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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOct 15, 1985OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUHBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 15, 1985 The meeting was called to order by Mayor' Nawrocki at 8:00 P.M.. 1. Roll Call Hovland, Petkoff, Carlson, Peterson, Nawrocki - present 2. Invocation There was no minister available to offer' an Invocation. 2a. Appointment of Secretary Pro-rem Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to appoint Bonnie Jewett as Secretary Pro-tem for the October 15', 1985 Council Meeting. Roll call: All ayes 3. Minutes of Previous Meetings Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to approve the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 23rd, the Special Meeting of the Council of September 30th, the 1986 Budget Hearing of September 30th, and the Special City Council Meet- ing of October 3rd, as presented in writing and that the reading be dispensed with. Roll call: All ayes 3a. Correction of Minutes of Council Meeting of August 12, 1985 Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to correct the minutes of the City Council meeting of August 12, 1985, as follows: From--Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to authorize a change order in the amount of S1,560 to Allied Computer Systems for odification of the Public Works' productivity program. Roll call: All ayes o--Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to authorize a change order in the amount of S1,635 to Applied Computer Systems for modification of the Public Works' productivity program. Roll call: All ayes Mayor Nawrocki advised the Council that the agreements for construction of the Col- umbia Park Clinic and the adjacent parking ramp were signed in the afternoon and that the bond sale may proceed. Columbia Heights Lions' Club 30th Anniversary Mayor Nawrocki congratulated the Columbi.a Heights Lions' Club on the observation of its 30th Anniversary. He noted that the Lions' Club has had a very positive influence on the community and has sponsored and played an active part in many activities of the City. The Lions' Club sponsors the annual Jamboree and hosts innumerable other functions throughout the year. Mayor Nawrocki gave the names of seven of the organization's charter members whg are still active. The Columbia Heights Lions' Club was recognized by WCC0 Radio as "The Good Neighbor" and Kevin Hanson, the Lions' Club President, played a tape recording of that recognition as it was aired on Saturday, October 12th. Mr. Hanson also noted some of the purposes and activities of the organization. New Business Authorization to Negotiate a Contract for a Date Processing System The Council received staff recommendations concerning the purchase of a date processing system. The City Manager, Finance Director and the City Accountant had reviewed four companies and recommended entering into a contract with C.C.S.I.. Discussion continued ~egarding the costs proposed by all of the companies and the particulars of the staff :ommendation. Mayor Nawrocki felt there should be considerable additional review of the proposals and noted that this matter has not as yet been considered by the Science, Technology and Energy Commission. Motion by Petkoff, second by Carlson to table this matter for a Council work session Reguiar Council Meeting October 15. 1985 page 2 d that it also be referred to the Science, Technology and Energy Commission for review at its October 22nd meeting. Roll call: All ayes 4. Oral Petitions~ There were no oral petitions. 5. Ordinances and Resolutions a. Resolution No. 85-59 Establishing 1986 Business License Fees The City Manager reviewed the two changes to the business license fees, the first re- garding Sunday liquor licenses and the fee and the second regarding the omission of "City beer license." This item was tabled to be considered at a later point in the meeting. 6. Communications a. Conditional Use Permit, Site Plan Revisions, Auto Max, 4501 Central Avenue The City Manager advised the Council that Auto Max submitted a revised site plan to the Planning and Zoning Commission and received approval with stipulations regarding shrubbery, rock removal, dumpster location and completion of the blacktopping and parking space striping when the building addition is completed in the Spring of 1986. The City Manager is requesting the Council refund the money held in the Letter of Credit less the fees of the City Attorney and the costs incurred by the City and authorization to execute an Escrow Agreement with Auto Max, Inc. Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to executean Agreement Auto Max, Inc. the purpose assuring comp- Escrow with for of etlon of various site plan requirements. Roll call: All ayes Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to authorize the City Manager to refund to Auto Max, Inc. the sum of S23,000 less costs and fees involved in drawing upon the Letter of Credit and preparing the Escrow Agreement. Roll call: All ayes b. Planning and Zoning Commission 1. Walgreens Drug, 4350 Central Avenue, Variance Walgreen Drug is requesting a 58 square foot variance on the size of a wall sign to be located at their new store at 4350 Central Avenue. The signage proposed would be 140 square feet advertising Walgreens plus an additional 18 square feet advertising the pharmacy for a total of 158 square 'feet. Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to approve Walgreens variance request of 58 square feet due to the hardship of the 'topography of the lot and distance from Central Avenue to the building and as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Com- mission. Roll call: All ayes 2. Robert Proft, 4911 Central Avenue, Conditional Use Permit, Home Occupation Motion by Hovland, second by Petkoff to authorize a conditional use permit, home occupation for Robert Proft to conduct a sign shop business at 4911 Central Avenue as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission and subject to the following conditions: a. The conditio~al use permit is not 'transferable and becomes void if Mr. Proft is not living in the residence at 4911 Central Avenue b. Signage is limited to one double-faced sign not to exceed 20 square feet in area located a minimum of 15 feet 'from the front property line, Mayor Nawrocki requested that the Engineering Department locate the front property line as well as discuss this matter with the City Attorney. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting October 15, 1985 page 3 Little Voyageurs Montessori School, .825 51st Avenue, Conditional Use Permit Representatives O~ the Little Voyageurs Montessori is requesting the Council approve a conditional us~permit to operate a day care center in conjunction with the school. Also being requested is a waiver of the 75 square foot fenced in area as play area because of the proximity to Sullivan Lake Park. Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson t.o approve the conditional use permit as requested and as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission and to waive the requirement for a 75 square foot fenced in play area. Roll call: All ayes c. Traffic Commission 1. Crosswalk on 40th Avenue, East of Central Avenue The City Manager updated the Council as to the status of the pedestrian crosswalk on 40th Avenue since its installation. Surveys of pedestrian crossing habits indi- cates that this point in time few are using the crosswalk. Discussion continued regarding the installation of signs stating that pedestrians must cross 40th Avenue at the indicated crosswalk. Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to authorize the installation of signage at appropriate locations on 40th Avenue, east of Central Avenue and west of LaBelle Park, stating that pedestrians must cross only at the designated crosswalks as recommended by the Traffic Commission. Councilmember Petkoff had concern with slowing the traffic on 40th coming from the east and visibility of the signs. The City Engineer advised her the only way to slow traffic is to enforce the speed limit and that the signs will be seven feet high so they will be quite visible. Roll call: All ayes Proposed Parking Ramp - 40th Avenue and Van Buren Street Staff reviewed the proposed changes regarding the parking ramp to be located on Van Buren Street and 40th Avenue. Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to change the one-way traffic in the north end of the alley of Van Buren to two-way from 41st Avenue to the parking ramp and authori- zing removal of one-way signs and replacing those signs with two-way traffic signs; however, such changes to be completed by staff upon completion of the parking ramp construction as recommended by the Traffic Commission. Roll call: All ayes Motion by ?eterson, second by Hovland to remove proposed curbing in the interior of the parking ramp in order to allow east-west traffic from Van Buren and from the north-south alley to enter the parking ramp; and, furthermore, that both ends of the east-west alley be signed "ramp entrance only.I' Roll call: All ayes 4. League of Minnesota Cities - Memo Regarding Tax Increment Finance Study This was an informational item and no Council action was taken. The League of Minnesota Cities has become concerned with regard to the future of tax increment financing inasmuch as it is believed that the Legislature is considering drastic amendments to the tax increment financing law. The letter is proposing that each city using this financing be assessed to support the lobbying efforts of the League as well as the efforts of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials in this matter. Mayor Nawrocki expressed a concern with the total dollar amount being proposed for these lobbying efforts and for the retention of a lobbyist and requested further information before any Council action is taken. The City Manager advised the Council that he expects additional information before the next Council meeting. Regular Council Meeting October 15, 1985 page 4 5. Chamber of Commerce Letter Re: History of Columbia Heights Booklet Mayor Nawrocki ~istributed a letter from the Columbia Heights Chamber of Commerce seeking funding ~or a booklet of the history of the City. It was noted that the Council has already taken action on this matter. 6. Human Services Commission Resignation A letter was received from Kathy Karkula resigning from the Human Services Commission. 7. League of Minnesota Cities Letter Re: Insurance Renewals The letter from the League was to advise municipalities to start reviewing their insurance renewals particularly if they come due near the first of the year. Mayor Nawrocki recalled the experience of our City and insurance renewals in the past and felt the Insurance Commission should be reviewing this matter in the near future. 8. Metropolitan Council Letter Re: Landfill Abatement Costs The letter from the Metropolitan Council advised those interested about a meeting which will detail what is necessary for a city to apply for monies available to offset costs incurred in recycling. The City Manager's Assistant will be attending this meeting. 9. Resident Letter Re: Potential Danger of Propane Tank The resident at 3807 Central Avenue sent a letter to the Council stating his concern with the safety of a propane tank located adjacent to his proporty and owned by the gasoline station next door. Mayor Nawrocki requested that the City Manager, Building Inspector and the Fire Department check this matter out and return a report and their recommendations to the City Council. 