HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 8, 1997CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIG~S
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER $, 1997
7P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER/APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY PRO TEM
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by Mayor Joseph Smrdevant. Carole Blowers was
appointed Secretary Pro Tem.
The Commencement of Cablecasting of Regular Meeting on Television began.
Mayor Sturdevant, Councilmembers Jones, Jolly, Peterson, and Ruettimann were present.
3.. PLEDGE OF ALLE.OIANCE
4._, ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA - None.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
~!otion by Bob Ruettimann, seconded by Gary Peterson to adopt the following Consent Agenda
items as listed below:
1) Establish Heating Dates for License Revocation. Rental Properties St 1206 Circle
Terrace Blvd. and 1407 Circle Terrace Blvd. (_Kurt Lowenthal)
Move to establish a hearing date of September 22, 1997, for revocation or
suspension o£a license to operate a rental property within the City of Columbia
Heights against the above-named property owner regarding their rental property.
2)
Appoint Kathyj'ean Young. Assistant City_ En~neer. as Acting City_ En~neer
Move to appoint the Assistant City Engineer, Kathyjean Young, as the Acting City
Engineer until such time as the position of City Engineer is filled.
3)
Authorize Attendance at Fleet Maintenance Training Course. October 6-10, 1997
Move to authorize the attendance of Barb Sandberg and Steve Synowczynski at
the Fleet Maintenance Windows Training Course October 6-10, 1997, by DP
Solutions, Inc., in Greensboro, North Carolina, and that all related expenses be
reimbursed from funds 702-49950-3105 and 701-49950-3320.
4)
Authorize Contract with NSP to Collect Fluorescent Bulbs
Move to authorize the Mayor and City Council to enter into a contract with NSP
for the collection of spent fluorescent bulbs from residential and small businesses in
Columbia Heights and surrounding communities served by NSP. Expenses related
to this collection will be reimbursed by Northern States Power Company.
CiTY COUNCIL MINUTES
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 8, 1997
PAGE 2
5)
Authorize Staffto Seek Ouotations for Replacement of Alley Guard Rail
Move to authorize staff'to seek quotations for replacement of the guard rail in the
alley between Taylor Street and Fillmore Street from 45th Avenue to 46* Avenue
and funds be appropriated from 101-43121.
6)
Payment of the Bills
Move to pay the bills as listed out of proper funds.
7)
License Applications
Move to approve the license applications as listed.
As the minutes of the August 25, 1997, City Council meeting were not available for approval at
tonight's meeting, this item was removed from the consent agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
RECOGNITION, PROCLAMATIONS. PRESENTATIONS, GUESTS
A. Officer Tim Bowe Memorial Week, September 8 to September 13, 1997
Mayor Sturdevant stated that Governor Carlson has proclaimed September 8-13 as Tim
Bowe Memorial Week. Officer Bowe died while on duty on June 7, 1997. Officer Bowe
will also be honored at the high school football game on Friday. He was #22 on the team
there.
Introduction of Judy Menth, New Police Officer
Chief Tom Johnson administered the oath of office to new police officer, Judy Menth.
Judy is the first .female officer on the Columbia Heights Police Department.
7. PUBLIC I-~AKINGS
A. Second Reading of Ordinance #1354, Regarding the Sale of 4613-15 Pierce Street
ORDINANCE NO. 1354
Being an Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977,
Authorizing to Convey Certain Real Estate Located at 4613-15 Pierce Street N.E.
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Section 1: The City of Columbia Heights may convey onto Quality Checked Construction,
the real property described as follow, to wit:
That part of South 60 feet of North 180 feet of Lot 15, Block 1, Sheffield
Subdivision, Anoka County, Minnesota.
CITY COUNCIL MINLrrES
lv~ETING OF SEPYElvfBER §, 199'7
PAGE 3
Section 2:
The Mayor and City Manager are herewith authorized to execute deeds to
effectuate the conveyance of said real estate subject to the terms, purchase price,
and conditions specified in the attached agreement labeled "Exhibit A".
Section 3:
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after
its passage.
