HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 22, 1997To: Columbia Heights City Council
and City Manager:
Residents of Columbia Heights request a moratorium on rezoning residential
property in the City to business, commercial or industrial until both the completion
of the Minnesota Design Team evaluation and approval of the revised
Comprehensive Plan by the City of Columbia Heights.
Residents of Columbia Heights
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor Sturdevant called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00
p.m.
Mayor Sturdevant and Councilmembers Jones, Jolly, Ruettimann
and Peterson were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE MEETING AGENDA
Councilmem~er Ruettimann requested the following agenda items
be moved from their place on the agenda and considered
immediately by the Council: 7-A-2 - Resolution No. 97-79 Being
a Resolution Establishing Compensation Rates - Volunteer Fire
Division; 7-A-4 - Resolution No. 97-81 Being a Resolution
Transferring Funds from the General Fund to the HRA for the
Business Revolving Loan Fund; and, 7-A-5 - Resolution No. 97-
77 Being a Resolution Adopting a Budget for the Year 1998.
A resident requested the Council consider a moratorium be
placed on rezoning any residential property in the City. This
item was placed on Other Business.
Resolution No. 97-79 Beinq a Resolution Establishinq
ComDensation Rates - Volunteer {Daid on-call) Fire Division
The City Manager reviewed the resolution noting that he had
concern with granting an automatic increase on an annual
basis.
Councilmember Jolly felt the issue should be reviewed annually
and this should be added to the language of the resolution. He
drafted the language to be included in the resolution
regarding an annual review.
Motion by Jolly, second by Ruettimann to waive the reading of
the resolution with the amended language there being ample
copies available for the public. Roll call: Ail ayes
RESOLUTION NO. 97-79
BEING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING VARIOUS COMPENSATION P_ATES FOR
THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT VOLUNTEER (PAID ON-CALL)
DIVISION REGA3JDING FIRE CALLS, ~STATION DUTY AND DRILLS
REGULAR COLrNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 2
Station
Duty & Drills Fire Calls
1) Recruit Pay
Step 1
Date of Appointment to Volunteer
Division Through End of Year
5.00 6.00
Step II
Start of 2nd Year Until Person
Attains EMT Rating
5.50 7.00
Step III
Attainment of EMT Rating Through
Completion of 36 Months
6.50 8.50
2) Firefighter (Must be EMT Rated) 7.00
After 60 Months of Active Duty
(From Date of Appointment to
Volunteer Division)
9.50
3) Lieutenant
7.00 11.00
4) Captain 7.00 11.25
Adjustments effective January !, 1998. Thereafter, volunteer
(paid on-call) firefighters wages to be reviewed annually on
or about October 1st by the City Council.
Passed this 22nd day of December, 1997.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Jolly
Ruettimann
Ail ayes
Mayor Joseph Sturdevant
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Resolution No. 97-81 Beinq a Resolution Transferrinq Funds
from the General Fund to the Housinq and RedeveloDment
Authority for the Business Revo!vin~ Loan Fund
Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to waive the reading
of the resolution there being ample copies available for the
public. Roll call: All ayes
REG~ COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 3
RESOLUTION NO. 97-81
RESOLUTION TRANSFERRING FUNDS FROM THE GENERAL FUND
TO THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
FOR THE BUSINESS REVOLVING LOAN FUND
WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City
of Columbia Heights established a Business Revolving Loan Fund
in 1992.
WHEREAS, a total of $117,500 in ~Housing and Redevelopment
Authority money was appropriated to the Business Revolving
Loan Fund, and
WHEREAS, at the end of 1996 there was an operating deficit of
$15,447 in the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, and an
operating deficit of $32,750 in the Economic Development
Authority, and ~
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City Council to contribute
funds to the initial set-up of the Business Revolving Loan
Fund,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Columbia Heights
that $50,000 be transferred from the City's General Fund
Undesignated Fund Balance to the. Housing and Redevelopment
Authority fund to be used a part of the initial start-up money
of the Business Revolving Loan Fund, and to transfer $32,750
from the Housing and Redevelopment Authority t° the Economic
Development Authority to cover the 1996 year-end deficit.
Passed this 22nd day of December, 1997.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Peterson
Sturdevant
All ayes
Mayor Joseph Sturdevant
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Resolution No. 97-77 Beinq a Resolution AdoDtinc a Budqet for
the Year 1998 ~
The City Manager explained why the levl; increase was kept to
the low figure of $43,000.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 4
Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to waive the reading
of the resolution there being ample copies available for the
public. Roll call: All ayes
RESOLUTION NO. 97-77
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBIA.
HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 1998 AND
SETTING THE TOTAL CITY LEVY COLLECTABLE FOR THE YEAR 1998 AND
APPROVE THE HRA LEVY OF $72,192
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA: that the following is
hereby adopted by the City of Columbia Heights.
Section A. The proposed budget for the City of Columbia
Heights for the year 1998 is hereby approved and adopted with
appropriations for each of the funds as listed below.
Expense
General Fund
Community Development Admin.
CDBG/HOME
Parkview Villa North
Parkview Villa South
EDA
Section 8 Housing
Temp Housing/Vacant Land
HRA
Para Transit Fund
State Aid
Cable Television
Library
DARE Project
Police Grant
Fast Cops
Project Pride
Capital Improvements Fund
MultiUse Redevelopment
Infrastructure
Capital Equipment Replacement Funds
Central Garage Fund
Liquor Fund
Water Utility Fund
Sewer Utility Fund
Refuse Fund
Water & Sewer Construction
Energy Management
7,641,430
229,266
321,231
289,327
158,913
1,061,865
301,434
51,287
83,192
0
142,159
149,252
489,129
8,950
84,240
56,371
0
868,000
0
157,500
634,505
374,892
6,257,420
1,361,955
1,182,414
1,435,539
334.,000
332,541
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 5
Data Processing
Police/Fire Contingencies Reserve
Debt Service Fund
153,213
125,000
2,401,910
Total Expense Including Interfund Transfers 26,686,935
Section B. The estimated gross revenue to fund the budget of
the City of Columbia Heights for all funds, including general
ad valorem tax levies, as hereinafter set forth for the year
1998:
Revenue Available
General Fund
Community Development Admin.
CDBG/HOME
Parkview Villa North
Parkview Villa South
EDA
Section 8 Housing
Temp Housing/Vacant Land
HRA
Para Transit Fund
State Aid
Cable Television Fund
Library
DARE Project
Police Grant
Fast Cops
Project Pride
Capital Improvements Fund
Mutt iUse Redeve 1 opment
Infrastructure
Capital Equipment Replacement Funds
Central Garage Fund
Liquor Fund
Water Utility Fund
Sewer Utility Fund
Refuse Fund
Water & Sewer Construction
Energy Management
Data Processing
Police/Fire Contingencies Reserve
Debt Service Fund
7,641,430
229,266
321,231
289,327
158,913
1,061,865
301,434
51,287
83,192
0
142,159
149,252
489,129
8,950
84,240
56,371
0
868,000
0
157,500
634,505
374,892
6,257,420
1,361,955
1,182,414
1,435,539
334,000
332,541
153,213
t25,000
2,401,910
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 6
Total Revenue including Interfund Transfers 26,686,935
Section C. The following sums of money are levied for the
current year, collectable in 1998, upon the taxable property
in said City of Columbia Heights, for the following purposes:
Area-Wide
General Fund Levy
Library Fund Levy
EDA Levy
Special Levy
847,632
1,745,372
443,145
99,000
66,285
Total Levy
3,201,434
Section D. The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights
hereby approves the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Tax
Levy for fiscal year 1998 in the amount of $72,192.
The City Clerk is hereby instructed to transmit a certified
copy of this resolution to the County Auditor of Anoka County,
Minnesota.
Approved the 22nd day of December, 1997.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Peterson
Ruettimann
All ayes
Mayor Joseph Sturdevant
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Councilmember Ruettimann left the meeting at 7:25 p.m.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine by
the City Council and are enacted as part of the Consent Agenda
by one motion.
A. Adoption of Consent Aqenda
Motion by Peterson, second by Jones to approve the following
items on the Consent Agenda:
Approval of Council Minutes
The Council approved the minutes of the December 8,
Regular Council Meeting.
1997
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 7
Establish Hearin~ Date for Rental Property License Revocation-
Kelly, 5031 Jefferson Street
The Council established a hearing date of January 12, 1998 for
revocation or suspension of a license to operate a rental
property within the City of Columbia Heights against the
property at 5031 Jefferson Street owned by Lisa Kelly.
