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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNov 25, 1985OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 25, 1985 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 W. Karl Smith of Oak Hill Baptist Church. 3. Minutes of Previous Meetings Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to approve the minutes of the Election Canvassing Meeting of November 7, 1985 and the Regular City Council Meeting of November 12th, as presented in writing and that the reading be dispensed with. Roll call: All ayes 4. Ora] Petitions There were no oral petitions. 5. Ordinances and Resolutions a. Resolution Adopting a Housing Bond Program for the Issuance of Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds, Authorizing Submission of Same to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, and Approving a Policy Report of the City of Columbia Heights The application to be submitted for the housing bond program would be in an amount not to exceed ten million dollars. 'The HRA's Director of Housing and Administration advised the Council that this program is basically the same as the program the City participated in in 1982. She noted that the funds will not have to be 'targeted' as they were in 1982. The selection process will be done in January of 1986. If the City were selected the administrative costs will come out of the allocated funds. Two local lending agencies have expressed interest in handling this program. Mayor Nawrocki questioned how successful this program may be in view of the fact some of the funding from 1982 remains. The HRA Director advised the Council that in the 1982 program the funding had been targeted for the University Heights project and was not opened up to other borrowers until quite late in the year. Discussion followed re- garding interest rates, costs that ,may be incurred by the City in the initial stages of the program and what measures may be taken if the City were chosen and decided not to participate. It was decided further information was needed on these subjects as well as others. Motion by Hovland, second by Carlson to table this matter for additional information until the next regular Council meeting. Roll call: All ayes b. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1109; Being an Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, Pertaining to Liquid Propane Fuel The City Manager recommended this ordinance not be read until other members of the staff could review it and further discussion could be had on how this ordinance might impact on propane fuel dealers. He suggested this matter could be on the agenda of the December 2nd Work Session. Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to table further consideration of this ordinance until the next regular Council meeting. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1985 page 2 c. First Reading of Ordinance No. l'llO; Being an Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, Pertaining to Storage of Rubbish and Garbage There was considerable discussion regarding the material that is used in garbage cans that are ~ot metal. The Mayor stated that some plastic containers are not very sturdy and can lead to many problems. Councilmember Petkoff noted that there are very durable plastic containers on the market and she has seen many being used in the City at the present time. The ordinances of other cities were reviewed and all of them but one allow containers that are not metal. The City Manager suggested that the part of the ordinance referring to the National Sanitation Foundation Standard No. 21 be deleted as it would lead to confusion. Councilmember Petkoff requested that the word 'lthermo~' be inserted before the phrase "plastic garbage containers." Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes ORDINANCE NO. lllO BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, PERTAINING TO STORAGE OF RUBBISH AND GARBAGE The City of Columbia Heights does c, rdain: Section l: Section No. 8.301 (2) of' the City Code of 1977, as amended, passed June 21, 1977, which reads as. follows, to-wit: 8.301(2) Every person responsible under this section, except as otherwise provided below, for the disposal of rubbish, and garbage shall provide for the storage of such matter between periods of collection, one or more fly-tight metal garbage containers of up to a thirty-two (32) gallon or seventy-five (75) pound capacity. The containers shall be tightly covered to prew~nt exposure of the contents to potential fly or vermin infestations, and shall be provided with handles for ease of lifting. Shall hereafter read as follows, to-wit: 8.301 (2) Every person responsible under this section, except as otherwise provided below, for the disposal of rubbish, and garbage shall provide for the storage of such matter between periods of collection, one or more fly-tight metal or thermoplastic garbage containers of up to a thirty-two (32) gallon or seventy-five (75) pound capacity. The containers shall be tightly covered to prevent exposure of the contents to potential fly or vermin infestations, and shall be provided with handles for ease in lifting. Section 2: This ordinance will be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First Reading: November 25, 1985 The second reading and public hearing is scheduled for December 9, 1985. Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1985 page 3 d. First Reading of Ordinance No. lll2; Vacating Alley This ordinance is in response for an alley vacation in the block bordered by 40th, 41st, Van Buren and Central Avenues. The southern portion of the north- south alley located in this block must be vacated in order to allow construction of the medical building by the Columbia Park Group. An east~west alley will re- place that portion of the alleyway recommended to be vacated. The City Manager advised the Council that this ordinance should become effective on the date the HRA transfers the property to the Columbia Park Group. Motion by Peterson, second by Hovland to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes ORDINANCE NO. lll2 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, PERTAINING TO VACATING AN ALLEY The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1: That part of the platted alley within Block 61, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, lying northerly of the north platted right- of~way line of 40th Avenue N.E. a distance of 113 feet to the center- line of the vacated east-west alley within Block 61, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, Anoka County, Minnesota is hereby vacated. Section 2: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First Reading: November 25, 1985 e. First Reading of Ordinance No. llll; An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 853, Establishing Conditions for the Release and/or Reduction of Certain Bonds; Defer- ring the Provisions of Certain Interactive Services; and Authorizing the Consoli- dation of Certain Group W Administrative Functions The City Manager and the legal counsel for the Cable Communications Commission re- commended that this ordinance not receive a first reading. This item was put on the agenda to afford the Council an opportunity to review the proposed changes as negotiated by the Cable Commission. The Commission's legal counsel and the representative of the cable company agreed that the proposed amendments would benefit the cable company as well as the subscribers. No Council action was taken. f. Resolution Giving Preliminary Apl~roval to the Issuance of Bonds for the Purpose of Eliminating Unfunded Lial~ility for Police and Fire Relief Associations The City Manager advised that this resolution not be adopted as he felt it would be preferable to wait legislative action before considering a sale of bonds. He is of the opinion that the changes being considered by the Legislature will be substantive. Mayor Nawrocki noted this will be joint legislation and will be voluntary by both the Police and Fire Relief Associations and by the cities. No Council action was taken. 6. Communications a. North Suburban Metro-Area Joint Powers Agreement Mayor Nawrocki advised the Council that this agreement has been revised and the Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1985 page 4 revised copy will be prepared for discussion at the next regular Council meeting. b. Garage Compl~etion - 4243 Pierce Street Mayor Nawrocki inquired why no construction has commenced on the garage to be located at 4243 Pierce Street. The Building Inspector advised the Council that the slab has been poured and the permit taken out for this project is valid for one year. RECESS: 9:30 P.M. RECONVENE: lO:O0 P.M. 7. Old and New Business a. Old Business 1. Recommendation to Proceed with Negotiating Purchase of Data Processing_ Software and Hardware The Council reviewed with the City Manager a cost benefit analysis prepared by the Finance Director which would be realized with data processing equipment. An implementation plan will be available in January. Mayor Nawrocki observed that staff did not follow its own specifications and he felt the recommended vendor did not meet the specifications. He was of the opinion that the evaluation process had not been followed and the recommendation had been made on the personal visit by staff to the vendor's. The Mayor suggested that staff's report should have been made on the bids that were responsive as well as those that were not and felt that the recommended vendor may have not been the Iow responsible bidder on the original proposal. The Mayor felt the staff should review what they are going to require and request the four vendors who had bid to respond. He also noted that at this point in time only one vendor had been considered and this lack of competition would not serve the best interests of the City. Councilmember Peterson felt the Science, Technology and Energy Commission and the staff had done an admirable job and the Council should accept the recom- mendation. Motion by Petkoff, second by Carlson to authorize the City Manager to enter into contract negotiations with C.C.S.I. to purchase data processing software and hardware. Roll call: Petkoff, Carlson, Peterson - aye Hovland, Nawrocki - nay 2. Request of Mr. & Mrs. Lutz, 4445 Quincy Street, Regarding Stump Removal A diseased tree had been removed from this property and the property owners were not satisfied with the remaining stump and roots. A reduction of the bill had been discussed with the property owners and found acceptable. Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson that the outstanding bill for tree removal at 4445 Quincy Street be reduced by $90.00 being that the work was not completed. Roll call: All ayes b. New Business I. Authorize Execution of a Change Order for the Renovation/Addition to John P. Murzyn Hall Originally, the City Manager had been requesting ratification of his action re- garding a change order for the installation of a new sanitary sewer connection. It was noted the change order did not bear the signature of the constractor so the City Manager did not authorize the work. The City Engineer stated that the work is still being done but he will be contacting a local plumbimg firm regarding its price. Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1985 page 5 Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute Change Order #2 with the mechanical contractor in the amount of $3,740 for the installation of a new 4" cast iron sanitary sewer connection to service the John P. Mu~zyn Hall Building addition. Roll call: All ayes 2. 1985 Financial Audit Four responses to the Request for Proposal for auditing services were received. The Finance Director prepared a memo detailing background information, services and costs on all four firms. He also included his recommendation. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the selection of the auditing firm had always been that of the City Council as a policy making body. The Mayor observed that three of the firms had submitted guaranteed costs whereas one of the firms had an estimate. The City Manager suggested that the Council could interview representatives of each firm or review copies of the audit proposals received. Motion by Petkoff, second by Carlson that the members of the City Council be provided wi~h copies of the audit proposals. Roll call: All ayes 3. Authorization to Seek Bids for Printing City's Newsletter Motion by Carlson, second by Petkoff to authorize the City Manager to seek bids for the production, printing, and distribution of the City's newsletter. Roll call: All ayes 4. Traffic Signal Study on 37th Avenue The Public Works Director recommended the City participate with the City of Minneapolis in a study of traffic siignals on 37th Avenue, primarily at the intersections with Central Avenue, Johnson Street and Stinson Boulevard. Costs for this study is unknown at this time but it is understood if signals are installed the study will be paid for by state aid funds. Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to authorize to negotiate an agreement with the City of Minneapolis to provide for a traffic signals study and engineering work associated with the installation of traffic signals on 37th Avenue. Roll call: All ayes The agreement, as proposed, is to be brought back to the City Council for its review. 5. Regulation of Taxi Cab Fares The Council discussed procedures for handling requests for rate increases by cab companies licensed to operate in the City and administration of the City's cab ordinance. Councilman Peterson felt Columbia Heights should have the same rates as the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to direct the staff to prepare a resolution setting the cab rates in Columbia Heights on the same rate basis as the City of Minneapolis. Roll call: All ayes 6. Establish Work Session A Council work session was schedule,~ for Monday, December 2nd at 7:30 P.M.. 7. Final Industrial Revenue Bond Resolution Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to authorize a public hearing on December 9th at 7:30 P.M. regarding the Columbia Park Medical Clinic industrial revenue bond issue. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1985 page 6 Council Intent to Recess December 9th Council Meeting Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to indicate the City Council's intent to recess the regular Council meeting on December 9th after the Public Hearing on the Columbia Park Medical Clinic bond issue until Thursday, December 12th at 7:30 P.M.. Roll call: All ayes 8. Reports a. Report of the City Manager The City Manager's report was submitted in written form and the following items were discussed: 1. Columbia Place Condominiums: These condominiums had originally been proposed for sale by the developer. They are now being advertised as rental units. Mayor Nawrocki expressed concern with this. project as the nearby homeowners had been told these would be owner occupied. He suggested rental property is not as well maintained as owner occupied units. Mayor Nawrocki and Councilman Carlson strongly recommended these units continue as owner occupied condominiums. Councilman Peter- son felt the developer was in a difficult position and could not let the units stay vacant because he was unable to sell them. Councilmembers Peterson and Petkoff supported the rental proposition. The City Attorney advised the Council that this new arrangement would still be in keeping with the zoning and that the Letter of Credit did not address ownership. The Building Inspector noted that to date no occupancy permits have been issued. 2. City's Insurance Coverage: The Insurance Commission has been researching companies for the Cityls insurance coverage and anticipates having its recom- mendations prepared for the Council's next regular meeting. 3. Payment Received for City Vehicle: The City Manager advised the Council that payment received from the sale of one of the City's trucks through the Hennepin County Auction was not honored. The City Attorney will pursue the check writer. 4. Snow Plowing Equipment: The Public Works Department is experiencing problems with three of its front-end loaders, two with engine problems and the third was delivered with the incorrect equipment. It was also noted that one of the dump trucks has a serious problem with corrosion. b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. 9. Licenses Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to approve the licenses for the calendar year 1985 and calendar year 1986 upon payment of proper fees. Roll call: All ayes 10. Payment of Bills Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to pay the bills as listed out of proper funds. Roll call: All ayes Adjournment Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson All ayes /~-Anne Stude'nt, Council Secretary to adjourn the meeting at, l:45/~.M. Rol]///cal Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor