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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJun 24,1985OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING NE 24, 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 the Invocation. 3. Minutes of Previous Meetings Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to approve the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of June 10th, as presented in writing and that the reading be dispensed with. Roll call: All ayes 4. Oral Petitions The resident at 4233 Quincy Street had questions regarding a request to move a house into his neighborhood. He had understood this house is owned by a person who had pre- viously requested to move another type of home i'nto the community. The Building Inspe- ctor stated this was not the case and was another party and another type of house. The resident observed that the variances being requested were similar. He opted to go out and view the house in question. TInis matter will be on the agenda of the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. This same resident also had question regard- ing who determined where sidewalk replacement was necessary. representative of the Columbia Heights Boosters told the Council the organization must secure insurance with very high premi~ums for its concession stand and beer service for the Fourth of July Celebration, She stated she had contacted the Columbia Heights Jaycees to arrange using their license and was advised that all members of the Boosters would be required to join their organization to make this usage possible. Further options were discussed. Counci'lman Carlson suggested the Boosters contact the Lions Club to see what arrangement could be made with that organization. 5. Ordinances and Resolutions a. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1105 Vacating Certain Easements This ordinance vacates that portion of 41st Avenue located within the University Heights development site. Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes ORDINANCE NO, 1105 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, VACATING CERTAIN EASEMENTS IN THE CITY The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section I: The City of Columbia Heights does herewith vacate the following easements to-wit: An easement in perpetuity for public road purposes in, under and over the following described property to-wit: All that part of Block 2, Rearrangement of Block D, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, Anoka County described as follows: Beginhing at a point on the North line of ~egulaY Council Meeting June 24, 1985 page 2 Lot IO, Block 2, Rearrangement of Block D, said point being 130' Easterly of the East line of 2nd St. N.E. as Rlatted; thence Westerly and North- westerly at a deflection angle of 30v a distance of 42.49'; thence Westerly along a tangential curve concave to the Southwest 73.27', said curve having a radius of 140' and a central angle of 300, to a point on a line 40' North of the North line of said Lot IO, thence Westerly and parallel with the North line of said Lot 10 to the East line of 2nd St. N.E.; thence Northerly along the said East line of 2nd St. N.E. a distance of 60'; thence Easterly and parallel with the North line of said Lot 10 a distance of 23.21'; thence Easterly and Southeasterly along a tangential curve concave to the Southwest 104.68;, said curve having a radius of 200' and a central angle of 300; thence Southeasterly along the tangent of the said curve a distance of 48.91'; thence South- easterly and Easterly along a tangential curve concave to the Northeast 73.27', said curve having a radius of 140' and a central angle of 300 to a point of intersection with a line that is parallel with and 30' North of the North line of salid Lot 10; thence Easterly along said line parallel with and 30' North of the North line of said Lot 10 and its prolongation Easterly to the West line of Minn. Trunk Hwy. No. 47; thence 5outherly along the West line of Hwy No. 47 a distance of 30' to a point on the prolongati'on Easterly of the North line of said Lot 10; thence Westerly along said North line and its Easterly prolongation to the point of beginning, as evidenced by Document No. 104615. :tion 2: This ordinance, shall be'in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First reading: Second reading: Date of Passage: June 10, 1985 June 24, 1985 June 24, 1985 Offered by: Peterson Seconded by; Carlson Roll call: All ayes Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary b. Resolution No. 85-30 MHFA Application This resolution authorizes the submission of an application to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for participation in the third phase of the Municipal Home Mortgage Program. The City Manager advised the Council that cities who have monies still re- maining from previous bond issues'may not qualify for the lottery where cities w|11 be selected to participate in this third phase of the Program. At the present time. the HRA Community Development Specialist is attemptl.ng to free up the remaining monies for use in the community. Motion by Hovland, second by Petkoff to waive the reading of the resolutlon there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTIION NO, 85-30  THORIZ[NG THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION TO THE MINNESOTA HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY R PARTICIPATION IN THE THIRD PHASE OF THE HUNICIPAL HOME MORTGATE PROGRAM WHEREAS, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency has solicited interest by local com- mUnities to participate in the third phase of the Municlpal Home Mortgage Program, and, Regul.ar Council Meeting June 24, 1985 page 3 ~I~HEREAS, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency provides financing for housing for low and moderate income families through the sale of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, and, WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights adopted a Housing Plan on September 22, 1980, which identifies the need to develop and participate in programs which primarily benefit persons of low and moderate income; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Columbia Heights City Council ratifies the action of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority and hereby authorizes the sub- mission of