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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJul 28, 1986OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUIICIL MEETING JULY 28, 1986 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Nawrocki at 7:30 p.m.. i. Rull Call Paulson, Petkoff, Carlson, Peterson, Nawrocki - present 2. Invocation There was no invocator available to offer the invocation. 3. Minutes of Previous Meetings Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 14th and the Board of Trustees, Fire Relief Association of July 15th, as presented in writing and that the reading be dispensed with. Roll call: All ayes Presentation Kevin Hanson, the out-going President of the Columbia Heights Lions Club, presented a check for $6,200 to Mayor Nawrocki for use in the purchase of kitchen equipment for Murzyn Hall. Mayor Nawrocki thanked the Lions Club for its generosity and noted that this organization has long been active in the commun ty. 4. Oral Petitions There were no oral petitions. 5a. Public Improvement Hearing ~e purpose of the public improvement hearing is to consider a storm drainage improve- t in the block bounded by Hayes Street, 39th Avenue, Arthur Street and 40th Avenue. The work will include installation of a storm drain from 39th Avenue north approximately 155 feet to remove storm water presently impounded in a backlot area. The costs for this project will be split fifty-fifty between the benefitting properties and the City. The City Manager reviewed the entire project and costs. He noted that the work is pro- posed to be done by a contractor presently working in the City thereby affording better prices. Mayor Nawrocki stated that this project is being considered as a result of a petition received from residents in the area. Fourteen addresses were represented on this petition. Discussion followed regarding specific properties which were included in the project for assessment. The City Engineer reviewed many of the parcels and explained how they were contributors to the water that ponds in this area. A petition against the project was submitted to the Council bearing signatures representing nine parcels in the project area. The Mayor noted that one signature appears on both petitions. If development of the interior lots in this area occurs the Mayor advised that additional storm sewer work would need to be done in that this improvement is being proposed only to address the ponding water problems presently being experienced. Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to authorize the City Manager to proceed with installation of a storm drain to remove storm water runoff impounded in the block bounded by 39th Avenue, 40th Avenue, Hayes Street, and Arthur Street. Roll call: All ayes Resolution No. 86-49; Being a Resolution Ordering Improvements Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there eing ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting July 2S, 1986 page 2 RESOLUTION NO. 86-49 BEING A RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights by motion on the seventh day of July, 1986 ordered notice of a hearing to be given to property owners, and WHEREAS, pursuant to a notice of hearing certain residents appeared at a Council Meeting on the 28th day of July, 1986, and WHEREAS, the Council determines to proceed with this local improvement, a portion of the cost being defrayed by special assessments under Charter provisions. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED: 1. That the location and extent of such improvements is as follows: Installation of storm drain to remove storm run-off impounded in the block bounded by 39th Avenue N.E., 4Oth Avenue N.E., Hayes Street N.E. and Arthur Street N.E. Work would include the installation of storm drains from 39th Avenue north to approximately 155 feet for the purpose of removing storm water presently impounded in the back lot area of the above block. Work will also include miscellaneous associated construction items. 2. That the materials to be used are as follows: Aggregate base, bituminous material, concrete, 12" PVC, 12" metal apron with grate and sodding with topsoil. 3. That a careful estimate of the cost of the improvements has been made by the City Manager and the several lots and parcels of land contribut- ing to and adjacent to such proposed improvements, which be deemed benefitted thereby, were properly notified of said hearings, and 4. That the City Manager shall also list the names and owners of the several parcels so improved as nearly as can be ascertained. 5. That the City Manager shall proceed with taking of bids for the Impro- vements, or portions of the improvements, as stated herein. 6. These improvements shall also be known as P.I.R. #816 - Project #8604. Passed this 28th day of July, 1986. Offered by: Peterson Seconded by: Petkoff call: All ayes Mayor Bruce G. Nawrocki Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary "~egul~? Council Meeting July 28, 1986 page 3 Ordinances and Resolutions a. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1127; Pertaining to Allowing Bells on Food/ Beverage Vehicles notion wy Carlson, second by Paulson to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes A resident had expressed irritation with the loudness of the bells on a vendor's vehicle and the frequency with which it passed his area. Discussion followed regarding what is presently allowed by vehicular vendors and what is being proposed with this ordinance. The ordinance was offered by Carlson, seconded by Paulson. Mayor Nawrocki is opposed to change in the present ordinance in that the change would allow more noise than is normally allowed presently in a residential neighborhood. He also noted that the amended ordinance does not designate a time of the year but would allow this type of vending in the winter months when it would be dark and selling would still be permitted. Councilmember Carlson would prefer to have the decibel limits of the bells be brought to the vehicle or that the decibel level be measured from the center of the street to the property line. Councilmember Petkoff requested that any ordinance change include a restriction as to how many times a vendor may pass through a given area in a twenty-four hour period. Motion by Carlson, second by Petkoff to table this item for further consideration and that staff draft amendments incorporating the suggestions and recommendations of the Council and that this information be an agenda item at the next regular Council meeting. Roll call~ All ayes I. Request by Resident of 4615 Taylor Street Regarding Alley Approach This item had been tabled at an earlier Council meeting so members of the Council could have an on-site meeting. No on-site meeting was scheduled and some members of the Council had not had an opportunity to view the alley approach. Mayor Naw- rocki had driven the alley several times and suggested that the approach could be filled with some blacktop which would temporarily solve the problem. A property owner in the area felt this suggestion was acceptable and noted that the condition of the alley would probably requi~re major work to be done on it in a couple of years when this matter could be looked at again. Councilmember Petkoff felt all of the Council should view the alley. An on-site meeting was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30th. Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to table this item. Roll call: All ayes New Business Request by Andrew Kohlan that City Withdraw its Request to Anoka County to Purchase Pending Tax-Forfeit Properties Located on 44½ AYenue Mr. Kohlan requested that the City withdraw from its intent to purchase pending tax- Forfeit parcels. He is interested in building on some of these parcels. He will be receiving the results of soil tests in the near future and will then be in a better position to determine which lots are buildable. The City Manager reviewed the history of these parcels and what is known of the soil condition on some of them. He felt the back taxes and special assessments should be paid by Mr. Kohlan before the City with- draws its intent to purchase. Mr. Kohlan has until October 1, 1986 to decide what he will be doing with some of these parcels. The Council took no action. City Manager's Report Driveway Problem at 4219 Stinson Boulevard The owners of the property at 4219 Stinson Boulevard have been experiencing a water ~'Kegul~r Council Meeting July 28, 1986 page 4 nage problem in their driveway. It is their contention that this problem is the t of water seeping through the retaining wall on the property located north of them. One of the property owners of 4219 Stinson Boulevard contends this resulted from an error when the h6me located to the north was built four feet higher than was ~rig;na~¥ planned. She noted that these two properties were originally level to each other. At the time the new home was constructed the Building Inspector advised that the driveway would slope toward the storm sewer and that plantings in the area would direct any runoff in the appropriate direction. Mayor Nawrocki noted that according to the City's building code that when an elevation is cha6ged storm water is to be directed to the storm sewer by some method, be 'it sloping into a street or a gutter. He inquired if there were maintenance requirements of a property owner. The City Attorney stated he would prefer to look at the law books regarding this matter and he will draft a memo for the Council with his findings. RECESS: 10:05 p.m. RECONVENE: 10:15 p.m. Ordinances and Resolutions (cont.) b. Resolution No. 86-50; Resolution of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, Granting Authorization to Submit a Grant Application and Request for Funding to the Metropolitan Council Under the Demonstration Project Grant Program The City Manager reviewed all facets of the application. He noted that the project as proposed will undertake recycling activities in conjunction with various multiple dwellings within the City. He feels there will be in excess of 250 units partici- ing in the grant program. Discussion continued regarding the implementation of program and what recyclables will be included in the initial phase of the pro- gram. Mayor Nawrocki stated that although he has had a tong time involvement with recycling projects and landfill abatement programs he has difficulty supporting this application because of the creation of one full time and one half time position written into the City's application. He feels these two positions plus all of the staff time included in the implementation and on-going operation of the program would be better done by private contractors. The City Manager noted that all of the salaries would be coming from funds received under the grant program. He also noted if the second year funding being requested is not approved these two positions would cease. Mayor Nawrocki objected to use of staff and the creation of two new positions and suggested that the application contain language which would refer to use of private contractors. Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes Motion to amend by Nawrocki, second by Petkoff that it is the intent of the City that the grant application include a statement that the intent of the City would be to further explore the possibility of having private contractors perform all or part of the functions as explained in the grant application which were to be performed by the Administrative Intern and the Secretary. Roll call on the amend- ment: All ayes Regdl'ar Council Meeting July 28, 1986 page 5 RE~OLUTION 86 - 50 RESOLUTION OF THE CIT! OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, ltlNNESOTi, GEKFflNG AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT I GRANT APPLICATION AND REQURST FOR FUNDING TO THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL UNDER TM D~ONSTRATION PROJECT GRANT PROGRAM BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Columbia Heights will act as the sponsor and grantee for the landfill abatement Demonstration Grant Project to be conducted by the City of Columbia Heights during the period from December 1, 1986, through November 30, 1987; and that the Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized to submit a grant proposal and request for funding for this project to the Metropolitan Council and to execute such agreements and prepare docu- ments as necessary to accept funds and Implement the project on behalf of the Project Sponsor. This resolution certifies the following: 1. The project sponsor is an eligible applicant for the Demonstration Project Grant Program. 2. The project will further the goals of the Metropolitan Council's Solid Waste Management Development Guide/Policy Plan. 3. The project is in conformance with the approved Solid Waste Management Master Plan for the county in which the project will occur if the proposal is being made by a city, county, or solid waste management district. The project sponsor agrees to comply with all applicable laws relating to nondiscrimination and affirmative action. 5. The project sponsor will provide all local and state permits, licenses and authorizations necessary for the implementation of the project. 6. The project sponsor is current in all tax obligations to local, state or federal governments. 7. Acknowledgment will be made to the Council for its grant assistance on all promotional materials, reports and publications relating to the project during the grant period. 8. The project sponsor will provide all documentation and reports required by the Council during the grant period. 9. The proposal is complete and all information in the proposal is true and accurate. Passed this 285h day of Offered By: Paulson Seconded By: Petkoff Roll Call: All Ayes July , 1986. Br~. Nawrocki, Mayor Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the aforegoing resolution is a true and correct copy of the resolution presented to and adopted by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, at a duly authorized meeting thereof held on the 28th day of July , 1986, as shown by the minutes of said meeting in my possession. Elrite, City Clerk Regul~'r Council Meeting July 28, 1986 page 6 ICommunications a. Traffic Commission 1. Restricted Parking near Site of Old Silver Lake School & New First Lutheran Church Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson that there will be restricted parking on the east side of Tyler Street, from 40th to 41st Avenue on the north and south sides of 41st from Reservoir Boulevard to Arthur Street, on the west side of Polk from 4Oth to 41st and on the north side from Tyler to Polk Streets from 9:00 a.m. to Noon on Sundays, and, that the signage include "No Stopping or Parking" to be designated on the south side of 41st Avenue from Tyler to Polk as recommended by the Traffic Com- mission. Roll call: All ayes 2. Truck Parking Restriction on 37th Avenue Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson that the designation of "No Truck Parking Anytime" be placed on the north side of 37th Avenue from the alley east of Fifth Street to Fifth Street. Motion to amend by Carlson, second by Peterson that "No Truck Parking Anytime" be designated on the north side of 37th Avenue beginning 40 feet west of the alley between Madison Place and Fifth Street to Fifth Street based on the recom- mendations of the Traffic Commission. Roll call: All ayes 3. Removal of Parking Restrictions on 43rd Avenue from Quincy Street to Jackson Street Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to remove the "No Parking Anytime" restrictions the south side of 43rd Avenue between Quincy and dackson Streets. Roll call: All This action was recommended by the Traffic Commission. 