HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 24, 1997OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The Mayor called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Sturdevant and Counci!members Jones, Jolly, Ruettimann
and Peterson were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE :
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE MEETING AGENDA
Councilmember Jolly advised of the addition of the second
reading of Ordinance No. 1328 which addresses the abandonment
of the City Charter. This matter was identified as 7-A-3.
Mayor Sturdevant stated that the resolutions approving
revocation of residential rental licenses held by Lynde
Investments for twelve buildings was moved from Items for
Consideration to Public Hearincs.
Councilmember Ruettimann requested the following items be
removed from the Consent Agenda: PUD Preliminary Plan, TVI,
Inc., 4849 Central Avenue and the renewal of the SACCC joint
powers agreement and the alternative meeting schedule.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items are considered to be routine by the City
Council and are enacted as part of a consent agenda by one
motion:
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to approve the
following items on the consent agenda:
Adopt Council Minutes
The Council approved the minutes of the February 10, 1997
Regular Council Meeting as presented.
Resolution No. 97-23 Beinq a Resolution Recardinq Acreement
Between the City and the PMA
The reading of the resolution was waived there being ample
copies available for the public.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
PAGE 2
RESOLUTION NO. 97-23
BEING A RESOLUTION REGARDING MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
AND PUBLIC MANAGERS' ASSOCIATION
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Columbia Heights that:
WHEREAS, negotiations have proceeded between the Public
Managers' Association, representing Division Heads of the
City, and members of the City negotiating team, and said
negotiations have resulted in a mutually acceptable Memorandum
of Understanding for calendar years 1997 and 1998;
WHEREAS, a copy of said Memorandum of Understanding will be
made available for inspection at the Office of the City
Manager and is made a part hereof by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Memorandum of
Understanding as negotiated, be and is hereby established as
the salary and fringe benefit program for calendar years 1997
and 1998 for Public Managers' Association bargaining unit
employees of the City.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Manager are
hereby authorized to execute this agreement.
Passed this 24th day of February, 1997.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Ruettimann
Peterson
Ail ayes
Mayor Joseph Sturdevant
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Councilmember Jones requested a definition of the vehicles
used by the Fire Chief and the Police Chief relative to being
"used for only official transportation."
The Public Works Director advised that the policy has been
that it is more appropriate to have vehicles available to
these two employees at all times as they are essentially on
call twenty-four hours a day.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
PAGE 3
Authorization to Purchase Hydrants and Repair Parts
The Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter
into an agreement with Northern Water Works for hydrants and
repair parts based on their low, responsible quotation of
$6,105.29 plus tax, with funding to come from Fund 601-49430-
2160.
Purchase of In-Car Video Systems
The Council authorized the purchase of two Eyewitness in-car
video systems from Kustom Signals, Inc. at a total cost of
$10,690 plus tax with funding from Cable TV Fund and that the
Mayor and City Manager are authorized to enter into a contract
for same.
Authorization to Purchase Underbody Plow
The Council authorized the purchase of a Monroe MF-5-10
underbody plow from Crysteel, Inc. of Fridley, Minnesota,
based on their low, responsible quotation of $3,276.25 plus
tax and authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an
agreement for the same with funding to come from Fund 431-
43121-5180 and 101-43121-4395.
Authorization for Installation of ReDlacement Starter at PumD
Station #2
The Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter
into an agreement with Aid Electric of Fridley, Minnesota, to
furnish and install a new soft starter on Pump #2 at Pump
Station #2 based on their low, responsible quotation of
$4,235.00 with funding to come from the Water Construction
Fund.
Authorization to Seek Bids for 1997 Miscellaneous Concrete
The Council authorized staff to seek bids for 1997
miscellaneous concrete replacement and installation project.
Authorization to Seek Informal Bids - Officiatinq Services
The Council authorized staff to seek bids for the purchase of
softball/baseball officiating services.
REG~ COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
PAGE 4
Startinq Pay for Vehicle Maintenance Foreman
The Council approved the starting rate for Steve Synowczynski
in the position of Vehicle Maintenance Foreman at the three
year rate of $3,480 per month, based on the 1997 non-union
schedule.
Establish Council Work Session Dates
The Council established Council work session dates and times
as Monday, March 3, 1997 at 8:00 p.m. and Monday, March 17,
1997 at 7:00 p.m.
Approval of License Applications
The Council approved the 1997 license applications as listed.
