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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