Close Public Hearin~ Re: Rental Property at 4653 Tyler Street
Owned by David Rust
The Council closed the public hearing regarding the revocation
or supsension of the rental license held by David Rust
regarding rental property ~at 4653 Tyler Street in that the
provisions of the Housing Maintenance Code have been complied
with.
Establish a Public Hearin~ to Consider Alley Li~htin~
The Council established January 12, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. as a
public hearing for consideration of alley lighting between
University Avenue service road and Fourth Street, 52nd Avenue
to 53rd Avenue Northeast.
Resolution No. 97-75 Estab!ishinq Senior Citizens or Retired
and Disabled Persons Hardship Special Assessment Deferral
The reading of the resolution was waived there being ample
copies available for the public.
RESOLUTION NO. 97-75
BEING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING
SENIOR CITIZENS OR RETIREr AND DISABLED PERSONS
HARDSHIP SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DEFERRAL
Whereas, immediate payment of special assessments or
installments on special assessments cast an undue hardship on
some persons owning homestead properties who are 65 years of
age or older or retired by virtue of a permanent and total
disability for whom it would be a hardship to make payments,
and
Whereas, Minnesota Statutes 435.193 - 435.t95 makes it
possible for a home rule charter city to pass a resolution
establishing standards and guidelines for determining the
existence of a disability.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS:
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 8
o
This deferral procedure shall apply only to assessments
which are payable in five or more annual installments.
This deferral procedure shall apply only to property
owned and occupied by the elderly, retired, and disabled
applicant. Ownership and occupancy must be of the same
nature as would qualify the applicant for a homestead
exemption for tax purposes.
This deferral procedure shall apply only to homestead
property owned by a person 65 years of age or older or
retired by virtue of a permanent and total disability for
whom it would be a hardship to make payments. Permanent
and total disability shall have the same definition for
purposes of assessment deferral as is used for social
security purposes.
This deferral procedure shall not be construed as to
prohibit the detemination of hardship on the basis of
exceptional and unusual circumstances not covered by the
standards and guidelines herein so long as determination
is made in a nondiscriminatory manner and does not give
the applicant an unreasonable preference or advantage
over other applicants.
In order to obtain a deferral of an assessment, the
homeowner must make application on the forms prescribed
by the City of Columbia Heights Assessment Clerk.
In granting a deferred assessment, the Council shall
determine in its resolution approving the assessment roll
the amount of interest, if any, to be charged on the
deferred assessment.
The option of the homeowner to defer the payment of
special assessments shall terminate and all amounts
accumulated plus applicable interest shall become due and
payable upon the occurrence of any of the following
events:
so
the death of the owner, provided that the spouse is
not otherwise eligible or benefits hereunder;
the sale, transfer or subdivision of the property
or any part thereof;
if the property should for any reason lose its
homestead status; or
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 9
if for any reason the City shall determine that
there would be no hardship to require immediate or
partial payment.
No deferral may be granted unless the homeowner makes
application to the City Assessment Clerk within thirty
(30) days after adoption of the assessment by the
Council.
The deferral shall apply to only 50% of the annual
installment payment. If the 50% is not paid in a timely
manner, the balance of the annual installment along with
all future installments shall become immediately due and
payable.
10.
No deferral shall be granted to any owner who has a gross
annual household income from al! sources in excess of
$16,800.00.
!i.
No deferral may be continued from year to year unless the
owner shall file a renewal application before September
15th of each year.
12.
No special assessment may be deferred for a period longer
than the time set by the Council as the time over which
the project is to be assessed.
13.
Interest on deferred assessments shall be at the rate set
by the Council in its resolution adopting the assessment
roll, and such interest shall be added to the amount
deferred and shall be paid in accordance with Minnesota
Statute 435.195 and this resolution.
Passed this 22nd day of December, 1997.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Peterson
Jones
All ayes
Mayor Joseph Sturdevant
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Software Support A~reement with Business Records Corporation
The Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter
into a three-year software support agreement with Business
Records Corporation for maintenance of financial software
packages at a cost not to exceed $24,!35, billed annually at
$8,045 per year.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 10
Resolution No. 97-76 Beinq a Resolution Increasinq Income
Guidelines
The reading of the resolution was waived there being ample
copies available for the public.