Approval of Payment of Bills
The Council approved the payment of the bills as listed out of
proper funds.
Roll call on Consent Agenda: Ail ayes
PUD Preliminary Plan, TVI, Inc. - 4849 Central Avenue
Councilmember Ruettimann had requested this item be removed
from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. He questioned
why this matter had not been brought before the Traffic
Commission for its consideration.
It was Councilmember Ruettimann's opinion that this proposed
construction would impact the traffic flow and traffic
patterns on 49th Avenue and cause congestion. His experience
with the traffic flow in that location is that there is
congestion already happening and the potential for this being
aggravated exists.
It was determined that part of the problem was the narrow
width of the access into the businesses already there, Saver's
and Hollywood Video, both of which generate considerble
vehicular traffic. The Public Works Director suggested that
consideration be given to widening the access on 49th Avenue.
He had been led to believe .that the Traffic Commission had
already reviewed this matter.
Councilmember Jolly, who serves on the Traffic Commission,
advised this had been presented in concept form but was not
addressed as an agenda item requiring, formal action.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
PAGE 5
The Zoning Coordinator noted that the project does not involve
.any changes nor any access location changes. The new
construction being proposed for the site is an hair salon and
a Subway fast food restaurant.
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Jones to table this matter
until it has been reviewed by the Traffic Commission. Roll
call: Jones, Jolly, Peterson - nay Ruettimann, Sturdevant -
aye Motion fails
Motion by Peterson, second by Jones to approve the Preliminary
Plan, refer it to the Traffic Commission for review and the
recommendations of the Traffic Commission be included in the
Final PUD which will be returned to the City Council for its
consideration on March 10th. Roll call: Jones, Jcily,
Peterson, Sturdevant - aye Ruettimann - nay
Renewal of the SACCC Joint Powers Aqreement and the
Alternative Meetinq Schedule
Counciimember Ruettimann expressed concern regarding any
potential future financial participation with this
organization. He referred to Section !i which addressed the
authorization to establish annual monetary contributions from
member governmental units in amounts to be determined by the
Board. He also noted there have been no financial statements
distributed to participating entities.
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to table this agenda
item to the March 3, 1997 Council work session for further
clarification. Roll call: All ayes
RECOGNITION, PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, GUESTS
There were no items for this section of the agenda.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Resolutions Approvinq/0pinion Reqardinq Suspension of
Rental Licenses Held by Lynde Investment
Lynde Investment owns twelve buildings in the City whose
rental licenses are being considered for revocation as there
is non-compliance with the Housing Maintenance Code. The most
recent issue on which the owners and the city inspectors
disagree is the inspection of each unit~
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24,1997
PAGE 6
A letter drafted by legal counsel for Lynde Investment was
sent to all renters in the buildings under consideration
'advising them of what appears to the owners to be unlawful
entry into the units.
The City Attorney drafted a memo to the City Council and staff
which cited the statutorial basis for entering units which is
Minnesota Statute 504.183 entitled "Tenant's Right to
Privacy." Also, addressed was the issue of an inspection
notice to tenants and whose responsibility it is to distribute
that.
One former tenant and one current tenant of Lynde Investment
spoke to their individual experiences with this owner.
Legal counsel for Lynde Investment proposed that the City
inspect units when they are vacated by a moving tenant.
Councilmember Jolly recalled that one tenant had resided in a
building for twenty years. He felt this would hardly be an
acceptable schedule for doing timely inspections.
Lynde Investment's legal counsel stated it is felt that the
City's Housing Maintenance Code is unconstitutional and that
his client is prepared to go to court to support this
position. He advised this would be filed in District Court. If
this matter were found to be unconstitutional, there is the
potential of a $600,000 lawsuit for funds lost through a
potential sale of the property plus attorneys fees and the
addition of possible punitive damages.
The property owner stated he is willing to supply the names,
addresses and unit numbers of tenants in his buildings to the
City. He suggested these could be used to notify the tenants
in any manner the City chooses. His legal counsel suggested
that search warrants be gotten for units whose occupants did
not respond or indicated their opposition to the inspection.
It was observed by a member of the Council that the tenant
lease used by Lynde Investment allows for entrance by the
owner or his representative into individual units but there is
no allowance made for city inspections whose purpose is to
protect the health, safety and welfare of the occupant.
Councilmember Peterson observed that nothing had been
accomplished by all of the discussion to this point in time.