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Date of Passage:
August 25, 1997
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Carole Blowers, Secretary Pro-Tem
Joseph Sturdevant, Mayor
Motion by Gary Peterson, seconded by Meg Jones to waive the second reading of the
ordinance, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Gary Peterson, seconded by Meg Jones to adopt Ordinance #1354, an
ordinance amending Ordinance #853, City Code of 1977. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEMS FOR CONS!DE]L~TION
A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions
1) Resolution Adopting a Proposed Budget, Setting the City, ED& and HRA
Proposed Lecal Levy, and Establislfing a Budget Hearing Date for Property Taxes
Payable in 1998
RESOLUTION 97-47
Resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota
Adopting a Proposed Budget, Setting the City, HKA, and EDA Proposed Local Levy,
and Establishing a Budget Hearing Date for Property Taxes Payable in 1998
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.
CITY COUNCIl. MINUI~S
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 8, 1997
PAGE 4
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.
General Fund
Community Development Admin.
CDBG/HOME
Parkview Villa North
Parkview Villa South
EDA
Section 8 Housing
Rental Property
State Aid
Cable Television Fund
Library
Dare Project
Police Grant
Fast Cops
Capital Improvements Fund
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
Total Expense Including Interfund Transfers
Expense
7,699,775
229,266
321,231
289,327
158,913
1,061,865
301,434
51,287
83,192
142,159
149,252
493,129
8,950
84,240
56,371
883,000
157,500
659,505
374,892
6,246,753
1,384,455
1,204,914
1,435,539
414,000
332,541
153,213
125,000
~,401,910
26,903,613
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.
7,699,775
229,266
crtT COUNCIl, MINUTES
1VIEETINO OF SEPTEMBER 8, 199'7
PAGE 5
CDGB/HOME
Parkview VilJa North
Parkview Villa South
EDA
Section 8 Housing
Rental Property
State Aid
Cable Television Fund
Library
Dare Project
Police Grant
Fast Cops
Capital Improvements Fund
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
Total Revenue Including Interfund Transfers
321,231
289,327
158,913
1,061,865
301,434
51,287
83,192
142,159
149,252
493,129
8,950
84,240
56,371
883,000
157,500
659,505
374,892
6,246,753
1,384,455
1,204,914
1,435,539
414,000
332,541
153,213
125,000
2.401,910
26,903,613
Section C.
the taxable property in said City of Columbia Heights, for the following purposes:
Estimated Area-Wide
Estimated General Fund Levy
Estimated Library Fund Levy
Estimated EDA Fund Levy
Estimated Special Levy
Total Proposed Levy
The following sums of money are levied for the current year, collectable in 1998, upon
847,632
1,745,372
443,145
99,000
66,285
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.
CITY COUNCIL M]NIYrEs
MEETnqG OF SEPTEMBER 8, 1997
PAGE 6
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA: That the budget hearing shall be held on December 10th, at 7:00 P.M.
in the City Council Chambers.
The City Clerk is hereby instructed to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the County
Auditor of Anoka County, Minnesota.
Approved this 8th day of September 1997.
Offered By:
Seconded By:
Roll Call:
Joseph S. Sturdevant, Mayor
Carole Blowers, Secretary Pro-Tem
Motion by Don Jolly, seconded by Meg Jones, to waive the reading of the
resolution, there being ample copies available for the public.
Motion by Don Jolly, seconded by Meg Jones to adopt Resolution 97-47, Being a
Resolution Adopting a Proposed Budget, Setting the City, HKA, and EDA Proposed
Local Levy, and Establishing a Budget Hearing Date for property taxes payable in 1998,
with the total levy set at $3,201,434 and the Truth in Taxation hearing date of December
10, 1997. Motion passed unanimously.
Bid Considerations
1) Award Contract for Manhole Rehabilitation to Visu-Sewer
Mark Winson, Public Works Director, explained that there were three locations
that were involved for this work: 38~ & 3rd; 38~ & 2 1/2, & 43ra and Quincy.
There were two bids received for the project. The total for all three locations is
$7,800.00.
Motion by Bob Ruettimann, seconded by Joseph Sturdevant, to accept the
proposal of Visu-Sewer for the rehabilitation of three manholes based on their
proposal of August 5, 1997, in estimated amount of $7,800.00; and furthermore,
to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same,
funding to be from the Sewer Capital Improvement Fund 652-49499-5130.
