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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJul 22, 1985OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL ~EGULAR COUNCIL MEETING LY 22, 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 There were no ministers available to offer an Invocation. 2a. Appointment of Secretary Pro-Tem Motion by Hovland, second by Carlson to appoint Bonnie Jewett as Secretary Pro-Tem for the Regular Council Meeting of July 22, 1985. Roll call: All ayes 3. Minutes of Previous Meetings Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to approve the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of July 8th, as presented in writing and that the reading be dispensed with. Roll call: All ayes 4. Oral Petitions The property owner at 4020/22 Central Avenue presented a petition to the Council from business owners on the west side of Central, 40th to 41st, which addressed their op- position to the placement of a parking ramp directly behind their businesses. The circulator of the petition stated i't would be preferred if this ramp were located acent to the medical clinic. Discussion continued regarding input by the business ,ers on the location of the ramp. Motion by Hovland, second by Petkoff to acknowledge receipt of the petition. Roll call: All ayes Mayor Nawrocki requested that a copy of this petition be sent to the HRA Board. 5. Ordinances and Resolutions a. Resolution 85-32; Six Cities Watershed Management Organization This resolution expresses the Cities support for legislation which would enable the Six Cities Watershed Management Organization to levy taxes for administrative expenses. The Public WOrks Director who i~s the Tree, surer of the WMO advised the Council as to how these taxes will be distributed to each of the six cities. Discussion followed regarding how the limits of the taxes to be levi'ed would be set. The Mayor noted that with this resolution the responsibility for setting this levy would be removed from the City Council and the decision would be made by the I~MO. 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 Mayor Nawrocki noted that in the body of the resolution Senator Levi' who is sponsoring this legislation was to receive a certified copy of the resolution. He felt it appropriate to also send a copy of the resoluti'on, if passed, to the City's leglslators. Section two of the Resolve was amended to include the names of Senator Frank and Representative Simoneau. RESOLU'rION NO. 85-32 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LEGISLATIVE CHANGES ENABLING THE SlX CITIES WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ANIZATION TO LEVY TAXES WHEREAS, Six Cities Watershed Management Organization was created pursuant to a Joint Powers Agreement entered into by the City of Columbia Heights; 'Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1985 page 2 i~EREAS, the intention of the City of Columbia Heights at the time of the execution of the Joint Powers Agreement creating Six Cities Watershed Management Organization was that that organization could separately levy an amount of taxes annually to take care of its budget; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council by the City of Columbia Heights as follows: 1. The City of Columbia Heights supports .any necessary legislative changes required to enable Six Cities Watershed Management Organization to levy taxes sufficient to meet its annual administrative expenses following approval of its budget all as pro- vided in the Joint Powers Agreement creating said Watershed Management Organization. 2. The Secretary of the Council is hereby authorized and directed to forward a certified copy of this resolution to Senator Frank and to Representative Simoneau and Levi. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Petkoff Hovland Petkoff, Hovland - aye Carlson, Peterson, Nawrocki - nay Passage of Resolution No. 85--32 fails. 6. Communications Park Board 1. Request to Serve Non-Intoxicating Malt Liquor ~ Land O'Lakes Motion by Carlson, second by Petkoff to authorize the consumption of non-intoxicating malt liquor on Tuesday, July 23, 1985, from 4.:30 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. in Sullivan Lake Park as requested by employees of Land O' Lakes, Inc. and as recommended by the Park Board. Roll call: All ayes 2.Request to Serve Non-Intoxicating Malt Liquor - Sullivan Lake Park - Cheryl Rodrigue Motion by Petkoff, second by Carlson to ~uthorize the consumption of non-intoxicating malt i,ilquor on Sunday, August llth, from ll:O0 A.M. - lO:O0 P.M. in Sullivan Lake Park as requested by Cheryl Rodrigue and as reco~nmended by the Park Board, and furthermore, directs the Park Board to submit a letter to Ms. Rodrigue indicating discouragement of any live music in any park with the exception of Huset Park Bandsheil. Roll call: Ali ayes b. League of Minnesota Cities - Annual Membership Dues Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to approve the continued membership with the League of Minnesota Cities, and that the annual payment of $7,028 be authorized. Roll call: All ayes c. Insurance Committee Appointment Motion by Peterson, second by Hovland to approve the appointment of Dale Hadtrath to the Insurance Committee. Roll call: All ayes Kegul~'r Council Meeting July 22, 1985 page 3 d and New Business Old Business 1. Payment to Glynn Electric - Electrical Work - Parkview Villa Parking Lot Glynn Electric had been the low bidder on the informal bids taken for installation of the lighting in Parkview ~illa parking lot. The owner of the firm