He felt all involved parties were at an impasse. He also
wanted a distinction made between "searchingl' and
"inspecting." He felt this reflected a poor understanding of
what the inspection is intended to accomplish.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
PAGE 7
He was also concerned with any potential for retaliation
against a current tenant if he/she permitted the inspectors
into their unit. The property owner stated this would not
happen.
Councilmember Jones inquired of the owner of Linde Investments
if he had any problem with his tenants calling 9-1-1 if they
felt there were a problem. He responded he did not and he felt
that the City was there to protect them.
Counci!member Jolly stated he does not want this series of
issues to continue much longer as nothing is being resolved.
He requested a special meeting be scheduled where concerned
parties from Lynde Investments, the Council and staff could
discuss these matters and come to some resolve.
Motion by Peterson, second by Jolly to table this agenda item
and to schedule a meeting for March 4, 1997 at 5:00 p.m. to be
held in City Hall with all interested parties and that the
results of the March 4, !997 meeting be brought to the March
!0, 1997 Council Meeting. Roll call: All ayes
ITEMS FOR CONSIDEP_ATION
A. Other Resolutions/Ordinances
Resolution No. 97-21 Beinq a Resolution Recuestinq
ReDresentation from Leaque of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust
Motion by Sturdevant, second by Peterson to waive the reading
of the resolution there being ample copies available for the
public. Roll call: Ail ayes
RESOLUTION NO. 97-21
BEING A RESOLUTION REQUESTING REPRESENTATION FROM LEAGUE OF
MINNESOTA CITIES INSUP~ANCE TRUST FOR APPEAL
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights is a defendant along
with the Minnesota Police Recruitment System, a Minnesota
joint powers organization ("MPRS"), and 35 other Minnesota
cities in two companion civil actions in Hennepin County
District court entitled Fields v. MPRS et al. and Starks v.
MPRS et al., District Court File Numbers EM 93-218 and EM 93-
219 (collectively referred to as the "Action"); and
WHEREAS, by Order dated October 5, 1994, the court found that
the entry level police officer selection procedures used by
the defendants violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act; and
REG~ COLINCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
PAGE 8
WHEREAS, by Order dated November 7, 1996, the court made the
defendants subject to the continuing jurisdiction of the court
until January 1, 2004; and
WHEREAS, said orders establish standards for review of
employee selection procedures which will be extraordinarily
difficult to satisfy; and
WHEREAS, said orders may be cited as precedent in future
challenges to employee selection procedures of Minnesota
cities which will be defended by the League of Minnesota
Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT); and
WHEREAS, the City and other defendant cities may have future
employment practices challenged in the context of the Action
under the continuing jurisdiction of the court, which will be
defended by the LMCIT; and
WHEREAS, it would be advantageous to the City, the defendant
cities in the Action and all other cities in Minnesota if the
Action could be successfully challenged on appeal;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City
of Columbia Heights that:
1. The City hereby requests the LMCIT to appeal the Action of
the Minnesota Court of Appeals on behalf of the City.
2. The City Clerk is hereby directed to transmit a copy of
this resolution to the LMCIT as soon as possible and to take
such other actions as are necessary or expedient to secure the
assistance of the LMCIT and to prosecute the appeal in the
event the LMCIT agrees to represent the City.
Adopted this 24th day of February, 1997.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Sturdevant
Peterson
All ayes
ATTEST:
Mayor Joseph Sturdevant
William Elrite, City Clerk
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
PAGE 9
RESOLUTION NO. 97-22
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A_ND APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN
COOPEPJtTIVE ACTIVITIES OF MINNESOTA
POLICE RECRUITMENT SYSTEM
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights is a defendant along
with the Minnesota Police Recruitment System, a Minnesota
joint powers organization ("MPRS"), and 35 other Minnesota
cities in two companion civil actions in Hennepin County
District court entitled Field v. MPRS et al. and Starks v.
MPRS et al., District Court File Numbers EM 93-218 and EM 93-
219 (collectively referred to as the "Action"); and
WHEREAS, by order of the court dated November 7, 1996 (the
"Order") in the action the defendants are obligated to
undertake certain activities relating to the recruitment and
hiring of minority persons; and
WHEREAS, the MPRS has offered to undertake certain such
activities on behalf of defendant cities which wish to act
cooperatively to fulfill their obligation as set forth in the
Order, on terms and conditions established by the MPRS; and
WHEREAS, the city council has determined that it is in the
best interests of the city to participate coopertive!y in the
MPRS program;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City
of Columbia Heights, Minnesota as follows:
1. The city authorizes and approves participation in the
cooperative activities of the MPRS in accordance with the
terms and conditions established for such participation by the
MPRS.