RESOLUTION NO. 97-76
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING SENIOR CITIZEN ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS
FOR REFUSE, SEWAGE DISPOSAL AND WATER SUPPLY UTILITY RATES
WHEREAS, the City Council has previously established
eligibility standards for senior citizens for refuse service,
disposal, and water supply; and
WHEREAS, it has been the City's practice to maintain uniform
eligibility standards whenever possible;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Columbia Heights
as follows:
1. That anyone over 62 years of age with a maximum household
income of $16,800 will be eligible for reduced rates.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the above eligibility standard be
effective January 1, 1998.
Passed this 22nd day of December, 1998.
Offered by: Peterson
Seconded by: Jones
Roll call: All ayes
Mayor Joseph Sturdevant
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Final Payment for 40th Avenue Street Liqhts - Project #9718
The Council approved accepting the work for Municipal Project
#9718 (40th Avenue N.E. Replacement Lights) and authorized
final payment of $17,500 to Heights Electric, Inc. of Columbia
Heights, Mn.
Purchase of Modems from COP'S '96
The Council authorized the purchase of four Motorola MDT
radio/modems at a cost of $13,632 including tax. Funds to come
from the COP'S "96 federal grant fund #227.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 11
Final Payment for Sanitary Sewer Lininq
The Council approved accepting the work for sanitary sewer
lining, Municipal Project #9717 and authorized final payment
of $23,505 to Visu-Sewer Clean and Seal, Inc. of Pewaukee,
Wisconsin.
Final Payment for Municipal Project #9700 (1997 Misc.
Concrete)
The Council approved accepting the work for Municipal Project
#9700 (1997 Miscellaneous Concrete) and authorized final
payment of $24,645.85 to Gunderson Brothers Company, Inc. of
Minneapolis, Mn.
First and Second Readin~ of Ordinance No. 1368 Bein~ an
EmerGency Ordinance Reqardin~ Authorization of Councilmember
to Represent the City Under Certain Conditions and
Circumstances
The reading of the ordinance was waived there being ample
copies available for the public.
ORDINANCE NO. 1368
BEING AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE REGARDING AUTHORIZATION OF A
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCILMEMBER
TO REPRESENT THE CITY
WHEREAS:
In the future, the Mayor may be unavailable because
of health reasons; and
WHEREAS:
The business of the City includes signatures of the
Mayor and City representatives for agreements,
contracts and other documents; and
WHEREAS:
To facilitate the ease by which these signatures
are obtained.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that as long as there is a
need, a member of the Columbia Heights City Council is
authorized to sign documents for the City in a capacity
similar to that of the Columbia Heights Mayor relative to City
business.
Adopted this 22nd day of December, 1997
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 12
Effective I.~Lediately
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Peterson
Jones
All ayes
Mayor Joseph Sturdevant
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Payment of Bills
The Council approved the payment of the bills as listed out of
proper funds.
ADDroval of Commercial License ADDlications/Denial of Taxicab
Driver ADDlications/ADDroval of Premise Permit Renewal
Applications
The Council approved the commercial license applications as
submitted by the Licensing Clerk.
The Council denied the application of Gregory Ulrich Emond for
a license to drive taxicab within the City of Columbia Heights
during 1998.
The Council denied the application of Anthony Williams for a
1998 license to drive a taxicab vehicle within the City of
Columbia Heights.
Jerome George Emond, an applicant for a taxicab driver
license, was in attendance at the Council Meeting. He
requested to be heard regarding the recommended denial of his
application by the Police Captain.
Mr. Emond stated his driving violations for the last year. He
noted he had taken a Defensive Driver's Course and would be
willing to take another. Discussion continued regarding the
safety of his passengers and requirements to report his
driving record on a regular basis.
Motion by Jones, second by Peterson to approve the license
application of Jerome George Emond to drive a taxicab within
the City of Columbia Heights during the license year of 1998
with approval being conditioned upon the following: the
licensee check with the Police Department monthly regarding
his driving record; the licensee take another defensive
driving course; the licensee report any (ticketed or tagged)
driving violations to the Police Department immediately; and,
the driving record of the licensee be evaluated by the Police
Department after six months of its issuance.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 13
Roll call: Jones, Peterson, Sturdevant - aye Jolly - nay
The Council directed the City Manager to forward a letter to
the State Charitable Gambling Control Board indicating that
the City of Columbia Heights has no objection to the renewal
of a Class B premise permit for VFW Post #230, 4444 Central
Avenue Northeast, and the Council waived the remainder of the
sixty day notice to the local governing board.