declined to complete the forms necessary for the City to be reimbursed for this work by HUD. It was noted that the bid specifications for this project did not indicate that thi's project was associated with a federally funded project. Mayor Nawrocki' stated that this requirement had been in place for many years and that it should have been understood. The firm's owner also ~nd~cated that he was reluctant to submit material which would address, hi~ compliance with labor standards and prevailing wage requirements. Discussion followed with the City Attorney regarding payment of the bill submitted by the firm without the required docu~ ments having been receiYed, Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to refer this matter to the City Attorney for review and for him to report back at the next regular Council meeting~ Roll call: All ayes 2. Fourth of July Celebration -Helicopter Rides The City Manager advised the Council that the popularity of the helicopter rides at this celebration exceeded the anticipated use, The Recreation Director, in keeping with pre~- ~iously indicated authorization by the Ci'ty Counci'l and the Recreation Con~0i'ssion, auth- orized use of the helicopter for an addit]ional three hours, Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to ratify the purchase of three additional hours helicopter service from Imperial International, Inc, on July 4~ 1985, at an additional of $1,185~ and a total cost of $2,215, Roll call~ All ayes b. New B~siness l, Attendance at Conference The C~ty Assessor is requesting authorization to attend the International Conference on Assessment A~ministration~ Mayor Na~rocki felt this time would be bette~ spent try~- lng to work out a way to decrease administrative char~es on special assessments, He stated the 30 to 35% charges were unconscionable. In the past this had also been a concern of Councilmember Carlson. Councilmember Petkoff suggested this conference may afford the Assessor an opportunity to check with other municipal representatives as to how they may keep this type of charge down. Motion by Petkoff, second by Ho~land to authori'ze the attendance of Karen Meuleners, City Assessor, at the International Conference on Assessment Administration to be held October 31 ~ November 3~ 1~85 in Reno, Nevada; and furthermore, to rei'mburse related expenses, Roll call¢ Hovland, Petkoff, Peterson ~ aye Carlson, Nawrocki ~ nay 2. Ratify Action to Purchase Self~-Contained Breathing Apparatus Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland that the Council ratify the action of the City Manager regarding the purchase of two 60 minute Survi~air units with. case at $1,461 each (minus $600 for two trade i'ns); and two 60 minute cylinders at $543 each, total~ ing $3,408 from Continental Safety Equipment, Inc, based upon low quotation received. Roll call¢ All ayes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1985 page 4 3. Award of Bid - Brochure for Recreation and Community Services Commission Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to authorize the purchase of services for the printing of Fall brochures for the Recreation and Community Services Commission from Post Publications in the amount of $3,198 based upon low, informal quotation. Roll call: All ayes 4. Cash Register Maintenance Contract - Top Valu Liquor There was a lengthy discussion by the Council with the Finance Director regarding the necessity of entering into a maintenance contract for the registers in the new liquor store. The history of the use and the performance of these registers to date as well as the problems which may be experienced if one or two of the registers weren't oper- ating was also discussed, It was decided a record of problems with the registers would be kept for approximately one year before a maintenance contract would be discussed again, The Finance Director stated that approximately four service calls had been made on these registers in the last six months, He also felt that the rate for this agreement would be reasonably close next year in dollar amount to this year's, No Council action was taken on this item. 5. Signage - Top Valu Liquor Store Previously, Mayor Nawrocki had inquired why the Top Valu Liquor Store did not have signage on the freestanding pylon located on the east side of the parking lot on Central Avenue. At that time he had been advised iit would be installed when another occupant of the Central Value Mall took occupancy and had their sign installed. COMB has since moved and their sign was installed but the liquor store's was not. The Mayor again inquired to the delay and what the costs might be. The City Manager stated that the Liquor Operations Manager had been advised by the developer of the hourly rate for the instal- lation but not how many hours it would require. The Mayor observed the entire process should be fairly simple as it would require only the insertion of letters on the pylon. Since no one had the hourly rate for this installation nor an explanation for the delay the City Manager will look into the matter and report back to the Council. Councilmember Carlson had received a complaint from a citizen who had been refused entr- ance to the liquor store as an employee stated it was after 10:00. The citizen had insisted it was not yet 10:O0. The Finance Director stated he had received no report of this type of irregularity and inquired what date this occured. Councilmember Carlson did not have the date. 6. Final Payment - Sidewalk Repair and Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs The City Engineer advised the Council that all of the backfilling and resodding required with the concrete repair projects had been completed. Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to authorize the final payment to Halvorson Construction Company of Anoka, Minnesota in the amount of $16~299.92 for 1985 miscel- laneous concrete repairs and installations, Project #8500. Roll call: All ayes Motion by Peterson, second by Hovland to authorize the final payment to Halvorson Construction Company of Anoka, Minnesota in the amount of $10,769.25 for 1985 haz- ardous concrete sidewalk repairs, Project #8414. Roll call: All ayes 7. Release of Escrow Agreement for Skippers, Inc. Motion by Peterson, second by Hovland to authorize the City Manager to release escrow funds in accordance with the escrow agreement executed between the City of Columbia ights and Skippers, Inc. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1985 page 5 RECESS: 9:00 P.M. RECONVENE: 9:34 P.M. 8. Other New Business The Park Board had received a request for the use of Murzyn Hall on a Sunday by the Firefighters Auxiliary for a craft sale. The request included early access to the Hall. The policy of the Park Board has been that access time is noon following the use of the Hall the previous evening. This policy is to accommodate the cleaning crew's need for approximately six hours to complete cleaning. The Park Board denied the request. Councilmember Petkoff requested that the Council consider this request and grant it. She noted that if early access were not permitted very few crafters would participate as the display time would be relatively short. The Public Works Director stated that the cleaning crews could be scheduled to come early in this situation. Motion by Petkoff, second by Carlson to authorize the Firefighters Auxiliary to gain access to Murzyn Hall at 8:30 A.M. for its craft sale with the understanding that the facility may not be totally cleaned up from previous evening's activities. 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. Recognition Pins: Various employees received their recognition pins for years of service in the city employ. 2. On-Street Parking at Mathaire Park: The matter of parking on Johnson Street by those using the facilities at Mathaire Park had been referred to the Traffic Commission and the Park Board. The Traffic Commission reviewed the matter and requested the Park Board consider construction of an on-site parking lot at the Park. The City Engineer has been requested to prepare a plan and cost estimate for construction of a parking area within Mathaire Park. 3. Conveyance of Tax-Forfeited Land: The City had sought conveyance of some tax-forfeit parcels within the City. The City Manager received a letter from the County Auditorls office advising him of the charges for these conveyances. Since this is the first time the City has been charged for conveyance of tax-forfeit parcels the City Mana~ ger had contacted the Deputy County Auditor regarding the circumstances surrounding the charges. He is awaiting further information on this matter. 4. Construction Wholesalers, Inc.: It is the opinion of the City Manager that Con-~ struction Wholesalers, Inc. is no longer pursuing the purchase and redevelopment of the Cargill property. He noted that there is an outstanding bill for services rendered by consulting engineers for this project and it is being referred to the City Attorney. Mayor Nawrocki stated he understood that the PCA will not auth- orize the type of product, flyash, that Construction Wholesalers was dealing with. 5. City Hall Roof Problems: The City Manager advised the Council of the leaking roof presently being experienced and reviiewed the history of leaks in the roof since its installation in 1978. Mayor Nawrocki inquired why corrections weren't made while the guarantee was still in effect. The City Manager stated no documentation had been located regarding this guarantee and he was not aware as to when the five year guarantee expired. It is anticipated major repair or replacement will be required. ~eguIar Council Meeting July 22, 1985 page 6 Public Information Hearing and Work Session: A public information hearing was scheduled for Monday, July 29th at 7:30 and a Council work session was scheduled for Tuesday, July 30th at 7:30. b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney advised the Council of a summons and complaint filed by a local resident against a member of the staff. 9. Licenses Motion by Hovland, second by Carlson to approve the licenses as listed upon payment of proper fees. Councilmember Peterson related some experiences former employees of one of the applicants had and suggested that the Building Inspector be particularly cautious with the work being done by this firm. Roll call: All ayes 10. Payment of Bills Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to pay the bills as listed out of proper funds. Roll call: All ayes Personal Property Damage New Home - 42½ Avenue The City Manager reviewed the problem with the sewer connection which resulted in damage to personal property to a newly-built home on 42½ Avenue. He stated that the insurance company for the plumbing firm involved in the installation acknowledged half of the responsibility and remitted half of the cost of the damage repair. The City is respon- sible for the remaining cost. The City Manager stated he will pursue recovering these ~sts from the City's insurance company. Adjournment Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to adjourn the meeting at 10:24 P.M All ayes Bonnie Jewett, ~e~retary Pro-tem Roll call: