HomeMy WebLinkAboutJul 8, 1985OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 8, 1985
The Council Meeting was called to order by Mayor Nawrockl 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.
3- Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to approve the minutes of the Regular City
Council Meeting of June 24th and the mir, utes of the Special Council Meeting of
July 1st, as presented in writing and that the reading be dispensed with. Roll
~11: All ayes
4. Oral Petitions
There were no ora) petitions.
Mayor Nawrocki introduced Harvey Rockwood, the newly-appointed representative of
the Focus Newspapers, who will be covering the Council meetings.
5. Ordinances and Resolutions
a. First Reading of Ordinance No. ll06; Being an Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance
of S2,IO00,O00 General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds of )985, Series A
this ordinance would authorize the sale of 2.l mi)lion dollars of general obligation
)onds for the City's tax increment financing project. The project consists of the
Columbia Park Properties and construction of a 280 stall parking ramp.
Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to waive the reading of the ordinance there
being ample copies abailable to the public. Roll call: All ayes
ORDINANCE NO. 1106
BEING AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,1OO,OOO GENERAL OBLIGATION TAX
INCREMENT BONDS OF 1985 SERIES A
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
1. The City of Columbia Heights (the "Cilty") is a home rule charter city and a
political subdivision of the State of Minnesota.
2. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 273.77 the City is authorized to issue
general obligation bonds to finance public redevelopment costs incurred by The
Housing and Redevelopment Authority in and for the City of Columbia Heights,
Minnesota (the "Authority") pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462.
3. It is hereby found and determined to be necessary and in the best interest of
the City for the City to issue its General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds of
1985, Series A (the "Bonds") in a principal amount not to exceed $2,100,0OO
for the purpose of financing the pub'lic redevelopment costs incurred by the
Authority in connection with the Downtown C.B.D. Revitalization Project. The
City Council of the City will provide for the public sale of the Bonds by
resolution.
Regular Council Meeting
July 8, 1985
page 2
This ordinance will be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days
after its passage.
First Reading: July 8, 1985
Public Hearing for Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1106
Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to set a public hearing and second reading of
Ordinance No. 1106 for Monday, August 5:. 1985 at 7:30 P.M. in the City Council
Chambers. Roll call: All ayes
b. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1107; Being an Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance
of $2,460,000 General Obligation Refundling Bonds of 1985, Series B
This ordinance would authorize the advance refunding of the 2.6 million dollar
public improvement bond issue sold. last year, In turn this advance refundi~g would
allow the City the opportunity to exerc'ise its 1988 call on the existing bonds. This
activity would result in the City obtaining a lower interest rate on the bonds to
be sold than that on the outstanding bonds. The City's fiscal advisor indicated the
City should realize a net saving of approximately $200,000 with this advance refunding.
Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to waive the reading of the ordinance there being
ample copies available to the public. Roll cali~ All ayes
ORDINANCE NO, llO7
BEING AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,460,OOO GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING
IBONDS OF 1985 SERIES B
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
1. The City of Columbia Heights (.the "'City") is a home rule charter city and a political
subdivision of the State of Minnesota.
2. Pursuant to Ordinance No. 1082 and Resolution 84-41 the City issued its General
Obligation Permanent Improvement Fund Bonds, Series 1984 dated June I, 1984 in
the aggregate principal amount of $2,600,000 (the 'lprior Issue") which bonds
are subject to redemption on March 1, 1988, at a price equal to par plus accrued
interest.
3. It is hereby found and determined that it is in the best interests of the City
to issue its General Obligation Refunding Bonds of 1985, Series B in an aggregate
principal amount not to exceed $2,460,OO0 (~he "Bonds") for the purpose of rede-
eming the Prior Issue. The City Council of the City will provide for the public
sale of the Bonds by resolution.
4. This ordinance will be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days
after its passage.
