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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 8, 1997OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATION, VOLUNTEER DIVISION DECEMBER 8, 1997 o CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 8:30 p.m. by Mayor Sturdevant. Mayor Sturdevant and Counci!members Jones, Jolly, Ruettimann and Peterson were present. APPROVL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 27, 1997 Motion by Ruettimann, second by Jones to approve the minutes of the October 27, 1997 Board of Trustees Meeting, Volunteer Division. Roll call: All ayes RELIEF ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP TERMINATION Motion by Peterson, second by Sturdevant to terminate the membership of Dana A. Alexon from the Volunteer Division of the Fire Department and from the Volunteer Division Relief Association effective December 1, 1997. Roll call: All ayes ADJOLrRAZ~ENT Motion by Jones, second by Peterson to adjourn the Board of Trustees Meeting at 8:32 p.m. Roll call: Ail ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 8, 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 Two agenda items were removed from the Consent Agenda: Establish Dates for Council Work Sessions and Resolution No. 97-73 Beinq a Resolution Chanqinq the Date of a Reqular Council Meetinq CONSENT AGENDA. The following items are considered routine by the City Council and are enacted as part of the Consent Agenda by one motion: AdoDt Council Minutes The Council approved the minutes of the November 24, Regular Council Meeting as presented. 1997 Resolution No. 97-74 Beinq a Resolution Desiqnatinq DeDositories for Funds of the City of Columbia Heights The reading of the resolution was waived there being ampte· copies available for the public. RESOLUTION NO. 97-74 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES ANDSAFE DEPOSIT ACCESS FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that Northeast State Bank, Norwest Bank, and First Bank National Association are hereby designated as depositories of the funds of this corporation. IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that checks, drafts, or other withdrawal orders issued against the funds of this corporation on deposit with said banks shall be signed by the following: Mayor City Manager Clerk-Treasurer REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1997 PAGE 2 and that said banks are hereby fully authorized to pay and charge to the account of this corporation any checks, drafts, or other withdrawal orders. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Northeast State Bank, Norwest Bank, and First Bank National Association as designated depositories of the corporation be and it is hereby requested, authorized and directed to honor checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money drawn on this corporation's name, including those drawn to the individual order of any. person or persons whose name or names appear thereon as signer or signers thereof, when bearing or purporting to bear the facsimile signatures of the following: Mayor City Manager Clerk-Treasurer and that Northeast State Bank, Norwest Bank, and First Bank National Association shall be entitled to honor and to charge this corporation for all such checks, drafts or other orders, regardless by whom or by what means the facsimile signature or signatures thereon may have been affixed thereto, if such facsimile signature or signatures resemble the facsimile specimens duly certified to or filed with the Banks by the City Clerk or other officer of his corporation. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any and all resolutions, heretofore adopted by the City Council of the corporation and certified to as governing the operation of this corporation's account(s) with it, be and are hereby continued in full force and effect, except as the same may be supplemented or modified by the foregoing part of this resolution. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all transactions, if any relating to deposits, withdrawals, re-discounts and borrowings by or on behalf of this corporation with said banks prior to the adoption of this resolution be, and the same hereby are, in all things ratified, approved and confirmed. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any bank or savings and loan located in the State of Minnesota may be used as depositories for investment purposes so long as the investments comply with authorized investments as set forth in Minnesota Statutes. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any brokerage firm located in the State of Minnesota may be used as a depository for investment purposes so long as the investments comply with the authorized investments as set forth in Minnesota .Statutes. REGULAR COLINCIL MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1997 PAGE 3 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the signatures of any one of the following named City employees are required for access to safe deposit boxes: Finance Director City Manager Assistant Finance Director Accounting Coordinator Passed this 8th day of December, 1997. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Jones Ail ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Desiqnatinq an Official Newspaper for 1998 The Council designated Focus News as the official City newspaper for 1998 and authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with Focus News for required publications. Payment of Bills The Council approved the payment of the bills as listed out of proper funds. Approval of License Applications The Council approved the license applications as listed and approved the rental housing license applications as referred to in the December 4, 1997 memo from Fire Chief Kewatt. Roll call on Consent Agenda: Ail ayes Establish Dates for Council Work Sessions This item had been removed from the Consent Agenda by Councilmember Jolly. One of the dates being suggested for a work session was January 5, 1998. Councilmember Jolly noted that January 5th is the first Monday of the month. The Traffic Commission meets on the first Monday of the month so there is a potential for a conflict. Two members of the Council serve on the Traffic Commission. After some discussion, January 7th was selected as a date for a Council work session. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1997 PAGE 4 Motion by Jones, second by Ruettimann to establish Wednesday, January 7, 1998 and Monday, January 19, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. as dates and times for City Council work sessions. Roll call: All ayes Resolution No. 97-73 Being a Resolution ChanGinG the Date of a Reqular Council Meetinq Approval of Resolution No. 97-73 would change the December 22, 1997 Council Meeting to December 15, 1997. The Council work session scheduled for December 15, 1997 would be cancelled. Councilmember Jolly felt this change would place a strain on staff to meet deadlines associated with regular council meetings. The City Manager addressed this concern as well as others with the proposed change. He stated he had contacted staff in the Police Department, Fire Department and Licensing Department regarding the impact this change would have. The Mayor felt the Council Meeting should remain scheduled for December 22nd and there should be a work session on December 15th to discuss the budget exclusively. Both the Mayor and Councilmember Ruettimann had concerns with approving a budget next week without having more discussion. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Jones to schedule a Council work session for December 15, 1997 at 7:00 p.m. and to hold a Regular Council Meeting as scheduled on December 22, 1997 at 7:00 p.m. Roll call: All ayes 5. RECOGNTION, PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, GUESTS Introduction of Newly-Hired Employees The following new employees were introduced to the Council: Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director/City Engineer Dana Alexon, Assistant Fire Chief Alan Hancock, Engineering Tech III Laurie Breckenitch, Accounting Clerk II - Utilities 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Close Public Hearinq ReqardinG Rental Licenses Motion by Sturdevant, second by Jolly to close the public hearings for the following properties in that the owners have .met the provisions of the Housing Maintenance Code: REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1997 PAGE 5 Lisa Kelly, 5031 Jefferson Street; Gladys Erie, 1001 42 1/2 Avenue; and, Bonnie O'Donnell, 621-23 51st Avenue. Roll call: All ayes B. Public Hearinq and Second Readinq of Ordinance No. 1367 Beinq an Ordinance Prohibitinq Conduct on Park Property Motion by Peterson, second by Jones to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes ORDINANCE NO. 1367 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, PROHIBITING CONDUCT ON PARK PROPERTY Currently, the ordinance reads as follows: Chapter 10, Article II, Section I: 10.201(1) No person shall park, be or remain in, or leave any vehicle in the park or parkway, between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless said vehicle is otherwise authorized to remain in a park. is herewith amended to read as follow: 10.201(1) No person shall park, be or remain in any park or parkway, or park or leave any vehicle in the park or parkway, between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless said person or vehicle is otherwise authorized to remain in a park. First Reading: Second Reading: Date of Passage: November 24, 1997 December 8, 1997 December 8, 1997 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Peterson Jones All ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary C. Public Hearinq/Resolution No. 97-71 Reqardinq Revocation of Rental License REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1997 PAGE 6 The resolution was not read in that the owner complied with the Housing Maintenance Code and paid the $160.00 in outstanding fees. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Jolly to close the public hearing and approve the rental license for property at 3732-34 Third Street owned by Dale Frenzel as the Housing Maintenance Code has been complied with. Roll call: All ayes 7. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions None Bid Considerations Nona C. Other Business 1) Purchase of Unmarked Police Vehicle Motion by Jolly, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to spend up to $17,000, plus tax, in order to purchase a replacement mid-sized automobile to be used as an administrative vehicle in the Police Department. Funds for this purchase to come from the fall auction proceeds and the remaining funds from Undesignated Fund Balance in the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund. Roll call: All ayes 2) Hiring CSO Grant Position For clarification, it was explained that the funds associated. with this position stay with the position and do not follow the person in the position if he/she takes another position. Also, this position remains only if there are funds available. There was some discussion regarding the use of a CSO at Top Valu Liquor on Central Avenue which had been past practice. Motion by Jones, second by Sturdevant to approve the hiring of the full time grant position for community s~rvice officer with funding to come from the COP'S MORE '96 federal grant. Roll call: Alll ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1997 PAGE 7 3) Establishment of Comprehensive Plan Citizen Advisory Committee Councilmember Ruettimann inquired what timeframe is being looked at to select this committee. The EDA Director responded that the committee should be formed relatively soon as December 29th is the date being considered for interviewing