4. Removal of "Do Not Block Driveway" Sign at 3920 Second Street Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to authorize the removal of the "Do Not Block Driveway" sign located in front of 3920 Second Street based on the recom- mendation of the TrafFic Commission. Roll call: All ayes b. Insurance - Excess Liquor Liability Coverage The City Manager reviewed his recommendation which was to not purchase excess lia- bility insurance. Motion by Carlson, second by Petkoff to not purchase excess liquor liability insurance coverage upon recommendation of the Finance Director and the City Attorney and the staff continue seeking less expensive insurance coverage. Roll call: All ayes c. Suburban Rate Authority Electric Franchise Mayor Nawrocki commented on the status of negotiations between various cities and NSP regarding the Suburban Rate Authority Uniform Electric Franchise. He noted how much money was saved by consumers in Columbia Heights as a result of the efforts of the Suburban Rate Authority and the utility companies in the past years. d. New Trunk Highway l0 Mayor Nawrocki distributed copies of a resolution supporting designating new Trunk Highway l0 as a number one priority for new state highway construction. Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there lng ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 86-51 A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING NEW TRUNK HIGHWAY lO AS A NUMBER ONE PRIORITY FOR NEW Regul~ Council Meeting July 28, 1986 page 7 FE HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION WHEREAS: A coordinated.transportation network which provides reasonable access to both the State and metropolitan highway systems is c~sential to the economic development of an area; and, WHEREAS: The construction of new Trunk Highway lO between Ramsey County Road d and Trunk Highway 10/47 is an essential component of such a transpor- tation network in the northern metropolitan area; and, WHEREAS: The right-of-way for new Trunk Highway l0 has been maintained by the cities of Blaine and Coon Rapids for over 20 years; and, WHEREAS: An Environmental Impact Statement 'on the construction of new Trunk Highway 10 has been completed and the proposed roadway has been desig- nated as part of the Trunk Highway System; and, WHEREAS: The alignment of new Trunk Highway lO is entirely within the boundaries of the Metropolitan Urban Services Area and, therefore, produces urban infrastructure investment consistent with the .metropolitan development framework: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the construction of new Trunk Highway 10 from Ramsey County Road J to Trunk Highway 10/47 be declared to be the number one priority for new State highway construction in the metropolitan area. IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Minnesota Department of Transportation be requested to work with the New Highway 10 Task Force in order to develop plans wt~ich would provide for the best and earliest possible construction of new Trunk Highway I0. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Commis- sioner of Transportation and the Anoka County Legislative Delegation. Passed this 28th day of July, 1986. Offered by: Carlson Seconded by: Peterson Roll call: All ayes Mayor Bruce G. Nawrocki Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary ~. Request for Traffic Control in Alley - Jefferson to Quincy, south of 40th Avenue The City Manager referred to the Traffic Commission minutes for its July 15th meeting where it was stated that the Commission authorized the installation of stop signs at both ends of the alley. He noted that a public hearing must be held before this action can be taken. This was advisory information to the Council. ~egul~ Council Meeting July 28, 1986 page 8 Business (cont.) 4. Award of Bids a. Retaining Wall on 44th Avenue The Public Works Director noted that the bids received on this wall were extremely high, the second lowest bid received being nearly twice the amount of the low bid and considerably higher than the City's estimate. The Mayor suggested that the Minnesota Department of TraNsportation "variance" process be parsued and determined if it could be applied to this project. Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to award the bid for the concrete retaining wall to Carl Bolander and Sons in the amount of $23,330 based on low competitive formal bids received on the condition that the contractor agree to work with the City and the Minnesota Department of Transportation to work on a more cost ef- fective design for the wall and the Mayor and City Manager be authorize to enter into an agreement for same. Roll call: All ayes b. Sound Equipment for Murzyn Hall Motion by Petkoff, second by Paulson to authorize the purchase of sound equipment for Murzyn Hall from Alpha Video of Minneapolis as listed on the bid tabulation date July 22, 1986, in the amount of S1,943.45, based upon low, informal quotation. Roll call: All ayes c. Furniture for Murzyn Hall Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to authorize the purchase of folding and lng room chairs from Superior Sales of Minneapolis in the amount of $4,993, based upon low, formal quotation. Roll call: All ayes 2. Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to authorize the purchase of banquet and lounge furniture from Superior Sales of Minneapolis in the amount of $4,548.40, based on low, formal quotation. Roll call: All ayes 3. Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to authorize the purchase of portable bar and coat/chair racks from Superior Sales of Minneapolis in the amount of $2,418, based upon low, formal quotation. Roll call: All ayes 5. Change Order for Murzyn Hall - Drainage Change Order G-14 would eliminate or reduce the amount of water runoff permeating the soil along the foundation of Murzyn Hall. Copies of the results of soil borings done by Twin City Testing were distributed. In the report on the boring results the company recommended an alternative to that suggested by the contractor at a cost much less than the cost associated with Change Order G-14. Councilmember Peterson was not supportive of the measures being suggested in G-14 and maintained the water problems could be alleviated with a proper backfill job and sloping the material away from the building. This had also been the recommendation of the Building Inspe- ctor some time ago. Motion by Petkoff, second by Paulson to reject Change Order G-14. Roll call: All ayes 6. Architect's Fees - Murzyn Hall Renovation/Addition City Manager advised no further information has been received on this item. 7. Change Order for Murzyn Hall - Nameplates Change Order G-13 is for $50.00 to Antco Construction Company for two door name- plates in Murzyn Hall. Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to approve Change Order G-13. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting July 28, 1986 page 9 Purchase of Crack Filling Material ion by Peterson, second by Paulson to authorize the purchase of Crafco crumb rubber crack filling material in the amount of $2,930, and that this is a proprietary item. Roll call: All ayes 9. Catch Basin Curb Back for Mathaire and Innsbruck Subdivisions Motion by Petkoff, second by Paulson to authorize the purchase of twenty four catch basin curb backs from Neenah Foundry for a total price of $1,416. This is a proprietary purchase. Roll call: All ayes 10. Recycling Bags The City Manager advised the Council of the information received regarding recycling bags for community use. Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to award the contract to Harper-Crawford Bag Company of Minneapolis in the amount of $8,104 for bags for recycling and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into an agreement for same. This is a proprietary purchase as all of the other bag companies contacted dealt in larger amounts than the City was interested in purchasing. Roll call: Ail ayes 8. Reports a. Report of the City Manager The City Manager's report was submitted in written form and the following items were discussed: 1. Appointment of New Employees: a. James Paulson, Janitor for Murzyn Hall effective August 18, 1986 at the entry rate of $4.03 per hour b. Michael Kiley, Caretaker for Murzyn Hall effective August 18,1986 at the entry rate of $4.66 per hour c. Linda Camel, Caretaker for Murzyn Hall effective August 18, 1986 at the entry rate of $4.66 per hour d. Kathyjean Young, Assistant City Engineer effective August ll, 1986 at the entry rate of $2,716 per month. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the person appointed to the Assistant City Engineer position had good credentials academically and in material testing but had no qualifications or skills in municipal experience. City Manager's Budget Message The City Manager advised the Council that his Budget Message should be prepared for presentation at the August llth Council meeting. Mayor Nawrocki inquired as to the status of the request for approval for stock transfer of the local cable company. The City Manager advised the Council that the Cable Com- mission counsel will be contacting the Acting City Manager this week with the current information. He also noted that a public hearing date must be established relative to this matter. The Mayor requested information regarding proposed changes which may affect the Police and Fire Relief Associations. The City Manager stated that information on this matter ,s been sent to the City Attorney for his review. 'KegUlar Council Meeting July 28, 1986 page 10 Gas Installation - 37th & Central Avenues r Nawrocki inquired when the screening requirement for this business was supposed to be met. The Building Inspector advised him that they had thirty days to comply and that the thirty days hav~ passed. The Building Inspector will follow up on this as weli as compliance with the sign code. Discussion followed regarding compliance with the safety regulations for dispensing LP gas. The Mayor had observed the gas being dispensed without the use of gloves. This matter will be brought to the attention of the Fire Department. Citizen Complaint Mayor Nawrocki inquired if any action has been taken on a citizen complaint regarding debris in the area of 46th and Tyler. The City Manager has been aware of some of the problems in the neighborhood and will advise the citizen of any measures being considered for cleaning up the area. Bus Stop on Central Avenue near Gould Mayor Nawrocki had been advised that there is a large hole immediately in front of the area where passengers board and get off of buses on Central Avenue near the theatre. He suggested this hole be repaired. He also noted that the bus stop is placed farther south than it was supposed to be. b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney advised the Council that there will be a re-he~ring for the Soo Line matter. Licenses ion by Carlson, second by Petkoff to approve the license applications as listed upon payment of proper fees. Roll call: All ayes 1o. Payment of Bills Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to pay the bills as listed out of proper funds. Roll call: All ayes Recess of Meeting The meeting was recessed at 1:15 a.m.. The Council meeting will be reconvened on Wednesday, July 30th at 9:00 p.m.. 4