2. The City Clerk is authorized and directed to take such
actions as are necessary to participate in the MPRS program.
3. Data provided by the city to the MPRS are to be determined
in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13, and the
MPRS shall maintain data on individuals in accordance with
statutory provisions applicable to that data.
4. The city clerk is directed to file a certified copy of this
resolution with the president of MPRS.
Adopted this 24th day of February, 1997.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
PAGE 10
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Peterson
Ruettimann
All ayes
William Elrite, City Clerk
Mayor Joseph Sturdevant
2) First Readinq of Ordinance No. 1340 Beinq an Ordinance
Pertaininq to Zoninq Amendments
This zoning amendment is being requested to accommodate a
change to the conditional use permit portion of the Retail
Business section of the Zoning Ordinance that would eliminate
a restriction on the number of repair bays allowed for minor
repairs.
This request is being made due to a redevelopment plan being
proposed by the owner of the Conoco Station located at 3701
Central Avenue.
Councilmember Ruettimann was concerned that the ordinance
amendment was being requested by staff before it is clear what
the project is.
The Zoning Coordinator explained what the status of the
project is currently and what is being proposed. She
acknowledged the first reading of the ordinance could be
delayed but noted that the effective date for an ordinance is
a consideration.
Motion by Sturdevant to table this matter until the March 10,
1997 Council Meeting. Motion dies for lack of a second.
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. 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
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
PAGE I1
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.
Section 2: This ordinance shall be in full force and
effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage.
First Reading: February 24, 1997
Motion by Peterson, second by Jones to establish March 10,
1997 at approximately 7:00 p.m. as the date and time for the
second reading of Ordinance No. 1340, an ordinance amending
Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, and pertaining to zoning
amendments. Roll call: Ail ayes
3) Second Readinq of Ordinance No. 1328 Beinq an Ordinance
Ca!linq for the Abandonment of the City Charter
Motion by Jolly, second by Jones to bring Ordinance No. 1328
back to the table. Roll call: Ail ayes
Motion by Jolly, second by Jones to waive the reading of the
ordinance there being ample copies available for the public.
Roll call: Ail ayes
Motion by Jolly to adopt Ordinance No. 1328. Motion fails due
to the lack of a second.
Councitmember Ruettimann stated that the Charter Commission
has been requesting a decrease in the percentage of the number
of voter signatures required regarding initiative, referendum
and recall.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
PAGE 12
He had suggested in a letter to the Charter Commission that
.10% or 800 signatures, whichever is greater, be given
consideration. It was his feeling that his letter and a
similar one from the City Manager, had not been given much
attention by members of the Commission.
It is Councilmember Ruettimann's position that both bodies,
the City Council and the Charter Commission, should meet with
a full complement of members, to discuss matters of mutual
concern and interest. He requested this meeting be scheduled
the latter part of March or as soon as possible.
Councilmember Jolly stated his support of the 10% suggestion
as he viewed it as a good and amiable resolve to the
situation.
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to deny the Charter
Commission's recommendation to reduce the percentage to a 10%
flat figure and to leave the Charter requirement at 20% of
voters at the next election. Roll call: Jones, Ruettimann,
Peterson - aye Jolly, Sturdevant - nay
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to table Ordinance
No. 1328 to a date uncertain in the future. Roll call: Jones,
Ruettimann, Peterson, Sturdevant - aye Jolly - nay
B. Bid Considerations
There were no other bid considerations.
C. Other Business
1) Resolution No. 97-24 Beinq a Resolution Withdrawinq
Without Prejudice Notice of Franchise Violation(s) Pendinq
Federal Communications Commission Action
The Cable Commission legal counsel advised that most of the
problems being experienced were not because of U.S. WEST and
this company is cooperating with the various cable systems.
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Jones to waive the reading of
the resolution there being ample copies available for the
public. Roll call: All ayes
RESOLUTION NO. 97-24
RESOLUTION WITHDRAWING WITHOUT PREJUDICE NOTICE OF FRANCHISE
VIOLATION(S) PENDING PEDERALCOMMI/NICATIONS COMMISSION ACTION
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
PAGE 13
WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights Telecommunications Commission
("Commission") makes recommendations to the City of Columbia
Heights ("City") regarding administration of the franchise
between the City, and Group W Cable of Columbia Heights, Inc.
