HomeMy WebLinkAboutApr 8, 1985OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 8, 1985
The Council 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 was no Invocation offered.
3. Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to approve the minutes of the Regular City
Council Meeting of March 27th, as presented in writing and that the reading be
dispensed with. Roll call: All ayes
4. Oral Petitions and Proclamations
Mayor Nawrocki officially proclaimed May 4, 1985 as Loyalty Day and May 17, 1985 as
Buddy Poppy Day in the City of Columbia Heights. Sponsorship of these two days and
their official observance is through V.F.W. Post #230 and its Auxiliary. Representa-
tives of the Post and of the Auxiliary were in attendance at the Council Meeting.
5. Ordinances and Resolutions
a. First Reading of Ordinance No. llO1 Rezoning of Certain Real Estate
Emerson Automotive Service, 4457 University Avenue, is requesting the rezoning of their
parcel from Limited Business to Retail Business to accommodate the adding of another bay
in their station. This request had been denied administratively as it is presently
operating a business that is non-conforming. The City Manager stated this would be a
case of "spot zoning" which is not desirable. The administrative denial was appealed to
the Planning and Zoning Commission which recommended approval of the request.
Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the ordinance there being
ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes
ORDINANCE NO. llO1
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, PERTAINING TO THE RE-
ZONING OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE
The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Section l:
Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, passed June 21, 1977, is herewith
amended to reflect the following change, to-wit:
Lots 28, 29 and 30, Block 20, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, com-
monly known as 4457 University Avenue,
which is currently zoned "L-B, Limited Business DistrictI', is herewith
rezoned to "R-B, Retail Business District'~.
Section 2:
Section 3:
The Official Zoning Map is herewith amended to reflect the said rezoning.
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30)
days after its passage.
First Reading: April 8, 1985
The Second Reading of Ordinance No. llO1 is scheduled for April 22, 1985.
Regular Council Meeting
April 8, 1985
page 2
Resolution No. 85-15 Street Excavations
This resolution was drafted in response to a request by the Mayor. At a recent assessment
hearing a resident advised the Council he planned on doing some of his own sidewalk re-
placement and was required to purchase a permit and post a bond. This resolution addres-
sed both of those requirements.
Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there being
ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes
RESOLUTION NO, 85-15
BEING A RESOLUTION REGARDING STREET EXCAVATIONS
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS:
Pursuant to ~6.301, City Code of 1977, that prior to issuance by the Clerk to a
resident homeowner of a permit allowing such resident homeowner to do sidewalk
repair on his homestead property within the City of Columbia Heights, a permit
fee of ten dollars ($10.00) shall be required and the bond requirement under 56.301(5)
shall be waived.
Offered by: Peterson
Seconded by: Carlson
Roll call: All ayes
Student, Council Secretary
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor
6. Communications
a. Planning and Zoning Commission
1. Variance/Relocation of Manufactured Home, 4200 Quincy Street
The Planning and Zoning Commission had denied the request by Gary Thompson for a
one foot sideyard variance. Thompson is requesting permission to move a manufactured
home to a vacant lot located at 4200 Quincy Street. The request was denied by the
Commission due to lack of a hardship. This denial is being appealed to the Council.
Discussion followed regarding placement of a garage, sewer lines, utility needs, and
appearance of home. Mayor Nawrocki felt this type of home would not be comparable to
homes in the area and would not blend in. Councilmember Hovland stated he thinks
the lot could be better used if a home were to be built on it. Councilmember Peterson
observed the house will have conventional siding, acceptable roof, permanent foundation,
and a garage which he felt would conform to the existing houses in the area.
Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to grant the one foot sideyard variance and to
approve the relocation of an existing manufactured home located at 1006 103rd Avenue,
Blaine to 4200 Quincy Street, Columbia Heights; and, furthermore, that the building
permit be withheld until new and adequate water and sewer service at 4200 and 4206
Quincy Street is Completed, and re.location of the manufactured home would also be
dependent on completi'on of these sewer and water needs. Roll call: Carlson, Peterson -
aye Hovland, Petkoff, Nawrocki - nay Motion fails.
b. Traffic Commission
1. Parking Restriction - 41st Avenue - Between Stinson Boulevard and Cleveland Street
Residents in this area requested this parking restriction. Vehicles were being parked
on 41st Avenue belonging to persons using the nearby park and beach area. Frequently,
Regular Council Meeting
April 8, 1985
page 3
upon returning to their vehicles, late evening or early morning, their activities
continue. This was disturbing and disruptive to the neighborhood.
Motion by Hovland, second by Petkoff to authorize no parking between the hours of ll:O0
P.M. and 6:00 A.M. on 41st Avenue between Stinson Boulevard and Cleveland Street, on
both sides of the street, seven days a week.
There was some discussion regarding having this parking ban on year around and all resi-
dents in attendance were agreeable to this. Roll call: All ayes
c. Industrial Revenue Bond Entitlement - Request for Funding
The City of Hutchinson is requesting authorization to use a portion of Columbia Heights'
Industrial Revenue Bond Entitlement. The City Manager advised denying this request since
it is anticipated that Columbia Heights will be needing all of its entitlement to help
finance a proposed development.
Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to regretfully deny the request of the City of
Hutchinson for use of the City of Columbia Heights' Industrial Revenue Bond Entitlement.
Roll call: All ayes
7. Old and New Business
a. Old Business
1. Auto Max, Inc. - Escrow Agreement
At the time Auto Max, Inc. requested a Conditional Use Permit and site plan approval,
certain conditions and requirements were stipulated by the City Council. The City
Manager noted none of these conditions have been met and this firm is planning on opening
for business immediately. In light of this situation, the City Attorney had drafted an
escrow agreement containing all of the improvements expected to be done and the deadlines
for doing them. The amount of escrowed funds is $23,000. Discussion followed regarding
removal of underground tanks and permitted signage.
Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter
into an excrow agreement with Auto Max, Incorporated for the purpose of havi'ng Auto
Max, Incorporated pose sufficient security in. return for the City allowing them to
occupy prior to completion of the site improvements. Roll call: All ayes
b. New Business
1. Schools and Conferences
Motion by Carlson, second by Petkoff to approve the attendance of Officer James Dupay
at the Midwest Explorer LaTM Enforcement Conference in Breezy Point, Minnesota on April
25 - 28, 1985; and furthermore, to authorize reimbursement of related expenses. Roll
call: All ayes
2. Purchase of Three Emergency Light Bars
Motion by Peterson, second by Hovland to authorize the purchase of three emergency
light bar sets from Don Streicher Guns of Plymouth, Minnesota at a cost of $1,813.O8
based upon Hennepin County Contract #5554. Roll call: All ayes
3. Rejection of Tree Removal Bids
The Public Works Director recommended that the bids received for tree removal be rejected
in that they were excessive.
Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to reject the bids received for tree removal on the
basis of non-competitive prices; and furthermore, to authorize the City Manager to rebid
the City's tree removal project. Roll call: All ayes
Regular Council Meeting
April 8, 1985
page 4
4. Award of Bids
a. Road Materials - Gravel and Rock
Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to award the bid for road aggregate to:
Bid Item Contractor Delivered
Unit Price/Ton
Basis for Bid
A Hassan Sand & Gravel yes $4.10
B Hassan Sand & Gravel yes $3.85
Alt. B J.L. Shiely Co. yes $5.17
C Hassan Sand & Gravel yes $3.00
D J.L. Shiely Co. yes $6.07
E (FA-2) J.L. Shiely Co. yes $7.82
E (FA-4) J.L. Shiety Co. yes $9.92
F Hassan Sand & Gravel yes $3.10
G J.L. Shiely Co. yes $7.52
200 tons
300 tons
200 tons
200 tons
700 tons
200 tons
1,500 tons
200 tons
and furthermore, that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute an agre-
ement for such. Roll call: All ayes
b. Asphaltic Materials
Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to award the bid for the following asphaltic
materials to:
MC-30
MC-250
MC-8OO
CRS-2
$1.O0/gallon - picked up
$1.O0/gallon - picked up
$1.OO/gallon - picked up
$0.70/gallon - picked up
and furthermore, that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute an agre-
ement for such. Roll call: All ayes
c. Plant Mixed Bituminous Materials
Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to award the bid for the following plant mixed
bituminous materials to:
MC Fine - Midwest Asphalt $24.00/ton - picked up
AC Fine - Midwest Asphalt $20.95/ton - picked up
Winter Mix - Bituminous Roadways $47.55/ton picked up
$48.55/ton delivered
also, that the apparent low bid did not meet the specifications as presented,
and furthermore, that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute an agre-
ement for such. Roll call: All ayes
5. Petition for Alley Lighting
A petition for alley lighting has been received from property owners of properties loca-
ted along the alley between Quincy Street to Jackson Street, 44th to 45th Avenues. The
Council decided to hold a public hearing on this matter.
Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to conduct a Public Improvement Hearing regarding
alley lighting in the alley located between Quincy to Jackson Street, 44th to 45th Avenue,
on May 13th during the Regular Council Meeting on that same date. Roll call: All ayes
6. Authorization to Seek Bids for Dump Truck and Pick Up Truck
Discussion was held regarding the costs of these two vehicles and the mileage and condition
Regular Council Meeting
April 8, 1985
page 5
of the two vehicles which will be replaced. The City Manager advised the Council that
the policy has been to gradually replace this type of equipment. The Mayor noted that
revenue sharing dollars are usually used to pay for these capital expenditures and it
is quite likely that this source of federal funding will be ceased by the present
administration.
Motion by Peterson, second by Hovland to authorize the City Manager to seek bids for
the purchase of a 30,000 GVW dump truck. Roll call: All ayes
RECESS: 9:10 P.M.
RECONVENE: 9:40 P.M.
7~ First Reading of Ordinance No. 1102 Single Event Club Beer License
Attached to the draft copy of this ordinance was a letter from the City Attorney asking
a number of questions regarding the Council's position on certain aspects of this ordi-
nance. These questions are all regarding policy. A discussion followed with respect to
past practices on matters of beer licenses and the cost of this type of license. It was
determined that to incorporate the Council's position on parts of this ordinance it
would be significantly altered and should not receive a first reading at this time.
8. Adoption of City's Organizational Chart - Definition of Various Management Levels
The consultant doing the City's Comparable Worth Study needs a organizational chart which
would include definitions and distinctions between various management and supervisory
levels.
Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to adopt the Organizational Chart and Levels of
Supervision and Management for the City of Columbia Heights as presented on documents
dated April 8, 1985. Roll call: All ayes
9. Authorization to Purchase and Have Installed Hand Dryers for Park Buildings
This purchase is for twenty hand dryers.
Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to authorize the purchase of hand dryers from
J.N. Larson Electric Company at a total price of $4,160 based upon low, informal quo-
tations; and furthermore, that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute an
agreement for same. Roll call: All ayes
Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to award the electrical wiring only of hand
dryers to Heights Electric, Inc. for a total of $2,O75, based upon low, informal
quotation; and furthermore~ that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute
an agreement for same. Roll call: All ayes
10. Pull Tab License Application
A request has been received for approval to rent space in a local bar to a fundraising
organization for the purposes of selling pull tabs. The cost of renting this space
was discussed. This will be an agenda item at the next regular Council meeting.
8. Reports
a. Report of the City Manager
The report of the City Manager was submitted in written form and the following items
were discussed:
I. Wiring for Computer in Clerk of Court Offices: The Building Inspector has received
a request from Anoka County to intall electrical service in its Clerk of court of-
fices in City Hall. The City Manager requested this approval be withheld until it
is determined by Anoka County whether adequate electricity is available for this
Regular Council Meeting
April 8, 1985
page 6
p. He also felt this would be a consideration when negotiating commences for re-
newal of the County's lease. The present lease expired February 4, 1985.
2. Comparable Worth Study Implementation: The City Manager gave the Council copies
of a proposed schedule for the Comparable Worth Study to get underway.
3. Maintenance of Westside Streetscaping: Presently, it is the City's position that
it is a private responsibility of property owners for maintaining the condition of side-
walks in regards to snow shoveling, sidewalk sweeping, and removal of debris. The City
Manager advised the Council that staff is looking for alternatives to this arrangement
and perhaps making these services assessable. The City Manager was requested to check
the parking lot assessment to see if any maintenance money was included.
4. Minneapolis Steel Castings - Request for Reduction of Future Sanitary Sewer Charges:
This request was responded to by the City Engineer. In his response letter, the City
Engineer advised the firm of the need for accurate accounting of the material dis~
charged from its facility before it is discharged into the sanitary sewer lines. His
letter also noted that the City will be taking samples of the untreated water being
discharged into the storm sewer system to determine if this water meets the standard
of acceptability established by the P.C,A..
5. Grant Murzyn Hall Improvements - Older Americans Act: The City Manager advised the
Council of the status of the City's application for funding from the Older Americans
Act. Presently, it appears that the full amount being applied for will not be granted,
but additional information regarding the use of the funds is being submitted for
consideration.
6. Bus Stop Relocation: Consideration had been given to moving the bus stop presently
located on Fairway DriYe between Heights Drive and Upland Crest to a point in the City
of New Brighton. The New Brighton City Planner had indicated there presently is no
interest in that City to designate a bus stop for the bus layover.
7. Parking Lot and Access Road - Murzyn Hall: The City Engineer reviewed all of the
details with the Council regarding a grade crossing behind Murzyn Hall.which would
be needed to put in a road from the proposed parking lot to Jefferson Street.
8. Gambling License Application: Copies of a license application from the Multiple
Sclerosis Society to the Minnesota Charitable Gambling Control Board were distributed
to the Council. It was noted this license, if granted, would be effective April 25, 1985.
The City Manager advised the Council this Association will be paying $400 per month
for the rent of the downstairs level of a local bar. This will be an agenda item at the
regular Council meeting on April 22, 1985.
9. Sale of Wine in Grocery Stores: A letter was received from Representative Wayne
Simoneau stating his opposition to the sale of wine in grocery stores. His position
on this matter is~io accord with that of the majority of the Council.
b. Report of the City Attorney
The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time.
Regular Council Meeting
paril 8, 1985
page 7
9. Licenses
Motion by Carlson, second by Hovland to approve the licenses as listed upon payment
of proper fees. Roll call: All ayes
10. Payment of Bills
Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to approve the payment of bills as listed
out of proper funds. Roll call: All ayes
Copies of the most recent report of the liquor operations of the City were dis-
tributed by the City Manager.
Adjournment ~
Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to adjourn the
call: All ayes
Bruce~'~. Nawrocki, Mayor
/~Anne Student, Council Secretary