First Reading: July 8, 1985
Public Hearing for Second Reading of Ordinance No. !107
Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to set a public hearing and second reading of
Ordinance No. 1107 for Monday, August 5, 1985 at 7:30 P.M. in the City Council
~ambers. Roll call: All ayes
Regular Council Meeting
July 8, 1985
page 3
Resolution No. 85-31 Authorizing Application for Minnesota Housing Finance
Association Housing Rehabilitation Loan Funds
Motion by Peterson, second by Hovland to waive the reading of the resolution there
being ample copies available to the publlic. Roll call: ,Ail ayes
RESOLUTIION NO. 85-31
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR MHFA HOUSING REHABILITATION LOAN FUNDS
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, State of Minnesota, has been auth-
orized to undertake a program to provide loans to property owners for the purpose
of housing rehabilitation, and
WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights, Mn. has
developed an application as an Administering Entity for the Minnesota Housing
Finance Agency Rehabilitation Loan Program, and
WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights, Mn. has
demonstrated the ability to perform the required activities of the Minnesota
Housing Finance Agency Rehabilitation Loan Program;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of
Columbia Heights, Mn. is hereby authorized to make application to the Minnesota
Housing Finance Agency for a grant of f,~nds pursuant to the Rehabilitation Loan
Program;
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia
Heights, Mn. is hereby authorized as an entity to be charged with the adminis-
tration of funds made available through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
Rehabilitation Loan Program, in the City of Columbia Heights, Mn.
Passed this 8th day of July, 1985,
Offered by: Peterson
Seconded by: Hovland
Roll call: All ayes
B~'u'ce G~ Nawrocki, Mayor
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
6. Communications
a. Planning and Zoning Commission
1. Variance, 3713 Van Buren Street, Cary Mihalow
Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to approve a six foot variance from the required
twenty foot setback that is required when garage doors face the alley because of the
hardship of the topography of the lot and' based on the recommendation of the Plan-
ning and Zoning Commission. Roll call: All ayes '
2. Conditional Use Permit, 633/635 51st Avenue, Dale Provo
tion by Hovland, second by Peterson to grant a conditional use permit to install
a 12 x 12 foot accessory structure subject, to the following stipulations; the old
existing metal storage shed be removed, the new building be moved off of the ease-
ment recently received for storm sewer, the new building be set lower to the ground
Regular Council Meeting
July 8, 1985
page 4
~o satisfy the height limitation, and that it be permanently anchored. Roll call: All
ayes
3. Special Purpose Fence, 3717 Van Buren, James King
Mo~ion by Pektoff, second by Peterson to approve the construction of a 6' high
16' long alternating board special purpose fence based on the recommendation of
the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll call: All ayes It was noted that the
joining property owner has signed a consent form.
4. Special Purpose Fence, Kevin Wohlk, 4721 University Avenue
Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to approve the installation of.a 6' high basket
weave special purpose fence which would start at the northwest corner of the house
to the north property line and 6" inside the north property to 3' from the alley.
~1,,~, call: All ayes
5. Conditional Use Permit, 4339/4357 Third Street, Warren Osborne
Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to approve a conditional use permit for mining
to allow the extraction of 400 cubic, yards of soil per Section 9.104(10) of the
zoning ordinance based on the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission
and including the stipulations as noted in the City Engineer's memo dated June 13,
1985. Roll call: All ayes
6. Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan
4053 Tyler Street, First Lutheran Church
The request for a conditional use permit and site plan approval is for renovation
cFirst Lutheran Church of the former Silver Lake School.which the Church pur-
ased two years ago from District #13. A representative of the Church's Build-
ing Committee explai'ned that plans for renovation of the school building are in
four phases. The present request is for' Phase 1. Phase 1 will renovate a portion
of the building for use by the City Recreation Department for storage of sports
equipment and a portion for use by a child care program, youth group meetings,
and various church functions. Parking r'equirements were discussed and it was
determined that parking needs would be addressed as each phase of the renovation
commenced. Drainage problems was a concern as more area was blacktopped for parki-
lng. The project's architect felt the contour of the property suggests retention/
detention of water would be considered at the south end of the property.
Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to approve the conditional use permit and
the site plan for Phase 1 conditioned upon First Lutheran Church providing 30 off-
street parking spaces based upon 6,400"square feet being occupied with 1.,200
square feet as dead storage and a net 'Figure of 5,200 square feet being utilized.
Roll call: Ali ayes
b. Traffic Commission
1. Review of Study on Vehicular and Pedestrian Traffic East of Central on 4Otb Avenue
The installation of a signed pedestrian crosswalk had been requested for placement
east of Central approximately 260'.on .4Oth Avenue. Discussion followed regarding
how effective this crosswalk may be. Councilmember Petkoff felt it may give m fmlse
sense of security to pedestrians and may add to mn already difficult congested mrea.
Councilmember Carlson stated the Traffic Commission hmd considered many items in
its delibermtion of this matter. He noted there mre many people crossing in this
area from the office bui'lding, and from the day care center. He felt the crosswalk
may diminish some of the dangers.
Motion by Carlson, second by Movland to authorize the installation of a pedestrian
crosswalk to be painted and signed on 40th Avenue, 260' east of Central Avenue ms
Regular Council Meeting
July 8, 1985
page 5
red from the extension of the east curb line of Central Avenue north of 40th
Avenue, as recommended by the Traffic Commission.
Discussion followed regarding traffic coming down the hill on 40th Avenue. Council-
member requested withdrawal of his second. The maker of the motion chose not to
withdraw his motion. Mayor Nawrocki shared some of the concerns of Councilmember
Petkoff but was inclined to support the motion as he felt something of this nature
could always be removed if found ineffective.
Roll call: Hovland, Carlson, Peterson, Nawrocki - aye Petkoff - nay
2. Installation of Deaf Child Signs on 42nd Avenue "
Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to authorize the installation of "Deaf Child"
signs to be placed 150 + east and west of 1003 42nd Avenue for east and westbound
traffic on 42nd Avenue.--Roll call: All ayes
3. Installation of Signs
Motion by Peterson, second by Hovland to authorize the installation of "Stop Ahead"
signs 150 feet east and west from Tyler Street on 40th Avenue for eastbound/west-
bound traffic as recommended by the Traffic Commission. Roll call: All ayes
c. Older Americans Act - Title ]11 B Funds
The Metropolitan Council approved the City's application for funding under Title III
B of the Older Americans Act for July 1, 1985 through June 30, 1986 in the amount
of $19,558. This funding is to be used 'for the addition/remodeling/renovation of
John Murzyn Hall. This was an informational item.
· Presentation of Plaque
Councilmember Carlson presented a plaque to Leonard Peltier who retired from the City.
7. Old and New Business
a. Old Business
1. Electrical Wiring - Parkview Villa Parking Lot
This project was funded by HUD and required' the completion of some documents regard-
ing the project and the fees for the electrical firm doing the work. The firm has
stated it will not be in a position to complete these documents, The City Manager
stated that the requirement to complete these forms had not been stated in the
specifications and recommended payment of~ the firm's bill, Mayor Nawrocki requested
to see the specifications before the payment was approved.
b. New Business
1. Attendance at Training Program
Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to authorize the attendance of Stuart
Anderson, Police Chief, at an IACP Training Program - Expanding Your Executive
Expertise to be held August 12-16, 1985, in San Diego, California; and further-
more, to reimburse related expenses. Roll call: All ayes
2. Attendance at Conference
Motion by Hovland, second by Petkoff to authorize the attendance of Robert Bocwinski,
ity Manager, at the International City Management Association Conference to be
~ld October 26-30, 1985 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and furthermore, to re-
imburse related expenses. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Carlson, Peterson - aye
Nawrocki - nay
Regular Council Meeting
July 8, 1985
page 6
3. Establish Work Session
Monday, July 15th a Council work session is scheduled to discuss the results of the
Comparable Worth Study and hear a report from the Quality Circles' Steering Committee.
4. Award of Bid - Alley Reconstruction
The Council had previously authorized staff to proceed with a rebidding of three
alley reconstruction projects. Those alleys are located in the following places;
Polk-Buchanan, 37th to 39th; Tyler-Polk, 37th to 39th; University-4th. 44th to 45th.