("Company"),
WHEREAS, the franchise between the City and Company requires
approval of the City prior to consummation of any sale or
other transfer of Company,
WHEREAS, purchase of Company by Continental Cab!evision, Inc.
("Continental"), and nearly simultaneous merger of Continental
with U.S. WEST, Inc., or a subsidiary thereof ("USW"), was
approved by the City subject to a number of conditions,
including specifically that "all necessary local, state, and
federal authorizations" be obtained prior to consummation of
such transaction.
WHEREAS, the Commission and City previously determined that
said transaction was consummated without all necessary
approvals, notwithstanding the fact that legal counsel to the
City has notified the parties to the transactions that such
approvals had not been finally obtained,
WHEREAS, the City has found Company in violation of the
franchise for closing the sale transaction without all
necessary approvals,
WHEREAS, the City has previously resolved to witho!d legal
notification of Company for violation of the franchise, and
the consent Resolution relating to this transaction, during
such time as discussions and negotiations regarding these
issues is ongoing between City, Company, and Continental/USW.
WHEREAS, the propriety of certain approval received by USW in
acquiring Continental and Company are currently on appeal
before the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC"),
WHEREAS, the Commission has asserted in proceedings before the
FCC and in numerous prior communications with the Company,
Continental, and USW, that the City is, pursuant to the
Telecommuncations Act of 1996, entitled to hold a proceeding
to determine whether acquisition of Company by USW would
negatively impact competition for telecommunication services
in the local market.
WHEREAS, on February 18, 1997, a "forum" was held with
Company, and Continental/USW, for the purpose of receiving
information regarding the competitive impact of the purchase
of Company by USW,
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
PAGE 14
WHEREAS, final City action to approve or deny acquisition of
Company by USW will be addressed by action of the FCC, and any
appeals thereof,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Commission recommends
to the City withdrawal of, without prejudice, the prior City
determination of franchise violation referred to herein, and
notice thereof, pending final resolution by the FCC of issues
presented regarding this transaction, and any appeals thereof.
FURTHER, nothing herein shall be deemed to waive any right of
the Commission or the City to raise, address, or account for
the issues raised herein in review of any subsequent request
for transfer or divestiture approval.
Passed this 24th day of February, 1997.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Ruettimann
Jones
Ail ayes
Mayor Joseph SturdeYant
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Councilm~mber Ruettimann inquired if this resolution could be
tabled. The cable legal counsel responded there are no pending
lawsuits and the Council had already held them in violation.
2) Adjustments to Basic Cable Rates and EquiDment Rates
The cable legal counsel reviewed the proposal and advised that
the requests for increases are permitted.
Motion by Sturdevant, second by Peterson to waive the reading
of the Order there being ample copies available for the
public. Roll call: All ayes
ORDER
REGARDING APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED RATE INCREASE
SUBMITTED BY MEREDITH CABLE COMPANY TO
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights (hereinafter "City") is
certified as a rate regulatory authority pursuant to rules of
the Federal Communications Commission (hereinafter "FCC"),
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
PAGE 15
WHEREAS, the City has notified Meredith Cable Company
(hereinafter "Company") that the Company is subject to the
rate regulatory authority of the Commission,
WHEREAS, the City has received from the Company an FCC Form
1205, Equipment Rate Form and an FCC Form 1210, "Update Form",
WHEREAS, the Form Filings implicate the City's authority to
regular basic service rates in requesting an increase in the
Company's maximum permitted basic service rate and related
equipment rates, on a going forward basis,
WHEREAS, the City has reviewed the Form Filings in accordance
with applicable FCC rules and regulations and has consulted
with experts, including legal and accounting experts,
WHEREAS, the City solicited, received and analyzed additional
information related to said review by the City, staff, and
consultants.
WHEREAS, the City, its staff and consultants, have determined
that the Company's FCC Form 1205 and 1210 comply with
applicable FCC rules and regulations,
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED by the City of Columbia
Heights that the proposed rate increases, as filed, for the
basic service tier and related equipment are reasonable and
approved.
FURTHER, that this Order shall be effective immediately.