Motion passed unanimously.
crrY COUNCIL MINUTES
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER $, 199'7
PAGE 7
2) Award RetMnLng Wall Construction
Mark Winson, Public Works Director, explained that this is retaining wall work
that needs to be done along state aid routes within the fight of ways. Individual
property owners are picking up the additional cost of work to be done on their
private property. Two bids were received for this project.
Motion by Meg Jones, seconded by Bob Ruettimanrg to award the retaining wall
construction on 44e Avenue and 40m Avenue, Municipal Project #9530 and #9606
to Sunram Construction, Inc. of Corcoran, Minnesota, based upon their low,
responsible, qualified bid in the mount of $46,573.60 to be appropriated from
Fund 402; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter
into an agreement for the same. Motion passed unanimously.
Other Business
1) Request for Variance for Second Free Standing Sign ~4001 Central, Columbia
Heights Mall
Tina Goodroad, Planner for the Community Development Department, reviewed
the request from Patrick Fischer, Manager of the Columbia Heights Mall and the
history of signage at that location. The property currently has two non-
conforming signs.
Tina stated that there were two suggested motions before the Council tonight, one
to approve (with restrictions), and one to deny. The motion to approve with
restrictions was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Patrick Fisher was also present, and spoke to the Council about the request and
the reasoning behind it. After further discussion, a motion was made by Gary
Peterson, seconded by Bob Ruettimann, to approve a second freestanding sign to
be located along Central Avenue at 4001 Central Avenue limited to seventy-five
(75) square f~et and it must be located 150 feet from existing identification sign.
The existing freestanding sign located at the north end of the mall must be
removed. Motion passed.
2)
St. Timothy's Project
a) Second Reading of Ordinance #1351, Being an Ordinance Amending
Ordinance #853, City Code of 1977
ORDINANCE NO. 1351
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853 PERTAEq]2qG TO
THE REZON]NG OF CERTAIN PROPERTY
CITY COUlqCIL MINIJTES
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 8, 1997
PAGE 8
Section 1:
That certain property legally described as the West 224 feet of the following
described property: Lots 7 and 8, Auditor's Subdivision No. 51, except the North
3.6 acres thereof, Anoka County, Minnesota, which is currently zoned R-2, One
and Two Family Residemial, shall hereafter be zoned R-3, Multiple Family
Residential.
Section 2:
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and thirty (3'0) days after iis
passage.
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Date of Passage:
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Mayor Joseph Smrdevant
Carole Blowers, Secretary Pro Tem
Tina Goodroad, Planner for the Community Development Department, reviewed
the history and reasons for the proposal rezoning request. The first reading of this
ordinance was held on August 11, 1997. In summary, a three story, 70 unit senior
housing.apartment is proposed by Nedegaard Construction to be built on property
owned by St. Timothy's Church. The proposal also includes a 32 stall
underground facility. Mary T., Inc. will be the managers of the property. Tina
explained the rezoning to R-3, Multiple Family Residemial, is necessary in order to
build this type of structure.
Items that were discussed at the first reading (such as parking problems, no
parking signs, landscaping, lighting, private road access, and traffic generation)
have been addressed by the builder and were discussed this evening.
The following people spoke at the podium:
Pat Doyle, 4920 Jackson (who felt that a three story building is too high for the
area; the church is nineteen feet high; the senior housing complex is twenty-seven
feet high--and thirty-five feet to the peak)
Bill Kemp, SEE Architects & Engineering-architects for the project (who
discussed traffic statistics (140-210 trips/day per average expected with this new
unit; residemial home averages 10 trips/day)
Bruce Nedegaard, builder (who discussed sodium lighting & current lighting at
CITY COUNCIL MINIYI'ES
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 8, 1997
PAGE 9
the tennis court)
Sherril Lamont, 5007 Washington (who discussed parking and traffic concerns;
police and fire calls per months; and overuse of the park by senior citizens).
Councilmember Ruettimann responded with information on police/fire calls from
Crestview, Reservoir, and Royce Place.
Mary Jo Tjosvold from Mary T, Inc. --proposed manager for this project and
also manages at least five more (who responded to some of these concerns; also
discussed unit Nedegaard Construction recently built in New Brighton (R/ce
Creek)--this has 72 units on 2-3 acres; stated that the building needs to be of this
size to give the people who will live there the accommodations they want); also
compared this project to Margaret Place in Coon Rapids also built by Mr.
