. Rol Bruce--G. Nawrocki, Mayor 1: All nne Studen~, Co~ncil Secreta y