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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMar 13, 1985OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETItlG MARCH 13, 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 No Invocation was offered. 3. Minutes of Previous Meetings Motion by Hoviand, second by Peterson to approve the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 25th; the Board of Trustees Meeting of February 25th; and the Public Improvement Hearing of March 4th as presented in writing and that the readings be dispensed with. Roll call: All ayes 4. Oral Petitions Mark Matthews, General Manager of Group W Cable, presented a check for $1O,OOO the Council. This check is to be used to cover the costs of a rate review and a performance audit of our cable system. 5. Ordinances and Resolutions a. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1100 Regulating Gambling Devices The Mayor noted that recently legislation was passed and signed by the governor concerning the state regulation of gambling devices. He requested that the City Attorney review this legislation and advise the Council if Ordinance No. llO0 would be consistent with the new law. The City Attorney reviewed material addressing the recent legislation and recom- mended passage of Ordinance No. 1100. Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes ORDINANCE NO. 11OO BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, REGULATING GAMBLING DEVICES The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1: Section 5.410 of Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, passed June 23, 1977, which is currently reserved is hereafter amended to read as follows, to-wit: "No person shall operate a gambling device or conduct a raffle, as herein6fLer deflned, without a license issued pursuant to the pro- vi~.':,ns of this chapter." "Minnesota Statute ~349.26, entitled Gambling Devices, together with all amend~e~t~ thereto through 1978, is hereby adopted by reference as if fully set forth herein." "The Council may by unanimous vote waive the bond requirement of the gambling manager.'l Regular Council Meeting March 13, 1985 page 2 "The annual license fee shall be two hundred dollars ($200.00), sub- ject to amendment by resolution of the Council pursuant to ~5.103(5)." "The licensing requirements of §5.410 shall expire at such times as the licensing requirements of the Minnesota State Charitable Gambling Con- trol Board shall pre-empt such local licensing powers." Section 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: February 25, 1985 March 13, 1985 March 13, 1985 Offered By: Carlson Seconded By: Peterson Roll Call: All ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor b. ResolL~tion Authorizing Participation in Comparable Worth Study At the most recent council meeting the City Manager was authorized to meet with rep- resentatives of Hay Associates, Inc. to negotiate the fee for performing the City's comparable worth study. Since the initially stated fee was not negotiated to a lower fee, the City Manager placed on the agenda his recommendation for Control Data Business Advisors, Inc. to do the City's comparable worth study. After this action, the City Manager received a letter from Hay Associates advising him of a change in their original fee. Discussion followed regarding the differences between the Hay and the CDC proposals. Mayor Nawrocki noted the Hay proposal more directly involved city staff and the elected officials. Councilmember Petkoff stated she chose not to support authorizing acceptance of the Hay proposal because of the costs. Councilmember Peterson had ques- tions concerning a dollar limit of the Hay proposal. The Mayor felt that the work will be done on an hourly basis such as a consultant. He felt also there would be some ad- vantage with the Hay proposal in that some expertise could be developed with members of the staff which could be valuable when changes or updating of the study would be needed. Motion by Carlson, second by Hov~a~d to continue on with Hay Associates, Inc. Roll call: Hovland, Carlson, Nawrocki - aye Petkoff, Peterson - nay c. Resolution 85-07 Labor Agreement - AFSCME & the City of Columbia Heights Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 85-07 REGARDING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AND AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES, COUNCIL NO. 14, LOCAL NO. 495 WHEREAS: negotiations have proceeded between the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Council No. 14, Local No. 495, representing clerical and technical employees of the City and members of the City negotiating team, and said negotiations have resulted in a mutually acceptable contract for calendar year 1985; WHEREAS, a copy of said contract is available for inspection at the Office of the City Manager and is made a part hereof by reference. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the contract agreement as negotiated, be and is Regular Council Meeting March 13, 1985 page 3 hereby established as the salary and fringe benefit program for calendar year 1985, for AFSCME bargaining unit ~mployees of the City; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute this agreement. Passed this 13th day of March, 1985 Offered by: Peterson Seconded by: Petkoff Roll call: All ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor d. Resolution 85-08 Local Restriction State Trunk Highways Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 85-O~ BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of Columbia Heights as follows: 1. That commencing on the 18th day of March, 1985, and continuing until the load restrictions on State Trunk Highways in Zone 3 are terminated, no vehicle shall be driven or operated upon any street or public highway in the City under juris- diction of the City where the weight of such vehicle exceeds: 4 Ton Per Axle 2. The above restriction shall not apply on streets designated as Municipal State Aid or County State Aid routes and State Highways on which the weight of each vehicle shall not exceed: 7 Ton Per Axle 3. Notice of these restrictions shall be published and posted with respect to each of such streets and highways and when so published and posted the restrictions shall be in full force and effect; as all provided in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section 169.87. 4. A vehicle in excess of such limits may be operated or driven upon a street or public highway in the City without violation of law when the same is done under Special Permit thereof issued in accordance with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section 169.86 which are adopted and made a part hereof by reference the same as if fully incorporated herein. 5. The church bus, school bus, and other public transportation vehicle operators are given special permit to proceed with normal operat~ion of their regularly est- ablished rout~ and at regularly established hours, said permits to be issued by the City Engineer~ Passed and and adopted by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, March 19, 1963, and revised on the 13th day of March, 1985. Regular Council Meeting March 13, 1985 page 4 Offered by: Petkoff Seconded by: Hovland Roll call: All ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor 6. Communications a. Planning and Zoning Commission 1. Auto Max, Inc., 4501 Central Avenue Appeal of Denial of Sign Variance Request Auto Max, Inc. requested a 15 square foot sign variance for the erection of a 90 square foot sign at their business located at 4501 Central Avenue. The Planning and Zoning Commission denied this request due to lack of a hardship. A representa- tive of the business stated he feels there is a hardship in that two competitors are located in the immediate area. He also stated that Auto Max will be willing to erect a sign in compliance with the sign ordinance when the competitors do the same. Discussion continued regarding what constitutes a hardship. Motion by Peterson, second by Hovland to deny the appeal. Roll call: All ayes b. Traffic Commission The Council received minutes of the last Traffic Cornmission meeting and no Council action was required. 7. Old and New Business a. Old Business 1. Proposal to Purchase and Develop Sullivan Lake Property John Moneta presented his proposal to the Council for development of the Sullivan Lake property. Members of the Council expressed an interest in the proposal and the City Manager stated he would draft a fact sheet on the property to solicit proposals. Councilmember Petkoff observed this material had already been compiled when previous developers had shown interest in the property. 2. Columbia Place Planned Unit Development - Final Development Plan Amendment The developers of Columbia Place are requesting approval of amendments to their Dev- elopment plan which include a revised drainage plan and the landscape plan. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. The Mayor, upon reviewal of the plans, noted the guest parking lot on the Sixth Street side of the building is proposed to be placed directly next to the side- walk. He voiced concern for pedestrian safety. Discussion followed regarding what measure could be taken to insure the safety in question. Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to approved the amended Final Development Plan for Columbia Place, and furthermore; that plans be submitted to staff for installation of decorative barriers in the guest parking lot located on the Sixth Street side of the building to prevent vehicular overhang into the sidewalk area. Roll call: All ayes b. New Business 1. Escrow Agreement Between the City and the Credit Union Motion by Petkoff, second by Hovland to ratify the action of the Mayor and City Manager in executing an escrow agreement with the Columbia Heights Credit Union in the amount of $5,O00. Councilmember Carlson withdrew from discussion of thi~ Regular Council Meeting March 13, 1985 page 5 item as well as from voting on the motion stating he is a member of the Credit Committee of the Credit Union. Roll call: Hovland, Petkoff, Peterson, Nawrocki - aye Carlson no vote 2. Attendance at Conference - Seminar Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to approve the attendance of Don Jolly, Public works Superintendent, at the A.P.W.A. North American Snow Conference in Madison, Wisconsin on April 14-17, 1985; and furthermore, to authorize reimbursement of re- lated expenses. Roll call: All ayes 3. Sale and/or Salvage of City-Owned Property Motion by Hovland, second by Carlson to authorize the sale and/or salvage of various City-owned property as indicated on the list of items submitted by the City Manager dated March 8, 1985. A list of additional items was distributed to the Council and the City Manager noted that six benches from the Park Department on the list may be removed. Roll call: All ayes 4. Permission to Sell Vehicle at Hennepin County Auction Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to authorize the City Manager to sell one 1964 Chevrolet cargo van at the May 4th