Nedegaard.
Walt Horishnyk, 5055 Madison (who definitely felt the building was too high;
questioned the use of this land; asked what other kind of land is available in the
city for senior housing like this)
Dick Lindman, 718 50 ½ Avenue N.E. (who didn't feel the value of his property
would go down because of the proposed senior housing unit and was in favor of
the proposed project because it is attractive and functional and he will still be able
to live in Columbia Heights and attend the church)
Ron Davidson, 700 51st Avenue N.E. (who questioned how long has this project
been in the works and how long did the city know about it) Tina replied that the
Planning and Zoning Commission first discussed it on July 18, 1997.
Kathy Hofstedt, 701 50 ½ Avenue N.E. (who thought the building is too big for
the lot; who expressed that the council needs to listen to the citizens and not give
them the thh'd degree; that the city should consider single family homes in this
area; who does not want this rezoning done)
Tom McQuarry, 609 51~t Avenue N.E. (who thought more people should have
been notified than those five hundred feet from the lot line of the proposed project;
who felt that more public input and public meetings were needed before the
council voted; that the building is too massive for that lot)
Mark Kowal, 818 51~t Avenue N.E. (who felt the council needed to listen to the
people; feels there would be the cramming too many people into too small an area;
wants the council to let citizens express their feelings)
Jane Halek, 4602 Fillmore (who uses the park all the time; felt that there were
too many units proposed; how about 30 units?; let the people decide on it; who
wanted to know if an impact statement on the surrounding neighbors was done).
Ken Anderson replied that an EIS and EAS was not required and not done. A
market survey that was done showed a need to have 258 units for senior housing.
Richard Fedje, VP of the St. Timothy's Church Council (who emphasized that
the church will be the closest neighbor to whatever project is built on their
property; the church is socially responsible when making the decision on this
project; give the church the opportunity to decide the future of their land;
CITY COUNC~. MINUTES
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 8, 1997
PAGE 10
confirmed that whatever project is built there will further the church's and
community's goals; that there will not be a McDonald's, a tire shop, or teen center
built there; the project will be one that will be the best use and interest of the
community and church; thanked the council for their willingness to hear all sides)
Kathy Helmke, President of St. Timothy's Church Council (reiterated that there
will not be a McDonald's, a tke shop, a teen center built there; the project will be
one that will best serve the needs of the community and church)
Sandy Davidson, 700 51't Avenue N.E. (who felt the building proposed is too
large for the lot; who discussed how much the rent will be at the senior housing
project (possibly $675-$890 per month) and who will be able to afford that with
the annual Columbia Heights senior citizen income average at $17,000 and has to
pay $200-$500 in medications a month; who also pointed out the Sullivan Lake
drainage problems; who stated the building is too big and there is not enough
parking spaces)
Harold Hoium, 431~-17-21 5'~ Street (who thought it was a good project for the
city--it will help pay lots of taxes and at the same time provide housing for people
who want to live here; people should come to council meetings to become
informed on what's going on)
Lee Stauch, 1155 Khyber Lane (who feels the park needs more parking spaces;
that the senior housing project would need to use 67 parking places from the
church (which would be a contractual agreement with the church and owners of
the building); that 25% of Columbia Heights is rental and we don't need any more)
Councilmember dosing comments:
Gary Peterson: It's a good idea to provide affordable senior housing. We have
good builder and a good owner/developer. Waiting list of 126 people right now.
Bob Ruettimann: Talked to 80% of the people involved by this project, and got the
further information as they requested. The project is in the best interest of the
community.
Don Jolly: He has no vested interest or personal gain to be made in this decision
even though he is a member of St. Timothy's Church.
Meg Jones: Likes the idea of a 55 and over senior center, but ifrezoning is passed,
there is no guarantee of 55 and over; stated concern over financing changes (Mary
T. stated there were no financing changes). Wanted to know if they passed
rezoning from R2 to R3 tonight, could it ever be reversed? (Tina stated yes)
Joe Sturdevant: Traffic and the size of the complex is a concern; waiting list for
seniors looking for this type of housing is real; Crestview is full and planning to
build on; St. Timothy's Church is a good neighbor.
