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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