Hennepin County Auction. Roll call: All ayes 5. Pumping Out Flooded Backyards The Council received copies of a proposed policy for pumping out backyards in the City. The policy, which was from the City Engineer and dated March 13, 1985, reflected what has been done administratively in the past. The Mayor requested the City Attorney to add language to the policy addressing procedures when life is being threatened or persons are in danger. Motion by Peterson, second by Hovland to adopt the policy from the City Engineer dated March t3, 1985 regarding surface water ponding problems on private property. Roll call: All ayes 6. Additional Signage - New Liquor Store A decision for the sign at the new liquor store has been made and will necessitate additional letters on the present sign. A quotation for these additional letters and installation labor was received from Sign Service, Inc.. This firm installed the present sign. Mayor Nawrocki questioned the labor charges on this quote. Discussion followed regarding a deadline for altering the present sign and pursuing other quota- tions. Motion by Petkoff, second by Carlson to authorize the entering into an agreemer~t with Sign Service, Inc. for installing the new letters on the outside sign at the new liquor store with the following conditions: a. The deadline for installation or alteration of the present sign be adhered to b. There be a reduction in the labor charges to relocate existing letters and to patch holes c. Resolution of the charges for the temporary sign previously installed, and with the understanding that if these conditions cannot be met that authorization is given to seek bids for some other firm to do the job, and, not to exceed $2,000. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting March 13, 1985 page 6 7. Johnson Street Acquisition The City Engineer advised the Council of his conversation with a property owner whose home is located on Johnson Street. This item is in regard to the reconstru- ction of Johnson Street. The Mayor requested that other property owners in the area are contacted on this matter. 8. Replacement Doors Service Center Replacement doors were budgeted for in the 1985 budget of the Service Center. The City Engineer advised the Council of the insurance monies being received for the recent damage to the doors, but recommended replacement since t~ese doors had deteriorated. Discussion followed regarding the bids received in replacement of the doors. The recommended bid was that of Automatic Door Company. The City Engi- neer advised the Council that this bid included a longer warranty than the others, better insulation and an earlier delivery and installation date. Motion by Peterson, second Dy Hovland to purchase two garage doors for the Service Center from Automatic Door Company in the amount of $4,025. Roll call: All ayes Informational Items Mayor Nawrocki advised the Council and staff of his Special "Tell It To The Mayor" session on Monday, April 1st. The topic for discussion will be cable television service in our city. The Mayor invited any Council members who may choose to attend. The Mayor advised the Council that a member of V.F.W. Post #230 had contacted him regarding the placement of a POW-MIA flag beneath the American flag in the Memorial Garden east of City Hall. Councilmembers felt this would be appropriate and sug- gested that the representative from the V.F,W. be so advised. 8. Reports a. Report of the City Manager The report of the City Manager was distributed in written form at the Council meeting. The following items were discussed: March 18th Public Improvement Hearing: Staff had inspected again various concrete alleys which will be considered for improvement at the hearing. The City Manager will prepare a memo for the Council detailing some concerns expressed by resi- dents on their particular proposed projects. 2. Previous Appeal - Vending Company - Refund of License Fees: This refund request was again discussed and no action was taken. 3. Unexpended CDBG Funds - Anoka County: A letter from the Anoka County Board of Commissioners was received detailing the timeframe in which CDBG funds must be expended. The Director of the City's HRA advised that our allocation is not in jeopardy of reverting back to the County for distribution. 4. Educational Reimbursement: It was noted that $2,500 has been set aside for ed- ucational reimbursement in five departments. Mayor Nawrocki requested the break- down by department and the City Manager will prepare this information for the next regular council meeting. 5. Rear Yard Lighting Request: Mayor Nawrocki stated he felt that the letter of re- ponse sent to residents in the 40th and McKinley area requesting rear yard light- ing was inappropriate and the staff could have been more ambitious in assisting them. Regular Council Meeting March 13, 1985 page 7 b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. 9. Licenses Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to grant the licenses as listed upon payment of proper fees. Roll call: All ayes 10. Payment of Bills Motion by Carlson, ~econd by Peterson to pay the bills as listed out of proper funds. Roll call: All ayes The Council received copies of the 1985 Annual Report. A short discussion was held regarding the presentation of a plaque to the resigning Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Adjournment Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to adjourn the meeting to an Executive Session at 12:10 A.M.. Roll call: All ayes /~-Anne Student, Council Secretary