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