The first bidding process resulted in excessively high costs and staff recommended
rejecting of these bids and authorization to go out again 'in the anticipation of
lower bids. Staff feels the results of the second bidding again reflects exces-
sively high costs and are not reflectiw~ of market conditions. The City Manager
recommended the City Council consider receiving bids on these projects again in
the Spring of 1986.
Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to reject all bids received for the 1985 al-
ley Improvement projects on the basis of excessively high and considerably over
the estimates. Roll call: All ayes
The City Manager will send a letter to all of the affected property owners advising
them of the excessively high bids and that possibly another public hearing re-
garding these alley i'mp¢ovements will be held in 1986.
5. Bench to be Located at Hart Lake
Mayor Nawrocki had received a request for a park bench to be located at Hart Lake
and had requested staff to pursue costs and installation. The City Manager advised
the Council of the costs, which did not include labor, for aluminum and wood cedar
benches. It was decided this matter would be an agenda item for the next Park Board
meeting.
6. House Number Painting
Permission has been received by an individual to paint house numbers on curbs in
our City. Discussion followed regarding the last time this venture occured in the
City and the aesthetics of it. As it was a voluntary opportunity for the homeowner,
the majority of the Council supported it. It was noted this activity would require
a solicitor's license as well as insurance.
8. Reports
a. Report of the City Manager
This report was submitted in written form and the following items were discussed:
1. Update on Letters of Credit or Escrow Agreements
a) Boulevard Apartments - Escrow Agreement: The City Manager reviewed the four
items yet to be completed at the Boulevard Apartments and felt the escrow
should be retained until all of these items are completed. The nature of
the items were discussed and the representative of the Boulevards Apart-
ments felt-they were not important enough to retain such a significant
amount of money.
Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to authorize the City Manager to
lease the escrow agreement with the Boulevard Apartments pending completion
of items on the Assistant City Engineer~'s memo dated July 5~ 1985. Roll call:
All ayes
b) Columbia Place Condominiums - 5100 Sixth Street: The City Manager addressed
those items which have not as yet been completed as stipulated in the site
plan.
Regular Council Meeting
July 8, 1985
page 7
c) Auto Max, Inc. - 4501 Central Avenue: Numerous items required in the site plan
have not been completed. The possiibility of the business being in default of
our Letter of Credit Agreement was stated in the report.
2. Railroad Crossing - Murzyn Hall Parking Lot: The Soo Line Railroad considers this
crossing to be a private crossing and that the City will tolerate the expense of
constructing same. The City Manager advised this would cost approximately $4,000.
Also, the railroad expects to be included in the City's insurance as an additional
ensured. The City Manager will be pursuing other insurance arrangements.
3. Cleaning of Sullivan Lake Shore by Employees of Land 0' Lakes: This clean up will ,
take place on Tuesday, July 23, 1985.
4. Repair of Sanitary Sewer Service at 1220 42½ Avenue: Staff feels the costs for
the sanitary sewer reconnection at this address should be shared by the City
and the contractor.
5. Annual Financial Reports:Copies of 'the Annual Financial Report were distributed
to the Council. It will be discussed with the Auditor either at the Special
Public Information Session on July 29th or at the Council Work Session on July
30th.
b. Report of the City Attorney
The City Attorney advised the Council that a complaint has been issued for violation
to the property owner at 514 Summi't,
9. Licenses
Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to grant the licenses, as listed upon payment
of proper fees and that the fee for the itinerant food concession license for the
Columbia Heights Jaycees be wai'¥ed~ Roll call¢ All ayes
10. Payment of Bills
Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to approve the bills as listed and make pay-
ment out of the proper funds. Roll call: All ayes
Additional New Business
Mayor Nawrocki has had a request from V,F,W, Post #230 for permission to use an area
in the City garage to rebuild a float. Members of the Post also inquired as to a
place for storing the float. Various suggestions for storiage were discussed.
Adjournment
Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 P.M , Roll
call: All ayes
Br~ Nawrocki, Mayor