the consultants. It is hoped that the committee's recommendation for a consultant can be made at a January 1998 Council Meeting. Councilmember Ruettimann stated he is hopeful that the selection process will take a longer period of time and the representation can accurately reflect the entire city. The budget totals $31,000 or more. The EDA Director reviewed the sources of funding. Mayor Sturdevant requested the EDA Director to identify the line item number for these funds in the budget. Motion by Jolly, second by Peterson to authorize the establishment of the Comprehensive Plan Citizen Advisory Committee consisting of interested volunteers to assist in the 1) Planning Consultant selection process; 2) review preparation, and adoption of an updated Comprehensive Plan; and, 3) rewrite of the Zoning Ordinance. Roll call: All ayes 4) 1998 Applications for CDBG Funds Counci!member Ruettimann inquired as to the accountability of each organization requesting funding regarding its budget and funding received. The EPA Director responded that each organization is requested to submit a copy of its proposed budget and these are very carefully scrutinized by the Human Services Commission. An error in math was noted on the total of the funding being requested by the public service agencies. This will be corrected. The EDA Director will have the information regarding expenditures associated with the Housing Rehabilitation Program for the December 22, 1997 Council Meeting. Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to set the public hearing at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 1998 for consideration and public comment on the 1998 CDBG Program Application. Roll call: All.ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1997 PAGE 8 Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to direct staff to forward public service agency proposals to the Human Services Commission for review and submittal of a recommendation for funding to the City Council on or about January 15, 1998; and furthermore, to approve the allocation for the housing rehabilitation program of $70,000 and commercial revitalization program the remaining balance for discussion at the public hearing on the proposed 1998 CDBG Application for funding. Roll call: All ayes Siqnage at Sullivan Lake Park Councilmember Ruettimann is of the opinion that the signage at Sullivan Lake Park is confusing. There are over forty signs. He suggested that some clarification be made to the signage with a schematic which addresses activity areas. 8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS A. Report of the City Manager The City Manager reminded members of the Council of the Truth In Taxation Hearing scheduled for December 10, 1997 at 7:00 p.m. He noted that most homes in the City will receive a decrease in their taxes but that some homes valued under $75,000 may have an increase. B. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. 9. GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS A. Minutes of Boards and Commissions Copies of minutes from the following meetings were included in the agenda packet for Council information: 1) November 20, 1997 Joint Meeting of City Council and Telecommunications Commission 2) October 16, 1997 Charter Commission Meeting 3) November 19, 1997 Park and Recreation Commission Meeting REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1997 PAGE 9 10. CITIZENS FORUM TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA The resident at 701 50 1/2 Avenue thanked Councilmember Ruettimann for his interest in the signage at Sullivan Lake Park and requesting its clarification. This resident had another concern which perception that the level of service in diminished over the last year. focused on her the City has She referred to the City's organizational chart which reflects that the City Manager is accountable to the City Council. The resident suggested that some mechanism be established by the Council for residents to evaluate the City Manager's performance. Currently, if a resident wants to discuss the City Manager's performance it can only be done with a member of the Council. She also felt there was a need to update the job description for the City Manager position. The last time it was updated was in 1974. It was also her desire that elected officials in the City be held accountable for demonstrating the seven values of the Values 1st Program. This resident did some salary comparab!es for the City Manager's position and specifically addessed the comparable position in the City of Blaine. She feels the salary for the position is being paid for knowledge, skills and abilities. She wants to be shown value for the money paid to the City Manager. She suggested that the Strategi~ Plan be updated and published annually so residents can be kept informed. It was her understanding it had not been updated since July of 1995. Councilmember Ruettimann stated he agrees with ninety percent of what the resident said. He does feel that a price tag cannot be put on a City Manager. He also felt it was the responsibility of the City Council to evaluate the City Manager's peformance. The City Manager stated he also agrees with ninety percent of what this resident said. He feels he brings a value resume to the City and has a focus on redevelopment. He agrees that there is a need for objective standards for the evaluation of the City Manager position. He will check the comparables cited by this resident. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1997 PAGE 10 The City Manager advised that the Strategic Plan has been updated twice by division heads since he was hired. It will be done again soon. 11. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Sturdevant, second by Ruettimann to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Roll call: All ayes -A~n~ Student ,' 'COtlncil ,~ayor ~joSeph Sturdevant Secretary