Ordered this 24th day of February, 1997.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Sturdevant
Peterson
Ail ayes
Mayor Joseph Sturdevant
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
3) Purchase of 100 Radio Read Water Meters
Motion by Jones, second by Sturdevant to authorize the Mayor
and City Manager to enter into an agreement with WaterPro in
the amount of $21,200 for the installation of 80 radio read
units on existing meters and 20 new radio meters, with funding
coming from the sewer and water funds. Roll call: All ayes
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
PAGE 16
4) Purchase of Handheld Meter Readinq Device
Motion by Peterson, second by Jones to authorize the Mayor and
City Manager to enter into an agreement with WaterPro for one
handheld Sensus #3003 reading unit and software in the amount
of $9,850 and to enter into an agreement with Business Records
Corporation to purchase downloading software in the amount of
$4,000 with funding coming from the water and sewer funds.
Roll call: All ayes
5) Sprint Spectrum Contract
The staff council letter accompanying this item requested
Council direction as to where the monies received from Sprint
Spectrum should go and how they should be used.
Councilmember Ruettimann observed that these funds have
already been put into the General Fund. The Finance Director
stated this was correct.
Councilmember Ruettimann also noted that originally Sprint
Spectrum was to pay for the months August through December,
1996, and thereafter, it would be an annual payment from
January to January. He requested the Finance Department make
an addendum to the contract to accommodate the stated
timeframes.
Councilmember Jolly requested staff to assign some activity
fund numbers to these funds and set aside the funds for the
City to use relative to this project. He felt a more accurate
perspective will be gotten as to the use of the funds for the
first year.
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Jones to table this item until
a City Council work session. Roll call: Ail ayes
o
Award of Contract for Zone I and 2 Street and Watermain
Improvements
Motion by Peterson, second by Sturdevant to award the contract
for Municipal Projects 9415, 9416, 9417, 9418, 9419, 9420,
9421, 9423, 9614, 9615, 9616, 9617, 9618, 9619, 9620, 9621,
9622, 9623, 9624 and 9625 to Midwest Asphalt Corpouation of
Hopkins, Minnesota based on their low, qualified responsible
bid of $1,256,447.80 for Street and Watermain Improvements;
and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to
enter into an agreement for the same with funding to be from
Funds 415, 430, 651 and 652. Roll call: All ayes
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
PAGE 17
o
Motion by Peterson, second by Sturdevant to authorize an
interfund loan of $660,000 from the Refuse Fund to the FIR
Fund at an annual interest rate of 7.5% and to appropriate
funds as needed in Fund 415, 430, 651 and 652 for the above
listed projects. Roll call: Ail ayes
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A. Report of the City Manager
The City Manager advised that the City's legislators will be
attending the March 3rd Council work session. Senator Novak
has been requested to carry some special legislation which
will benefit the City of Columbia Heights. Legal counsel for
the City will also attend the work session to update the
Council on a legal matter. He intends to keep any other items
on the work session agenda to a minimum.
B. RePort of the City Attorney
The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time.
The Public Works Director noted that the Vehicle Maintenance
Foreman position has been filled by an employee who has worked
for the City for five years. He felt this was an excellent
choice. He also invited members of the Council and the staff
to a farewell reception for the retiring employee, Tom Hosch.
Counci!member Jolly stated he feels that Tom Hosch was a
dedicated, capable and exemplary employee. Tom was a city
employee for thirty-seven years.
GENEP~AL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
A. Minutes of Board and Commission Meetings
February 3, 1997 Library Board of Trustees
February tl, 1997 Planning and Zoning Commission
10. CITIZEN FORUM TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA
A resident had previously expressed concern regarding what he
viewed as a questionable number of vehicles, people, and
activity at a home on Fifth Street.
The Mayor stated he had visited the property the day after he
received the comments from this resident. The Mayor net the
owner at the property and there appeared to be no large number
of vehicles, any extra people, nor any Unusual activity.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
PAGE 18
The resident also made comments regarding the location for EDA
'meetings, relocation of tenants and buildings being purchased.
ADDointment of Liaison to Charter Commission
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to appoint
Councilmember Jolly to serve as a liaison to the Charter
Commission for the City Council. Roll call: All ayes
10. ADJOURA!MENT
Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to adjourn the
meeting at 10:05 p.m. Roll call: Ail ayes
ayor~Jo's~ph Sturdevant
~ -A~he Sf~dent',~'C-~uncil Secretary