an application to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for the Third Phase of the Municipal Home Mortgage Program on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights. Passed this 24th day of June, 1985. Offered by: Hovland Seconded by: Petkoff Roll call: All ayes Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary 6. Communications Communications a. Planning and Zoning Special Purpose Fence - E. Miller, 4437 Fourth Street Mr. Miller is requesting permission to construct a six foot high special purpose;: fence to enclose the rear yard of his property at 4437 Fourth Street. The neighbor at 4441 Fourth Street expressed concern 'with the appearance, hei~ght, and maintenance of the fence. Mr. Miller stated he will construct the fence six inches from the ground for ease in maintaining the area underneath it. Previously, the property owner at 4441 Fourth Street indicated a concern with drainage from 4437 Fourth Street toward his property. Both the Building Inspector and the Assistant City Engineer had viewed the area and felt the lot had been graded so water would be directed to drain off of the property toward the alley or street. Discussion continued regarding the ~aterials presently in a swail. Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to recommend approval of the six foot High special purpose fence at 4437 Fourth Street and that the fence should be constructed six inches from the ground. Roll call: All ayes b. Petition for Street Reconstruction - West Upland Crest A petition signed by 17% of the property' owners on West Upland Crest was received requesting reconstruction of that street, with the inclusion of the installation of a storm sewer system as well as curbs and gutters. Homeowners on this street as well as streets that come into it have experienced water problems. The City Manager advised them there had been a public hearing to discuss with resi- dents a major roadway improvement project in this area and at that time the majority the residents indicated they were not supporti've. The plan for this project are 1 on file in the Engineering Department. The petition circulators stated they had gotten only a minimum number of signatures and felt there would be more interest if they could state, the assessable costs for the project. The City Manager was re- quested to get the estimated costs for these residents and for the Council. He also .RegulQr Council Meeting June 24, 1985 page 4 icated that this roadway is part of the County aid system and he will pursue the possibilities of funding from this source. c. Appointment to~ecreation and Community Services Commission Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to appoint James Fowler ms the representative of the Park Board to the Recreation and Community Services Commission; and furthermore, that his appointment be to complete the term of JoAnn Jerna11 which expires April, 1987. Roil call: Al1 ayes d. Inquiries of the Public Works Department A memo from the City Manager had been received by the Council regarding inquiries made of the Public Works Department. The City Manager stated that the purpose of the memo was to better deal with inquiries of this department administratively. He felt that some inquiries appear to be directives rather than requests for information and would prefer to have them directed to him. The temporary absence of two management level staff members was partially the reason for this memo. The Mayor felt this policy to be contrary to the Charter. 7. Old and New Business a. Old Business 1. Public Hearing - Revocation of License for J.R,'s Country - 506 40th Avenue J.R.'s Country operates a 3.2 on and off---sale beer establishment at 506 40th Avenue. Motion by Hovland, second by Petkoff to revoke the 3.2 beer license of J.R.'s Country ~cated at 506 40th Avenue N.E, effective immediately based on the cancellation of liquor liability insurance. Roll call: All ayes 2. Authorization to Purchase Fence to Enclose the City's Recycling Center Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to authorize the purchase of fencing material to enclose the City's recycling center from Midwest Fence Company in the amount of $1,175 based upon low, .informal quotations; and furthermore, that $1,175 be ap- propriated from the General Fund--Fund Balance to Account #708-4849. Roll call: All ayes 3. Catch Basins Councilmember Carlson had concern with t!he safety of some of the catch basins in the City. He cited an instance where a bicycler, had an accident on the southwest corner of 42nd and 4th where his bike caught a tire in a catch basin and he was injured. The City Manager advised the Council that some catch basins have steel straps under them which would avoid having bike tires going down far enough to stop the bike. Other catch basins have their grooves angled, either at right ~ngles to the street or dia- gonally placed to the street, which also are an acceptable standard~ Councilmember Carlson requested that the catch basins i'n the City be checked to see if those with straps are safe. 4. Bus Insurance The City Manager advised the Council ~hat the present time no agent has been found who is willing to underwrite the .liability insurance for the City bus. Alternatives for insuring the bus w~re discussed including purchasing the bus. Mayor Nawrockl will pur- ~e appraisals for purchase of the bus from the MTC. RECESS: 9:30 P.M. RECONVENE: 9:55 P.M. · Regul.~r Council Meeting June 24, 1985 page 5 New Business 1. Attendance at Conference Motion by Hovland[ second by Petkoff to authorize the attendance of Linda Magee, Administrative Assistant to the City Manager, at Conducting Job Analysis and Writing Job Descriptions Conference to be held July 10 and 11, 1985, at the Earle Brown Center; and furthermore, to reimburse related expenses. Mayor Nawrocki felt staff had the competence to do the type of job evaluation this conference offers. He also noted that the costs stated should be doubled to include salary and fringe benefits. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Paterson - aye Carlson, Nawrocki - nay 2. Letter of Credit - Columbia Heights Credit Union Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to authorize the City Manager to release escrow funds to the Columbia Heights Credit Union upon satisfaction of any outstanding claims. Councilmember Carlson is an officer of the Credit Union and chose to not enter into the discussion of this matter. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Peterson, Nawrocki - aye Carlson - abstain 3. Early Childhood and Fami.ly Education Coordinator This position is a part time posi'ti'on, with pro--rated benefits. The salary range was established by using comparables of surrounding schools districts. The position is being funded 100% by the School District's levy for this program. The Mayor felt the comparables should not be from school districts and that the Comparable Worth tudy Evaluation Committee should handle this matter. ion by Peterson, second by Hov~and to adopt the posi'tion description as presented and the wage range for the Early Childhood and Family Education Coordinator. The wage range was $10,25 to $11.60 per hour~ Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Peterson - aye Nawrocki - nay Carlson -abstai'n 4. Minnegasco Maintenance Agreement Motion by Hovland, second by Petkoff to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute an agreement with Minnegasco for a maintenance contract at a cost of $2,410. The City Manager stated that this contract will i'nclude the new liquor store this year. Members of the Council requested the number of service calls by Minnegasco so far this year and also requested this information be included when the agreement comes up for re- newal again. Roll call: All ayes 5. Purchase of Gas Monitor Meter Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to authorize the purchase of a triple gas monitor with carbon monoxide monitoring from Elvin Safety Supply of Eden Prairie in the amount of $2,457.50 based upon Iow, informal quotation. Roll call: Ali ayes 6. Removal of Handicapped Sign Motion by Peterson, second by PetkoFf to authorize the removal of the handicapped parking sign locate, d at 4522 Chatham Road as requested by the property owner at that address. Roil' call: All ayes 7. Firefighters - Arbitration he City Manager advised the Council that the firefighters have filed for arbitration. e requested directi'on regarding handling this matter with staff in house or employing the services of someone else. He was directed to handle this in house. 'Regu}~r Council Meeting June 24, 1985 page 6 Reports a. Report of the City'Manager The City Manager'~ report was submitted in written form and the followlng items were diJuussed: 1. Purchase of sod for Cheery Heights Drz, inage Ditch: The expenditures of th~s project will be charged to the Sewer Fund and will be undertaken on or about July 15th as weather permits. 2. Vern Rozmark was appointed to the posiition of Working Foreman in the Public Works Department effective July l, 1985 at the hourly rate of $12.46. 3. Tines Due the City of Columbia Heights: This matter deals with the outstanding fines due the City of Columbia Heights by Anoka County. It has been determined that an Attorney General's opinion will be sought. 4. Reconstruction of Johnson Street - Public Hearing: The City Manager advised the Council that he has tentatively scheduled a public hearing for Monday, July 29th to discuss plans and/or proposals to reconstruct Johnson Street with State Aid funds. The stretch of Johnson Street under considerat.ion is from 37th Avenue to 40th Avenue. At this Public Information Session the City Manager and the City Engineer will provide general information regarding State Aid funding and State Aid design requirements as well as specific .information on the proposed reconstruction of Johnson Street. If the project were to proceed further it would be subject to the City Council conducti'ng a public hearing. 5. Follow Up on Complaints Received by Mayor: Mayor Nawrocki inquired as to the status of an insurance claim. He also inquired as to the status of the complaint of excessive vehicular noise on 44th ~t Jackson Street. The Mayor was advised that b.i.s concern with a vehicle and debri's in a yard on Reservoir Boulevard had been viewed by the City Manager and by a member of the Fire Department. 6. City Manager's Revenue Sharing Hearing: No residents attended 7. Comparable Worth Study: Twenty four appeals had been presented. The consultant is doing an updated print out. The final report of the Evaluation Committee and of the consultant will be presented at the Council work session on July 15th. 8. Floating Bridge in LaBelle Park Councilman Carlson had concern with the condition of the bridge in LaBelle Rark and its effect on the water. He was advised this bridge is being removed. 9. Statements of Revenue and Expense: Copies of the statements of the revenues and expenses for the General Fund and for the Liquor Fund for the months of April and May were distributed. b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. Regular Council Meeting June 24, 1985 page 7 9. Licenses Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to approve the )icense applications upon pay- ment of proper fees and that the fee for the Itinerant food concession license and for the on-sale beer stand license for the Columbia Heights Boosters be waived. Roll call: All ayes 10. Payment of Bills Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to pay the bills as listed from the proper funds. Roll call: All ayes Request for Fee Waiver from the Columbia Hei.g.hts Jaycees Motion by Petkoff, second by Carlson to waive the license fee for the Columbia Heights Jaycees for the service of hot food in John Murzyn Hall at the Fourth of July Celebration. Roll call: All ayes A representative of the Jaycees requested permission from the Council to sell beer on the porch of John Murzyn Hall during the Fourth of July Celebration. Councilmember Petkoff, who sits on the Park Board and on the Recreation Commission, advised the Council that this matter had been discussed by both of the aforementioned committees as well as the Celebration committee and they all would prefer that the Jaycees serve beer and softdrinks from the kitchen in John Murzyn Hall. Senior citizens will be playing cards on the porch as this time ~nd she felt the noise from the serving of beer and of the patrons would be distracting and disturbing to the card players. The Jaycee representative was comfortable with this suggestion. ~~.urnment ~Motion ~y ~eterson, second by Carlson to adjourn the meeting at 11:45 P.M. Roll call: All ayes f) y/j~/ Bruce Nawrocki, Mayor Secretary