The Council directed the City Manager to forward a letter to
the State Charitable Gambling Control Board indicating that
the City of Columbia Heights has no objection to the renewal
of a Class B premise permit for VFW Post #230 in conjunction
with activities at KJ's Cafe and Sports Bar, 4005 Central
Avenue Northeast, and the City Council waived the remainder of
the sixty day notice to the local governing board.
Roll call on Consent Agenda: All ayes
5. RECOGNITION~ PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS AND GUESTS
The Mayor presented a plaque to Meg Jones in recognition of
her two years of service on the City Council.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
7. ITEMS FOR CONSIDEP, ATION
A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions
1) Resolution No. 97-78 Bein~ a Resolution Receiving Zone 3
Street Improvement Feasib!ity Report and Call for Public
Hearing
The Public Works Director reviewed all facets of the proposed
street improvements for Zone 3.
Counci!member Jolly suggested the unimproved alleys in the
City should be addressed soon. The Public Works Director
responded they will be considered in 1999.
Motion by Sturdevant, second by Peterson to waive the reading
of the resolution there being ample copies available for the
public. Roll call: All ayes
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 14
RESOLUTION NO. 97-78
BEING A RESOLUTION RECEIVING THE REPORT ON STREET IMPROVEMENTS
IN ZONE 3 WITH COMPLETE RECONSTRUCTION, RECYCLED BASE ANDNEW
SURFACE, AND MILLING AND OVERLAY AND CALLING FOR A HEARING ON
SAID IMPROVEMENTS
WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolutions 97-67, 97-68, and 97-69
adopted by the Council on November 24, 1997, a report has been
prepared by Mr. Kevin Hansen, City Engineer, with the
following improvements:
Complete Reconstruction
East Upland Crest: North Upland Crest to Fairway Drive
Forest Drive: East Upland Crest to West Upland Crest
Highland Place, East Upland Crest to West Upland Crest
Recycled Base and New Bituminous Surface
Ivanhoe Place: Maiden Lane to Cul-De-Sac
Heights Drive: 45th Avenue to Fairway Drive
Golf Place: Chatham Road to Heights Drive
Mulcare Drive: Polk Place to Pierce Terrace
Polk Place: Pierce Terrace to 50th Avenue
Polk Circle: Polk Place to Cul-De-Sac
Millinq and Bituminous Overlay
Johnson Street: Innsbruck Parkway to Lincoln Terrace
Lincoln Terrace: Pierce Terrace to Tyler Street
Buchanan Place: Pierce Terrace to Fillmore Street
50th Avenue: Fillmore Street to Central Avenue
Pierce Terrace: Polk Place to Municipal Boundary
Molan Terrace: Lincoln Terrace to Cul-De-Sac
Fillmore Street: Pierce Terrace to 49th Avenue
Buchanan Street: Pierce Terrace to Municipal Boundary
and this report was received by the Council on December 22,
1997 and
WHEREAS, the report provides information regarding whether the
proposed project is necessary, cost-effective and feasible,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council will consider
the improvement of such streets in accordance with the report
and the assessment of abutting property (street feet) as well
as non-abutting property on the closest intersecting street
(avenue feet) for all or a portion of the cost of the
improvement pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429 at an
estimated total cost of the improvement of $1,162,700.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 15
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a Public Hearing shall be held
on such proposed improvements on the 27th day of January 1998
in the Council Chambers, 590 40th Avenue N.E. at 7:00 p.m. and
the City Manager shall give mailed and published notice of
such hearing and improvement as required by law.
Dated this 22nd day of December, 1998.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Sturdevant
Peterson
Ail ayes
Mayor Joseph Sturdevant
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
CERTIFICATION
State of Minnesotas
County of Anoka
City of Columt>ia Heights
I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution is a true and
correct copy cf a resolution presented to and adopted by the
City Council of Columbia Heights at a meeting thereof held in
the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, on the 22nd day of
December, 1997, as disclosed by the records of said City in my
possession.
Jo-Anne Student
Deputy City Clerk
2) Resolution No. 97-80 Beinq a Resolution AuthorizinG the
Rebudcetinc of $30,000 for Portable Aerators on LaBel!e Pond
Councilmember Peterson viewed this rebudgeting as a
"carryover" procedure. He recalled this practice as having
been abandoned. The Finance Director advised him the practice
had been stopped about six years ago. This rebudgeting was
being viewed as being done on a very limited basis.