CITY COUNCIL M]NLrIES
1VfEETING OF SEPTEMBER 8, 1997
PAGE 11
Motion by Mayor Sturdevant, seconded by Bob Ruettimann, to waive the second
reading of Ordinance No. 1351, amending Ordinance #853, City Code of 1977.
there being ample copies available to the public. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Mayor Sturdevant, seconded by Bob Ruettimann, to adopt Ordinance
No. 1351, amending Ordinance #853, City Code of 1977. Roll call vote: All Ayes.
Motion passed unanimously.
b) Site Plan Approval - 825 N.E. 51" Avenue
Tina Goodroad, Planner for the Community Development Department, reviewed
the facts for the site plan approval and contingencies, and indicated that #1 of the
conditions (approval of the lotsplit) has already been approved.
Motion by Don Jolly, seconded by Gary Peterson, to approve the site plan as it
meets appropriate zoning requirements provided the following contingencies are
completed prior to occupancy:
1. Approval of the first and second reading of Ordinance #1351
(rezoning of development property).
2. Parking agreement be prepared and approved by City Attorney and
filed with Anoka County in the form of a covenant.
3. Access easement to the Park Access Road (for Fire Department
purposes only) be approved by the Park and Recreation
Commission and the City Council.
4. Landscape plan and lighting plan be prepared and reviewed by staff
at the time of submission of construction plans.
5. Owner/developer responsible to determine if sufficient water
pressure flow in the line will meet the needs of the development.
6. Owner/developer must provide a plan that is approved by the City
Engineering Department for a redesign of the storm water pond and
will be responsible for constructing the modifications.
7. Sidewalks across parking lot fi-om church to apartment building be
installed.
8. Traffic Commission approval of proposed private service road and
curb cut.
Motion passed unanimously.
Condkional Use Permit: St. Timothy's Lutheran Church
Tina Goodroad, Planner for the Community Development Department,
reviewed briefly the request for the conditional use permit. A conditional
use permit (CLIP) is needed for a retirement home.
Motion by Don Jolly, seconded by Gary Peterson to approve the
CITY COLrlqCIL MIN-tYrES
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 8, 1997
PAGE 12
conditional use permit provided the following contingencies are completed
and required approvals are made prior to occupancy: 1. Approval oflotsplit request.
2. Approval of the first and second reading of Ordinance No. 1351
(rezoning of development property).
3. Parking agreement be prepared and approved by City Attorney
and filed with Anoka County in the form of a covenant.
4. Access easement be approved by the Park and Recreation
Commission and City Council.
5. Site plan and all related contingencies be completed and
approved.
Motion passed unanimously.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Ao
Report of the City Manager
The City Manager reported that Mark Winson's (Public Works Director/City
Engineer) last day of work for the City of Columbia Heights is Friday, September
12, 1997. He wished him well in Duluth.
B. Report of the City Attorney
10.
GENEKAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS A. Minutes of Boards and Commissions
1) The minutes of the August 27, 1997, Park and Recreation Commission
were passed out at tonight's meeting.
11. CITLZENS FORUM TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON MATTERS NOT ON A@F. NDA
(At this time, citizens have an opportunity to discuss with the Council items not on the regular
agenda. The citizen is requested to limit their comments to five minutes. Please note, the public
may address the Council regarding specific agenda items at the time the item is being discussed.)
Mary Jo Tjosvold from Mary T., Inc. stated the council should be commended for their
willingness to listen to the citizens and that they were more open and receptive than sqme other
cities she had experience with.
Harold Hoium thanked Mr. Winson for his excellent work in our city; and stated that the
Columbia Heights Council does listen to their citizens.
Councilmembers thanked Mr. Winson for his accomplishments and wished him well.
CI'fY COUNCIl, MINUTES
MEETtNG OF SEPTEMBER 8, 1997
PAGE 13
Councilmember Jolly asked about the status of the 49~' Avenue developmem. Tina stated
the owner/developer has not moved forward, but they expect a permit will be pulled by the end of
the year.
1__2. ADJOURNIvlENT
Motion by Bob Ruettimann, seconded by Gary Peterson, to adjourn the regular of
September 8, 1997, at 10:27 p.m.
C~'?ole Blowers, Secretary Pro Tem
Jose~h S(/urdev-ant, Mayor