10. National League of Cities Letter Re: Compromise on Fair Labor Standards Act The City Manager received a letter from the National League regarding a compromise being considered on a federal level which, if passed, could impact on the employment practices of the City of Columbia Heights. 7. Old and New Business a. Old Business 1. Parking Ramp Agreement and Covenants The HRA Community Development Specialist explained the changes to the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions for the parking ramp adjacent to the soon-to-be con- structed Columbia Park Medical facility. Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to approve the amended Declaration of Cov- enants and Restrictions for the parking ramp on Van Buren between 40th and 41st Avenues and that the Mayor and City ~anager be authorized to execute same. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Peterson, Nawrocki - aye Carlson - nay Mayor Nawrocki inquired if a groundbreaking is planned for the Columbia Park Medical facility and was advised that construction will begin this fall and that the groundbreaking will be this fall or next spring. The preliminary results of the ballot counting for the Primary Election were read by the City Manager. b. New Business I. Authorization to Purchase Regular Council Meeting October 15, 1985 page 5 Purchase of Radar Equipment The Police Chief is requesting the authorization to purchase a radar set. Councilmember Carlson inquired°if this type of equipment had not been supplied by the State of Min- nesota in the past. The City Manager did not recall this as having happened. Council- member Carlson requested this be pursued before any other equipment is purchased. Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to authorize the City Manager to purchase one MVR-715 radar unit from Decatur Electronics of Decatur, Illinois in the amount of $1,347.50 based on Iow, informal quotation and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into an agreement for same. Roll call: All ayes b. Purchase of Tactical Vests Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to authorize the City Manager to purchase four tactical vests from Don Streicher Guns of Plymouth, Minnesota in the amount of $1,000; and furthermore, the City Council recognizes this purchase to be a proprietary item. Roll call: All ayes c. Floor Scrubber for Service Center The City Engineer advised the Council that the machine presently being used for scrubbing the Central Garage floor was purchased in 1972 and no longer adequately cleans the floor. Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to authorize the City Manager to purchase a Multi-Clean Model 32B floor scrubber from Professional Building Supply of Min- neapolis in the amount of S4,775 based upon low, formal quotation and that the Mayor and City Manager to be authorized to enter into a contract for same. Roll ~all: All ayes Authorize Payment for City Hall Air Conditioner Repair Motion by Petkoff, second by Carlson to authorize the payment of S1,972 to Faircon, Inc. for removal and replacement of a defective air conditioning compressor at City Hall. Roll call: All ayes 3. Authorization to Sell or Salvage Various Items Located at Murzyn Hall The City Manager reviewed the list of items in Murzyn Hall being considered for salvage or disposal. He advised the Council that an item will be in the paper regarding the City's intent to sell these items for those who may be interested. The City Engineer advised the Council that interest has already been expressed in purchasing the wood from the bowling alleys. He had instructed his staff to cut these alleys in 8', 10' 12' and 14' sections. A request has been received from the President of the Minnesota State Bowling Proprietors' Association for one of the pin setters in Murzyn Hall to be kept by the Association for historical purposes. Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to authorize the City Manager to sell or salvage various furniture, fixtures, equipment and/or salvage; to set the sale price for the sections of bowling alley at $2.00 a linear foot, and that one of the Brunswick B-Ten Manual pin setters be donated to the Minnesota State Bowling Proprietors' Association for historical purposes. Roll call: Alll ayes 4. Assessment Agreement Between City of Columbia Heights and Anoka County The City Manager reviewed the proposed Assessment Agreement and the items in the Addendum to the Assessment Agreement with the Council. He reviewed some of the points that have been negotiated and some still negotiable. It was noted that by contracting (I~ith Anoka County for assessing services, the City will realize a savings of ap- roximately $46,000. Motion by Petkoff, second by Carlson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with Anoka County to provide assessing services for the City of Columbia Heights on a contract basis subject to further negotiations with the County. Roll call: All ayes R~ular Council Meeting October 15, 1985 page 6 · Final Payment and Acceptance of Project #8412, Sanitary Sewer Project on 43rd Avenue at Pierce Street Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to authorize a final payment of $8,004.55 to Olson Plumbing fbr Project #84~2, Sanitary Sewer Improvements; and furthermore, to accept the project as having been performed in accordance with our contract as certified by the City Engineer. Roll call: All ayes 6. Final Payment to Hay Associates for' Comparable Worth Study The Council received copies of the recap of the work performed by Hay Associates for the City's comparable worth study. The recap indicated that the firm charged less than was anticipated and spent more hours than had been anticipated in the City's study. Mayor Nawrocki inquired if the written report required by the State and the appeals process had been included in these charges. The City Manager stated that they had not. The Mayor requested that the agreement be looked at again as he had understood these two procedures had been part of the agreement. Councilmember Petkoff thought the agreement deserved another review before the final payment was made. Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to table this matter for further consideration and that the final payment be removed from the list of bills for payment. Rolt call: All ayes 7. Resolution No. 85-60 Canvassing Municipal Primary Election Returns Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 85-60 CANVASSING MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ELECTION RETURNS WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights did on the 15th day of October, 1985 conduct and hold a ~rimary Municipal Election for the purpose of nominating candidates for office of Council to be voted on at a General Municipal Election November 5, 1985; and, WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights at a meeting of said Council held on the 15th day of October, 1985, did canvass the returns and results of said Primary Municipal Election; and, WHEREAS, the following results were determined by said canvass of said Primary Municipal Election, to wit: Total Ballots Cast in Election Valid Votes Cast for Council Non-voted Ballots for Council 750 ,340 i06 Walter S. Logacz Kathy Mc Collom Russell D. Paulson Rita M. Petkoff. John Zaccardi 271 143 260 420 246 1,340 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Regular Council Meeting October 15, 1985 page 7 ghts that Walter S. Logacz, Russell D. Paulson, Rita M. Petkoff and John Zaccardi are hereby declared to be the candidates for Council at the General Municipal Election to be held on No~e~nber 5, 1985. Passed this 15th day of October, 1985. Offered by: Peterson Seconded by: Carlson Roll call: All ayes Bonnie Jewett, Secretary Pro-Tem Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor 8. Resolution No. 85-59 Establishing '1986 Business License Fees This item had been tabled earlier in the meeting for additional information regarding single event beer licenses and the fee. The City Manager noted that this item should be added to the list of 1986 license fees and the fee is to be $5OO. Councilmember Petkoff inquired if persons applying for this type of license were advised that the fee could be waived by the Council depending on certain circumstances. She was told that the license clerk has been informing people of this and that it would apply specifically in the application of civic, non-profit organizations. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the ordinance governing this matter states that this type of license can only be issued to civic, non-profit organizations. Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 85-59 ESTABLISHING 1986 BUSINESS LICENSE FEES WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, pertaining to commercial licensing regulations provides for the establishing of annual license fees; and, WHEREAS, the City has participated in a survey of metropolitan municipalities regarding business license fees charged by other communities; and, WHEREAS, the City is attempting to maintain business licenses which are comparable; and, WHEREAS, the City annually reviews its business fee schedule; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the attached proposed license fee schedule be adopted and effective January 1, 1986. Passed this 15th day of October, 1985. Offered by: Peterson Seconded by: Carlson Roll call: All ayes Bonnie Jewett, Secretary Pro-Tem Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Regular Council Meeting October 15, 1985 page 8 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. Request for Funds for City's Recycling and Waste Reduction Program: A letter has been sent to Anoka County requesting funds for the City's recycling program for 1985 and 1986. Additional funding will also be sought from the Metropolitan Council. Mayor Nawrocki suggested that all community recycling efforts should be included in the funding request to the Metropolitan Council. 2. Anoka County Humane Society: The City Manager commented on the letter received from the Executive Director of the Greater Anoka County Humane Society regarding the process to date on the Capital Campaign for building a shelter. 3. Status of Transferring Assessing Duties to Anoka County: The City Manager briefly recapped what has transpired between our Assessing Department and that of Anoka County for conducting assessment functions. He also stated his reasons why he felt the authorization for the City Assessor to attend the International Conference on Assessment Administration should not be withdrawn. 4. Use of First Lutheran Church for the Pre-School Program: Because of the safety code violations that exist in the First Lutheran Church for use as a place to have le pre-school program, the City Manager advised the Council that this program will e held in the Police-Fire Training Room. He also noted that the Recreation and Community Services office will be relocated to the Service Center Employee lunchroom when construction/remodeling commences in the upper area of Murzyn Hall. A resident in attendance had questions regarding the use of the Training Room and if it had been inspected and passed on by the Fire Department. The City Manager stated that it had. b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. 9. Licenses Motion by Peterson, second by Hovland to approve the licenses as listed upon payment of proper fees. Roll call: All ayes 10. Payment of Bills Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson t.o pay the bills as listed out of proper funds and that check number 58290 for Hay Associates be removed. Roll call: All ayes Adjournment Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to adjourn the mee' 1: All ayes ~d~n~e Jewett, s,e'c/~etary Pro-Tem Nawrocki, Mayor