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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 14, 1997OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 1997 CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Mayor Sturdevant called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Sturdevant and Councilmembers Jones, Joltyi Ruettimann, and Peterson were present. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE MEETING AGENDA Jones had a question regarding item eleven on, the consent agenda relative to properties in the City which may be considered for purchase. The City Manager eXPlained the procedure employed for this. CONSENT AGENDA These items are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted as part of the Consent Agenda by one motion. A. Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann !to adopt the consent aqenda items as listed below: Adopt Council Minutes of the Requ!ar Council Meetinq of March 24~ 1997 The Council adopted the minutes of the March 24, 1997 Regular Council Meeting with a correction on page three changing "CSO" to "reserve." Variance/Site Plan, Hace-Kobany Investment Co.,170i/715 39th Avenue The Council approved the site plan and variance request of two feet to allow the construction of a 32' x 60' co!d storage building at 715 39th Avenue provided the following requirements are completed: 1. Stripe parking lot and provide bumper Curbs at both sites. 2. Provide required one-hour fire wall separation. 3. Provide required inspections per the BuiLding Official for existing foundation. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 1997 PAGE 2 Authorization to Seek Bids to Replace Five Street LiGhts oD 40th Avenue and Quotes to Replace Banner Poles on 41st Avenu~ The Council authorized staff to seek bids to furnish and install five poles and lights on 40th Avenue and to seek quotes to furnish and install two banner poles on 41st Avenue. Authorization to Seek Bids for 39th/Stinson Traffic SiGnal and Phase 1 EVP Installation The Council authorized staff to seek bids for the installation of a traffic signal at 39th Avenue and Stinson Boulevard and the Phase 1 EVP (Emergency Vehicle Pre-emption) equipment. Chistopher Toastmasters Donation to Recreation Department The Council authorized the acceptance of a $100 donation from the Christopher Toastmasters for the Recreation Department and the cash amount was reflected in the 881 budget account. Columbia HeiGhts Athletic Boosters 1997 Donation to th~ Recreation Department The Council authorized the acceptance of a $22,000 donation from the Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters for recreation program supplies and the cash amount was reflected in the 881 budget account. Local Performance Measures for Local Performance Aid Payabl~ in 1998 The Council directed the City Manager to start the process of developing and implementing a system of performance measures in accordance with state requirements, and authorized the Mayor and a Councilmember to certify to the Minnesota Department of Revenue that the City of Columbia Heights is in the process of developing and implementing a system of performance measures. Resolution No. 97-30 AmendinG 1997 BudGet for Encumbrances The reading of the resolution was waived there being ample copies available for the public. RESOLUTION NO. 97-30 AMENDING 1997 BUDGET FOR ENCUMBRANCES WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights on December 23, 1996, passed Resolution No. 96-91 adopting a budget for 1997; and, WHEREAS, several expenditures that were projected to be incurred in the 1996 budget will not be incurred until 1997; REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 1997 PAGE 3 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that the 1997 budget be amended by the following increases coming from the 1996 fund balances/retained earnings: EnCumbrances General Fund Water Fund Sewer Fund Garage Fund Parkview Villa North State Aid Maintenance Cable Television Capital Improvements General Infrastructure Capital Replacement Liquor Fund Water Construction Total 24~835 39 3~197 50 3~!97 50 11,612 75 2!,038 99 2[,440 98 11,845 51 101,504 00 3~,!61 77 911,565 00 991 61 326 70 !55~,717 70 Passed this i4th day of April, 1997. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Peterson Ruettimann All ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Authorization to Seek Price Quotes for Replacing the Recreation Department Copier The Council authorized staff to seek price quotes for the purchase of a replacement copier for the Recreation Department. Award of 44th Avenue Sidewalk and Retaininq Wall Construction The Council authorized the awarding of the 44th Avenue sidewalk and retaining wall construction, Municipal Project #9412, to Ron Kassa Construction, Inc. of Richfield, Minnesota, based upon their low, responsible bidlin the amount of $109,444.00 to be appropriated from Fund 402-59412-5130; and furthermore, authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Resolution No. 97-33 Being a Resolution Ca!!inq for a Public Hearing on the Establishment of a Scattered Site RedeveloDment TIF District REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 1997 PAGE 4 The reading of the resolution was waived there being ample .copies available for the public. RESOLUTION NO. 97-33 BEING A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SCATTERED SITE REDEVELOPMENT TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT AND TIF PLAN THEREFORE AND A MODIFIED REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE DOWNTOWN CBD REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights ("City") and its Economic Development Authority ("Authority") have contemplated using tax increment financing ("TIF") in order to facilitate redevelopment of single family housing at various locations in the City pursuant to Minn. Stat. Section 469.001 to 469.047 and Sections 469.174 to 469.179 (collectively, the "Acts"); and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined to consider a modification of the redevelopment plan for the Downtown Central Business District Redevelopment Project ("Project"), including an expansion of the boundaries of the Project area, and establishment of the Scattered Site Redevelopment TIF District ("TIF District") within the expanded Project area, and to hold a public hearing regarding those actions in accordance with the Acts. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that: 1. The Authority and its staff and consultants hereby authorized and directed to cause to be prepared a modification to the redevelopment plan for the Project and a tax increment financing plan for the proposed TIF District and to file a copy of such documents in City Hall. 2. The City Clerk-Treasurer is authorized and directed to prepare a notice for publication in the City's official newspaper setting a public hearing before the City Council on May 27, 1997 at appproximately 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the Project plan and TIF Plan. The notice shall be published in the newspaper at least 10 but not more than 30 days prior to the public hearing, and shall include a map of the modified Project area and proposed TIF District. 3. The City Manager is authorized and directed to notify the County Commissioner representing the area proposed to be included in the TIF District regarding the proposed district, in accordance with the Acts. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14,1997 PAGE 5 4. The City Manager is authorized and directed to transmit a copy of the modified Project plan and the TIF Plan to the County Board and School Board at least 30 days before the date of the public hearing and to take all other actions necessary to bring the Project plan and TIF Plan before the City Council at the time of the public hearing. Approved by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights this i4th day of April, 1997. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Peterson Ruettimann Ail ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant ATTEST: Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Approval of License Applications The Council approved the license applications as listed. Payment of Bills The Council approved the payment of the bills as listed out of proper funds. RECOGNTION, PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, GUESTS A. Proclamations/Presentations 1) Arbor Day/Arbor Month Proclamation The proclamation was read by the Mayor and accepted by the Public Works Director. The Public Works Director also displayed the five year award received by Columbia Heights for being a Tree City USA for five years. 2) National Library Week Proclamation The proclamation was read by the Mayor and was accepted by the Library Director. 3) Presentation Regarding Mediation Services Aaron Spevacek, Program Manager for Mediation Services, reviewed the services available through the agency. He also addressed its focus, its volunteers and some of its costs. It has been in existence since 1987. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 1997 PAGE 6 o Roll call on Consent Agenda: Ail ayes PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Second Readinq of Ordinance No. 1340 Beinq a Zoninq Amendment Motion by Jolly, second by Jones to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes This amendment would eliminate the restriction on the number of repair bays allowed for minor repairs. Councilmember Ruettimann noted he is not opposed to the Conoco project, but cannot support changing a district which has the potential to affect the entire city. ORDINANCE NO. 1340 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, AND PERTAINING TO ZONING AMENDMENTS The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1: Section 9.113(2) (g) of Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, which currently reads as follows, to wit: 9.113(2) Conditional Uses Within any "RB" Business District, no structure or land shall be used for the following uses except by conditional use permit. (g) Motor fuel stations (minor) and major fuel stations with minor repairs (not to exceed 4 bays) subject to Section 9.117. is hereby amended to read as follows: 9.113(2) Conditional Uses Within any "RB" Business District, no structure or land shall be used for the following uses except by conditional use permit. (g) Motor fuel stations (minor) and major fuel stations with. minor repairs subject to Section 9.117 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 1997 PAGE 7 Section 2: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Jolly Jones Jones, Jolly, Peterson, Sturdevant - aye Ruettimann - nay First Reading: Second Reading: Date of Passage: February 24, 1997 April 14, 1997 April 14, 1997 Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary ITEMS B THROUGH G ALL PERTAIN TO THE CONOCO PROJECT ON 37TH AND CENTRAL AVENUES. THEY WERE PLACED ON THE COUNCIL AGENDA TOGETHER SO THEY COULD BE CONSIDERED AT THE SAME TIME. THE ITEMS ARE AS FOLLOWS: B. First Readinq of Ordinance No. 1341, Rezoninq - Williams/Babe, 3701 Central Avenue C. Preliminary and Final Plat, 3701 Central Avenue D. Site Plan - East Side, 3701 Central Avenue E. Site Plan - West Side, 3701 Central Avenue F. Conditional Use Permit, 3701 Central Avenue G. First Readinq of Ordinance No. 1342 - Request to Vacate Alley One of the design contractors stated that at the present time his client will be asking only for a rezoning on the west side of Central Avenue. Some other considerations have come up, therefore, they are requesting that all other issues be tabled to a later date. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Jolly to table these items until April 28, 1997 at approximately 7:00 p.m. Roll call: All ayes These issues were addressed later in the meeting under the Citizen Forum portion of the meeting. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A. Other Resolutions/Ordinances REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 1997 PAGE 8 1) First Readinq of Ordinance No. 1343 Reqardinq Permittinq Loadinq and Unloadinq from Alleys Motion by Peterson, second by Sturdevant to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes ORDINANCE NO. 1343 BEING AN ORDINANCE TO PERMIT PARKING IN AN ALLEY FOR THE PURPOSE OF LOADING AND UNLOADING The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1: Section 7.205(2) of Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, which currently reads as follows, to wit: 7.205(2) No person shall park a vehicle in his custody or control in such a manner as to protrude into or obstruct a lane designated for moving traffic or a fire lane, or park a vehicle on a residential street where parking is prohibited, or park a vehicle in any alley. is hereby amended to read as follows: 7.205(2) No person shall park a vehicle in his custody or control in such a manner as to protrude into or obstruct a lane designated for moving traffic or a fire lane, or park a vehicle on a residential street where parking is prohibited, or park a vehicle in any alley except for the purpose of loadinq or unloadinq. Section 2: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First Reading: April 14, 1997 Motion by Peterson, second by Jolly to establish April 28, 1997 at approximately 7:00 p.m. as the date and time for the second reading of Ordinance No. 1343 being an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 853, Section 7.205(2), City' Code of 1977, pertaining to parking in an alley. Roll call: All ayes 2) Resolution No. 97-31 Authorizinq Temporary Year-End Interfund Loans and Authorizinq Year-End Transfers REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 1997 PAGE 9 There was some discussion whether this item should have gone before the EDA before coming to the City Council. It was detemined that perhaps it should have. The Finance Director also noted he will provide revenue projections to the Council before the next City Council meeting. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 97-31 AUTHORIZING TEMPORARY YEAR-ENDINTERFUNDLOANSANDAUTHORIZING YEAR-END TRANSFERS WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights has received preliminary year-end financial reports for the period ending December 31, 1996, and; WHEREAS, some funds have deficits outstanding receivables, and; at year-end due to WHEREAS, the Paratransit Fund is no longer needed or used, and; WHEREAS, there is an operating deficit in the Energy Management Fund; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that the following temporary loans and transfers be effective as of December 31, 1996: Temporary Interfund Loans Loan to: Community Development Fund Community Development Block Grant Fund EDA Fund HRA Fund State Aid Maintenance Fund State Aid Construction Fund Medtronic Development Fund Sheffield Redevelopment Fund $41,652 46 158,006 85 29,785 38 7,332 65 15,767 20 71,579 18 38,156 17 32,933 82 Loan from: General Fund 395,213.71 Interfund Transfers REG~ COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 1997 PAGE 10 .Transfer to: Energy Management Fund General Fund Transfer from: Paratransit Fund Passed this 14th day of April, 1997. 19,897.57 28,061.92 47,959.49 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Peterson Ail ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary 3) Resolution No. 97-32 Beinq a Resolution Requestinq Chanqe to Personnel Policy Manual The Assistant to the City Manager advised that the only change being proposed is to the dollar amount. 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. 97-32 BEING A RESOLUTIONADOPTINGREVISIONS IN THE PERSONNEL POLICY WHEREAS, in order to establish an equitable and uniform procedure for dealing with personnel matters, the City of Columbia Heights previously adopted a revised Personnel Policy Manual, dated November 13, 1989; and, WHEREAS, as a result of a review of the Personnel Policy Manual, revisions are recommended for adoption. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Columbia Heights City Council that it does hereby adopt the changes to the Personnel Policy Manual, dated April 14, 1997, a copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Manager; ~nd, REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 1997 PAGE 11 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such revision in the Personnel Policy Manual be effective April 14, 1997. Passed this 14th day of April, 1997. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Peterson Ruettimann All ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary B. Bid Considerations 1) Award of 1997 Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs Project 09700 Motion by Peterson, second by Sturdevant to award the 1997 miscellaneous concrete repairs and installation, Municipal Project 09700, to Gunderson Brothers Cement Contractors Company, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota, based upon their low, qualified responsible total bid in the amount of $15,891.00 with funds to be appropriated from Fund 401-59700-4000; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. Roll call: Ail ayes 2) Award of Seal Coatinq Bid, MuniciDa! Project 09701 Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to award the 1997 Street Seal Coat - Zone 2, Municipal Project 09701 to Allied Blacktop Company of Maple Grove, Minnesota, based upon their low responsible bid in the amount of $30,517.36 to be appropriated from Fund 415-59701-5130; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Roll call: Ail ayes ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS A. Report of the City Manaqer The City Manager reported that a report has been received from the St. Paul Companies regarding a lawsuit. If members of the Council have any questions they should contact the City Manager. The City Manager attended a conference at the capitol which addressed housing rehabilitation legislation. It was passed unanimously in the House but there are some concerns regarding its passage by the full House. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 1997 PAGE 12 He reported that the Revenue Department felt there would be limited, if any, effect on Columbia Heights with this legislation. Councilmember Ruettimann requested to be copied on the response letter received from Medtronic's legal counsel. Councilmember Jolly commented on how attractive the banners on Central Avenue were. He also requested the minutes from the Board of Review. These minutes will be available at the Continued Board of Review. Councilmember Ruettimann inquired if the City would be reapplying for the services of the Design Team. He was advised this process will be started in September of 1997. B. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney advised that copies of the documents regarding the Lynde Investment situation will be distributed to members of the Council and staff. GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS A. Minutes of Board and Commission Meetinqs Minutes of the following meetings were included in the agenda packet: March 20, 1997 Charter Commission March 31, 1997 Traffic Commission April 1, 1997 Planning and Zoning Commission 10. CITIZEN FORUM TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA Property owners in the area of the Conoco Station at 3701 ~ Central Avenue requested May 12, 1997 be chosen as the date for tabling issues relative to the Conoco project. The date originally chosen was April 28, 1997. Some of the area spokespersons will be out of town on April 28th. The City Attorney stated that a meeting is needed for the Council to approve or deny the rezoning request. The timeline can be extended if the applicant from Conoco agrees. The spokesperson for the applicant responded that the owner does not agree as he is under a timeline to start construction. REGLrLAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 1997 PAGE 13 The Zoning Coordinator stated the final 120 days expires on June 24, 1997. She noted there was a previous attempt to meet with the property owners but this did not happen. An area resident said the meeting did not occur as the architect was not authorized to discontinue seeking a rezoning of the two homes in question. Counciimember Ruettimann suggested that the Planning and Zoning Commission Chairperson, Marlaine Szurek, arrange a meeting between representatives of the Conoco Station and area residents. The project's architect said the rezoning is necessary as the use of the two properties must be included in the project to make it profitable. A minimum size is required. He requested a meeting be established by the end of the week. A resident noted that the affected property owners came to tonight's meeting prepared to discuss this issue. The station owner's request to table came as a surprise to them and he felt the resident's request to delay this matter until May 12th should be honored. Councilmember Peterson inquired if the architect's request for tabling was to redesign the project. The architect responded it was to have an opportunity to soften the design and to resolve problems with MD_DOT but was not specifically to address the two residences. The meeting with Mn/DOT is scheduled for Thursday, April 16th. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Jolly to reconsider the following items: First reading of Ordinance No. 1341, rezoning, Witliams/Bahe, 3701 Central Avenue Preliminary and final plat, 3701 Central Avenue Site plan - east side, 3701 Central Avenue Site plan - west side, 3701 Central Avenue Conditional Use Permit, 370t Central Avenue, and First reading of Ordinance No. 1342, request to vacate an alley. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 1997 PAGE 14 Roll call: Jones, Jolly, Ruettimann, Sturdevant - aye Peterson - nay Motion by Ruettimann, second by Jolly to table the six aforementioned items until May 12, 1997 at approximately 7:00 p.m. Roll call: Jones, Jolly, Ruettimann, Sturdevant - aye Peterson - nay 11. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ruettimann, second by Sturdevant to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Roll call: All ayes b-knne Student ,' L~o~ncil or ~o~%p~h Stl[~deVan't' Secretary