Councilmember Jolly inquired about $80,000 which had been
applied for on. a grant basis. The Mayor responded that it had
not been approved but the City will re-apply.
Motion by Peterson, second by Jones to waive the reading of
the resolution there being .ample copies available for the
public. Roi! call: Al! ayes
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 16
RESOLUTION NO. 97-80
BEING A RESOLUTION AMENDING 1998 BUDGET FOR CARRYOVER
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia
Heights as follows:
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights on
December 22, 1997, passed Resolution No. 97-77 adopting a
budget for 1998 and amending the budget for 1997; and
WHEREAS, $30,000 for portable aerators on LaBelle Pond was
projected to be expended in the 1997 budget will not be
incurred until 1998,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City
of Columbia Heights that the 1998 Capital Improvements - Park
Budget be amended by the followin~ increase with the increase
coming from the 1997 reserved and designated fund balance:
Park Capital Improvement Fund $30,000
Passed this 22nd day of December, 1997.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Peterson
Jones
All ayes
Mayor Joseph Sturdevant
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
B. Bid Considerations
None
C. Other Business
1) Workers' ComDensation Insurance
The Finance Director explained the City's experience with its
workers' compensation carrier from the previous year. He noted
that the quality of service from St. Paul Companies has been
very favorable. There also have been significant premium
decreases primarily due to improved experience in fewer
workers' compensation claims.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 17
Motion by Jones, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and
City Manager to enter into an agreement with St. Paul
Companies for workers' compensation coverage under the
standard premium plan at a cost of $68,437. Roll call: Ail
ayes
2) Extension of GIS Ranqe Rider Contract
Motion by Jolly, second by Peterson to approve an extension to
the GIS Joint Powers Agreement and authorize the Mayor and
City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Roll
call: All ayes
3) Authorization to Purchase a 3/4 Ton 4 x 4 Pickup
The Mayor recalled that the previous request to purchase this
truck was refused.
Counci!member Jolly felt the price was very good and that
other uses for the truck could be found. He requested that
future truck purchase requests have the history of repair and
service data attached for the truck which is being replaced.
Motion by Jolly, second by Peterson to authorize staff to
purchase a 3/4 ton, 8,600 lb. GVW 4x4 pickup, equipped with a
7'6" Western Plow package off the 1998 Hennepin County
Contract #4204A7, from Grossman Chevrolet with funds to be
taken from the Capitol Equipment Replacement Fund 0431-43121-
5150 not to exceed $22,913.00 plus tax.
Roll call: Jolly, Peterson - aye Jones, Sturdevant nay
Motion fails.
4) ADDroval of ADDointments to the Youth Inititaive Commission
Matt Linngren, the Commission Facilitator, advised that
nineteen applications have been received. A meeting has been
scheduled for January 6, 1998 at 7:00 in John P. Murzlrn Ha!l.
At this point in time, no applications have been received from
Immaculate Conception School. Counci!member Jolly will contact
the Home and School Association at ICC.
Motion by Jolly, second by Peterson to appoint the twelve
applicants as noted on the attached list to serve on the Youth
Initiative Commission. Roll call: All ayes
REG~ COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 18
The twelve commissioners and their grade levels are as
follows: 7th grade, Sarah Dorff; 8th grade, Tammie McInnis and
Sara Latzke, 9th grade, Josie Burmeister and Lindsey Burgoyne;
10th grade, Tim Wellman and Brad Worcester; llth grade,
Melissa Ann Conard, Betsy Martin and Carissa Davidson; and,
12th grade, Jennifer Pajak and Nikki Wakal.
5) Moratorium Request
The resident at 3741 Reservoir Boulevard presented a written
request for a moratorium on rezoning residential property in
the City to business, commercial or industrial. It was the
desire of those supporting the request that this moratorium
remain until the Minnesota Design Team evaluation had been
completed and the City's Comprehensive Plan had been revised
and approved.
Councilmember Jolly questioned whether or not this request
must be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission before
any action can be taken. The City Attorney stated this is not
a Charter requirement.
The resident at 3927 Reservoir Boulevard acknowledged this
moratorium request is specific to the rezoning request of the
Conoco Station located on 37th and Central Avenues. She felt
it could be delayed until the other factors mentioned, the
Design Team and the Comprehensive Plan, had presented their
findings and recommendations.
Councilmember Jones questioned whether a six month delay would
make a difference to the station project.
Motion by Jones to request a moratorium on rezoning
residential property in the City to business, commercial or
industrial until the Minnesota Design Team evaluation has been
completed.
The City Attorney advised that a response from the City to the
Conoco application must be received within sixty days. Their
application for rezoning had been submitted on December 12,
1997. He felt the days had begun to toll as of that date.
Councilmember Peterson stated he felt it was unfair to change
the rules of the game after the game had started. He was
referring to placing a moratorium on rezoning issues after
such a rezoning request had been received. He inquired why the
residents had waited to make this request.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 19
The resident at 3741 Reservoir Boulevard had understood the
owners of the Conoco Station intended to wait to make this
request until later in the Spring. She also felt the residents
in the area of the station should have been notified of the
request. Staff felt that the timeframe of receiving the
request (December 12, 1997) and the opportunity to advise
residents was significantly short.
The City Attorney advised the Council that it would not be in
the best interest of the City to grant the moratorium. He
stated the matter should go to the Planning and Zoning
Commission so written Findings of Fact can be drafted if there
is a need to ~ithstand a court challenge.
Counci!member Jones withdrew her motion to
moratorium on rezoning of residential property.
request a
Counci!member Jolly recalled that there were many special
conditions placed on the project which were never addressed
because the rezoning request had failed to pass. He felt these
conditions would clearly protect the interests of the
neighborhood.
The resident at 3927 Reservoir Boulevard again stated that the
area residents are not against the project but are opposed to
the rezoning.
Counci!member Peterson stated his recollection regarding
following the Comprehensive Plan. His recollection is that the
corner where the Conoco Station is located is marked on the
plan for expansion into the residential area.
Counci!member Jolly offered to speak to one of the station
owners regarding delaying the project until after the
Minnesota Design Team completes its work. The EDA Director
advised he has spoken to one of the owners about a delay and
it was rejected as was holding another informational meeting.
The owner felt a delay would serve no useful purpose and he
wanted the application to proceed.
The resident at 1221 39th Avenue suggested that the Council
had the authority to delay any rezoning if it so chose. She
requested the City Attorney to review the timeframes for the
project if it proceeds.
Councilmember Jones requested the City Attorney to advise the
property owners'opposed to the rezoning as to'how to proceed
after the rez0ning ordinance is approved.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 20
The City Attorney reviewed the process for an initiative
petition, its presentation to the City Council and a
referendum to the community as a whole.
Councilmember Jolly still felt there would be a possibilty of
delay and offered to address this issue in writing with one of
the Conoco owners.
Motion by Jolly to request Jeff Bahe to withdraw the rezoning
application and delay the process until the Minnesota Design
Team and consultants have finished their work.
The City Attorney felt approval of this motion would be ill-
advised in that it may suggest that some members of the
Council had made up their minds on this matter without the
appropriate process. Me stated that individual councilmembers
can act but he did not recommend this action on behalf of the
entire Council.
Councilmember Jolly withdrew his motion.
Discussion followed regarding how property owners in the area
could be notified of any meetings which would include the
matter of the Conoco rezoning. The EDA Director reviewed all
of the measures which will be taken so notification can be
done on a timely basis.
8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A. Report of the City Manaqer
The City Manager advised that the Library roof is repaired. He
also wished everyone happy holidays.
B. Report of the City Attorney
The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time.
9. GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
A. Minutes of Board and Commission Meetinqs
Minutes of the following board and commission meetings were
included in the agenda packet for the Council's information:
1) December 2, 1997 Library Board of Trustees
2) December 2, 1997 Planning and Zoning Commission
3) November 18, 1997 Economic Development Authority
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 22, 1997
PAGE 21
10. CITIZENS FORUM TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA
The resident at 3809 Reservoir Boulevard inquired if there are
any problems with lead in the City's water. He referred to an
insert in his utility bill which mentioned the lead content in
water.
Councitmember Jolly advised residents to let their water tap
run for a brief time before using the water. The potential for
problems is with the piping into the house not with the water
itself. He referred any residents with questions to contact
the Public Works Department Superintendent for additional
information.
11. AIDJOLrR_NrMENT
Motion by Peterson, second by Jones to adjourn the meeting at
!0:i0 p.m. Roll call: All ayes
Mayor Joseph Sturdevant
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary