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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 22, 1993 Work SessionNOTICE OF OFFICIAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that an official meeting is to be held in the City of Columbia Heights as follows: Meeting of: MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL, AND CITY MANAGER Date of Meeting: THURSDAY, JULY 22, 1993 Time of Meeting: 6:00 PM Location of Meeting: CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM 590 40TH AVENUE NE Purpose of Meeting: 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:45 PM 9:00 PM 9:15 PM 9:30 PM 9:45 PM 10:00 PM 10:15 PM 10:25 PM WORK SESSION 1. City Council Interviews of Candidates for Board/Commission Vacancies 2. Review 1992 Audit/Management Letter 3. Discuss HRA Position/Future Joint Meeting 4. Columbia Heights Resident Hiring Policy 5. Assessing Clerk Duties/Pay Rate 6. LaBelle Park Retaining Wall 7. County Road 104 Turnback 8. Pedestrian Crossing-39th and Stinson Status 9. Non-Conforming Sign Status 10. Pension Benefits for Retired Firefighter Volunteers 11. Adjournment The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights' services, programs, and activities. Auxiliary aids for handicapped persons are available upon request when the request is made at least 96 hours in advance. Please call the City Council Secretary at 782-2800, Extension 209, to make arrangements. (TDD/782-2806 for deaf only) Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights Commi~ion~'s Eusebius Hein~z Patricia Jindra B~x:e NawrockJ Richa,-d Dustin Do~ald J. Murzyn, Jr. 590 N.E. 40th Avenue, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 EMPLOYMEN~ OPPORTUNITY PROMOTIONAL/OPEN COMPETITIVE Fax: (612) 782-2857- (612) 782-2854 DATE: August 11, 1993 POSITION: PRIMARY DUTIES= REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: SALARY RANGE: APPLICATION PROCEDURE: SELECTION PROCEDURE: CLOSING DATE: COMMDEVE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Administer City Economic Development Program (Business recruitment, development, etc.) HRA/City. Administer HRA/City Community Development Block Grant Program. Administer HRA/City First Time Homebuyer Programs. Administer other community development and/or economic development programs as may be assigned. Write applications for and assist in securing funding for programs administered and for other new programs. Combination of training and experience equivalent to a 4 year Bachelor's Degree in Housing, Finance, Planning, Urban and Regional Affairs, Municipal Administration or a related field. (2 years of training/ experience may be substituted for each year of formal education required. A minimum of one year of responsible administrative experience in a Housing and Redevelopment Authority, a local unit of government working directly with local, state and federal community development programs, a private commercial/residential development company, or a financial institution working directly with public community/economic development programs. One year of experience or 1.5 years of equivalent formal training in the following areas of expertise: (1) Administering Community Development (CDBG) Program for a City or County; (2) Administering Economic Develop- ment Program for a City or County; (3) Residential property acquisi- tion/disposition; (4) Negotiation with property owners; (5) Residential or commercial loan processing experience; (6) Tax increment financing; (7) Grant or other program application writing; and (8) Computer software and hardware. $25,740 to $29,250 plus benefits. Applications/promotional applications are available from the HRA office An HRA application MUST be completely filled out and returned to the Executive Director, HRAOffice, 590-40th Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN. 55421. Applications will be accepted until 4:45 p.m., August 27, 1993. In addition, applicants may submit any other data they feel is pertinent to their consideration. Applicants will be evaluated on the following criteria: Experience & Training Rating ............. 50% Oral Interview .................... 50% Applications accepted until 4:45 p.m. Friday, August 27, 1993. EOE MI;IVlH The HRA of Col~mhia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment or the provision of services. Equal Opportunity Employer Equal Housing Opportunity Agency CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: PATRICK HENTGES, CITY MANAGER ~~i~r~. LINDA L. MAGEE, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAM~/ JULY 21, 1993 Based on discussions at a recent work session where preference for residents in hiring was discussed, I sought an opinion as to how we can give preference to residents in hiring. Bernie Steffen of Barna, Guzy and Steffen, Ltd., indicated to me that we would be treading on shaky ground by giving points for residency. We cannot put in points for some that would water down the value of the points of others that are statutorily eligible for preference points (i.e., veterans) or which could affect protected classes. He suggests undertaking an affirmative advertising program, whereby we would flood the Columbia Heights area with notices of employment opportunities, in an attempt to ensure Columbia Heights' residents receive notification of job openings. My recommendation is that we do not grant residency preference points. Rather, we should take the following action steps in an effort to recruit and retain Columbia Heights' residents for positions within the City of Columbia Heights: Advertise vacancies in local newspapers. Currently, ads for vacancies are placed in the Sunday Star Tribune, and on occasion, in the local (FOCUS) newspaper. In the future, ads for all vacancies will be placed in the local newspaper, as well as the Star Tribune. Announce vacancies on cable television government access Channel 16. Currently, the personnel hotline number appears on the government access channel. In the future, specific job vacancies will appear on Channel 16 as well. Place phone number of personnel hotline in Columbia Heights phone directory and Minneapolis phone directory. LLM:bj cc: Mayor and City Council CLERK-TYPIST H - ADMINISTRATION NATURE OF WORK This is a responsible clerical and secretarial work of a varied nature. Work involves the performance of a variety of general secretarial duties in support of the Assessing and Administration departments, requiring judgment based on knowledge gained through experience in procedures and responsibilities. Decisions are made in terms of established precedent and routine, with difficult, non- routine or complex problems being referred to a supervisor. Work is reviewed in progress or upon completion and is evaluated for accuracy and adherence to standards, and from results obtained. E~ENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Types letters, memoranda, reports, lists, cards and other correspondence from rough draft, verbal instructions, dictating machine or established procedures; disseminates same. Serves as back up for the creation and revision of messages on the government access channel character generator and for the taping and broadcasting of City Council meetings. Performs a variety of moderately complex clerical tasks, such as compiling, calculating, and preparing special reports; maintains records and files. Answers phones, screens and refers callers and visitors; answers various inquiries; provides information on services and functions provided by the department and the City. Establishes and maintains records and files; files materials and records information; prepares old files for microfilming and microfilms same. Processes homestead applications. Assists Accounting Clerk II - Assessing with special assessment duties. Performs duties for the low volume refuse program. Processes monthly Shared Ride reports to the Regional Transit Board. Performs related duties as required. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS High school graduation or equivalent. Coursework in typing/clerical subjects. responsible clerical experience. Typing skill at fifty words per minute minimum. One year DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Two years responsible clerical experience. Experience and/or training in the operation of a computer. Familiarity with real estate law and terminology. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of grammar and usage and arithmetic. Knowledge of secretarial practices and procedures. Knowledge of modern office equipment, practices and procedures. Ability to maintain records and to prepare reports from such records. Ability to make decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public. Ability to work accurately with figures. 050393 TO: CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS Public Works Department DONAII) MURZYN, JR., MAYOR CITY COUNCIL PATRICK HENTGES, CITY MANAGER FROM: MARK A. WlNSON /.,,//~ wo s SUBJECT: DATE: JUL 21 1993 MANAGER CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS COUNTY ROAD 104 TURNBAC~NANCE AGREEMENT JULY 21, 1993 Attached is a copy of the latest correspondence from Anoka County concerning our concerns of costs for future repair or reconstruction of the CR104 streets. Essentially the County is agreeing to be treated as any other property owner with regard to assessments for street repairs or reconstruction. I've attached a copy of the proposed Joint Powers Agreement with language written in regarding the future assessments. If this agreement is acceptable to the Council, I will ask the County to redraft the agreement to include the new language. To recap the agreement, the City will receive $24,080/year for 1994, 1995 and 1996 and $22,016/year for 1997 and 1998. Currently, we receive $18,060/year. The City agrees to accept the mrnback of CR104 as of 1/1/94 but would be paid for the maintenance of this route for 1994, 1995 and 1996. Additionally, the County agrees to assessments for future repair or reconstruction for those portions of the route adjacent to County property. MAW:jb 93-429 Attachment OOUNTY OF ANOKA Department of Highways Paul K. Ruud, Highway Engineer 1440 BUNKER LAKE BLVD NW, ANDOVER, MINNESOTA55304 612-754-3520 Mark A. Wimo~, PE Public Works Director/City Engineer City of Columbia Heights 590 40th Avenue NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 July 9, 1993 RE: County Road 104 Turnback Dear Mark: In your letter of June 14, 1993 you requested information on how future improvements along CR 104 would be handled if that roadway were turned back to the City of Columbia Heights as is proposed in the present draft agreement. I have discussed thl.q issue with Commissioner Jim Kordiak and we have arrived at the following an.qwer to your questions. '~ At the point in which existing CR 104 is in need of repair or reconstruction the Anoka County property abutting the roadway would be treated as any other property owner and would be assessed consistent with the cities assessment policy and the benefits arrived from the repair or reconstruction of the roadway. At that time the county would either pay special assessments in a l-rap sm or along the same payment schedule as other properties assessed for those improvements. Hopefully, this information will be sufficient to respond to your concerns and we look forward to receiving a completed agreement from you in the near future. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me at 754-3520. ' cerely, J6n'G. Olson, PE Deputy County En~neer/I)irector of Highways xc: Commissioner Jim Kordiak RECEIVED JUL 1_ 2 19 3 Public Works Dept. tmk,/lO4trabk Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer Contract No. ~IOINT POWERS AGI~IENT FOR MAINTENANCE OF COUNTY STATE AID HIGHWAYS WITH~ THE crrY OF COLUM2IA I~rrGHTS THIS A~ is made and entered into this day of ,1993, by and between the County of Anoka, a political subdivision of the State of Minnesota, 2100 Third Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303, hereln~e~r referred to as the 'County,' and the ~ of Columbia Heights, a political subdiv/sion of the Stare of Ivfinu~ 590 - 40th Avenue Northeast, Columbia Height, Minnesota 55421, herein~ffar referred to as the 'City,' pursuant to Mir~_ St~ § 471.59, as amended, providing for the joint exercise of powers. WHEREAS, Mien. Stat. § 162.02, as amended, permits the County to desigmm e~atin math and streets within the City and County as County State Aid Highways (C. SAT-ts); m~a WHEREAS, the City has concurred in the designation of the CSAHs within lis lknits as identified by the County Board's Resolution of ~Iuly $, 195'7, and October 9, 1957; and WI~RBA~, there have been 6.02 miles of public streets designated as CSAHs and County Roads (CRs) within the City: . CSAH No. :~ 2.80 m/les CSAtt No. 4 2.07 m~es CR No. 102 0.25 miIes CR No. I04 0.90 miles; and WHB~, it is in the public imerest; economy, and welfare for the ~ to do ceftin ' maintenance work on County-designated CSAHs and CRs within the corporate limits of the Ciry;"and WHEREAS, it is in the public interest, economy, and welfare for the County to tm-n back certain roadways that no longer serve a County-wide function; and ' ";~' ~ ."~- :. WHEKEAS, the City and County agree that CR No. 104 no longer serves a County-wide function and should be designated a City Street. L NOW, THEREFORE, it is mm~lall¥ slipulal~d and agreed: PURPOSE: A. To reimburse the City for routine maimemmce including snowplowing, ice con=ol, bituminous pa=hing, =osswalk paim/ng, and sign knockdown ~placemems on desi~,~ CRs and B. The County shall release CR No. 104 to the City on ~Ianuary 1, 1994. C. The County shall continue to pay m the City a main~uance fee for CR No. 104 of $3,600.00 p~r year until December 31, 1996. D. Afr~ December 31, 1996, the County mileage whig the ~ mulr~ai,~ shall be reduc~l by 0.90 miles w 5.12 miles and m~irrtann~e.e costl~ ~ be computed on ~ basis. This Agr~ememt shall be=om~ effective January 1. 1994, nordiC-rending, and shall cominue in force umil Die. tuber 31. 1998. the signature of the parties ITt_ SCOPE OF THEPROIECT :' The City shall perform murine maimenance including snowplowing, ice con=ol, =osswalk painting, includingm~ssages, sign r~placemen~, and bituminous parching on the four ~oned CRs and CSAHs. At the Ia~ City Coun~ m~dn~ of 1993. the ~ agrees to pass a msolulion a~.zp~g the turnback of CR No. 104 in its e~rety. ' . IV. COST~:' The Coun~ hereby agrees .to pay to the City the 'sum of $4,000.00 per year bet m~e or a Wtal sum of $24,080.00 per year from Jammry 1, 1994, in December 31, 1996, and $4,~00.00 per year per mile or a total sum of $22,016.00 per year from lanuary 1, 1997, t~ December 3 I, 199~,,:'~or all provided h~rennder by the City during the ~ 0f~is Agr~.ment. The Cky shalI~_'a~ {h~i~I 0f contract year, submit an kemized billing si~.ment to the County for all services provided hereunder, -2- The County shall, within sixty (60) days of receipt of the billing staemenr, make payment to the City, or make reasonable arrangements for payment tha~ are acceptable to the City. V. DISBURSEMENT OF NUNDS: Ali funds disbursed by the County or City purs~nt to this Agreement shah be disbursed by each entity pursuant to the method provided by law. VI. CONTRACTS AND pLTRCitASES: Ail contracts let and purchases made pursuant to this Agreemem shall be r.~e by the City in conformance to siaie laws. STRICT ACCOUNTABILITY: A strict accounting shall be made of all funds and report of all receipts and disbursements shah be made upon request by either party. VHI. THRM]NATION: This Agreement may be ~rminamd by either pawy a~ any time, with or withouI cause, upon not less than thirty (30) days wri~ notice delivered by m~q or in person to the other party. If notice is delivered by mail, k shall be deemed to be _received two (2) days ai%r mailing. If ~i.~ Agreement is terminated prior to the end of any contract year, the City shall be entitled to ~eceive a pro-rar~ share of the contract sum based upon a percentage compl~on of the t~rm of the Agreement. Said sum shall be due the City sixty (60) days after receipt by the Counly and an kemized billin~ ~en~ from ~he' Cky.. Df. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION: ~-. In accordance with the County's Affirmative Action Policy and the Coumy Cor~rot~.~ioners' policies against discrimination, no person shall illegally be excluded from full-tlme employment righ~ in. be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrlmiu~tion in tho pro.-am which is tho subject of this Agreement on the basis of race, creed, coIor, sex. marital status, public assistance stares. age. disability or national origin. ":.'~ - -3- X. NOTICE: For purpose of delivery of any notices hereunder, the notice shall be effective if delivered to the County Admlnistrator of Anoka County, 2100 Third Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303, on behalf of the County, and the City Manager of Columbia Heights, 590 - 40th Avenue Northeast, Columbia Heights, Minnesota 55421, on behalf of the City. XL INDEMNIFICATION: The City and the County mutually agree to indemnify and hold harmless each other from any claims, losses, costs, expenses or damages resulting from the acts or omissions of the respective officers, agents or employees relating to activity conducted by either party under this Agree. mem. XII. TENfPORARY SUSPENSION OF CONTRACT It is understood by the parties that the City's ability to perform under the terms of this Agreement may, from time to time. be prevented or subsumti~Iy impaired, by labor strike or slowdown, acts of God. civil disturbance, floor, fire, accident or by the illness, injury, death or employment termi.:~ion of personnel needed tn carry out the terms of this Agreement. In the event that the City learns or has re~son to believe its ability to perform under this Agreement will be prevented or substantially impaired for any of the above reasons, or for any reason whstsoever, it shall promptly notify the County Highway Engineer and the County Aami-i~trstor. Upon receipt of such notice, the County shall deferral.e, in its sole discretion, whether or not to temporarily suspend the operation of this Agreement. If it does decide to suspend the operstion of this Agreement, k shall promptly so notify the City. Upon receipt'of such notification by the City, the this Agreement shall be suspended until such time as it is demr~i-ed by mutual agreement that the conditions leading to the suspension lmve been elir. i-~I. or sufficiently alleviated, so as to allow the City to resume s.t%factory performance of this Agreement. If in the absence of'any notice by the City as ststed above, the County learns, or has reason to believe, that the' City's perfonn~ce under tMs Agreement is or shall be prevented or subsumtially impaired for any of the reasons stated in the preceding pa~gr-aph, the County, in its sole discretion, may notify the City that this Agreement is temporarily suspended. Such suspension shall be effective upon receipt of the County's notice by the City and shall continue in effect until such time as the parties deterr, l-e, by mu.~ agreement, that the conditions leading to the suspension have been ellrni~ted or sufficiently alleviat~ so as to allow the City tn resume satisfactory performance of this Agreement. . -4- 1'rff. PERFORMANCE BY THE COUNTY DURING SUSPF. NSION Durin~ such ~me or times as the operation of this Agreement is suspended as provided by Section XII above, the County shall hav~ th= right to freely undertak~ aB maintenmce activit7 of CRs and CSAi~ as specified in this Agreement, employment its own labor, equipment, an/~. No such undertaking of maintenance aaiv/ties by the Count7 during such period of suspen~on shall be deemed a breach, cancellation or termination of this A~reem~ by either party. Further, during any such suspe~ion, the City shall not eater imo a subcontract with any other parry for the perfommanc~ of m-m of the conu'act without the exgressed wri~en consent of the County. The Coum7 shall maintain records of ail maintenance acfivMes performed by ir, on CRa and CSAHs specified in this A~ree-meat during the period of ~ny suspension as provided for herein. The County shall be entitled rD se~ off a~in._~ the rD~fl corm'ac: sum k owes the City for the then current term of hhi.~ AD'eeme~ the acuml cost of the m~in~enance acfivit7 thaz/s performed during any .~uch suspeasion. In the evem ~hat the County has pa/d ~o the City the w~al contract sum for the then current term of this A~eemeat prior to undertaking of any maintenance activities during a period of suspension, k shall be entitled rD receive from the City reimbursement for iQ actual cost in performing such mainte-m~ce servic~ as ~re specified /n this A~reamen~, during such period of suspension. The Cky shall pay any such r,imhursement within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the County's billing XIV. NO SUBCONTRACTS No pon/on of this A~reement may be subconwacted by the Ck7 without the prior wrk~ consem of the County. It is underswod and a~reed tha~ ~e em~ a/reemen~ of the parties is co,~-,d hereiu and that this Agreement supersedes ali oral agreements and all negotiations between the Far~.]es ml~n-g ~.the subject matter thereof, as well as any previous agreement presently ~n effect: between me gan/es re~t4.~ 'to the subject rn~t~er thereof. Any alterations, variations or modifications of the provisions of this Agreement shall be valid only when they have been reduced rD writing and duly signed by the pan/es herein. IN' WITNESS WHEKEOF, the p~tti~s of this Agreement have hereunto se~ their hands on the date~ writ~n below. COUN'I~ OF ANOKA CITY OF COLUE~IA HEIGRTS By: By: Dan F.,rhar% Chairman County Board of Comrr, i.~:~oners Dazed: Donald Murzy~ Ir., Mayor ATTEST By: By: John 'Jay. V.. MaLinden... County Administrator Patrick Hentges City Mmsger Da~ed: P. ECO~ED FOR APPROVAL By: . . Paul K. Ruud County Engineer Da~ed: APPROVED AS TO FORE{ .- By: Dan Klint Assistzut Coumy Attorney By: : By: C~ Amrney Dated: CII'"Y OF COLUMBIA HEIGHT~ 590 40th Avenue N. E. Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (612) 782-2800 PROPERTY OWNERS, IF NONCONFORMING. STAFF IS PREPARING A SUMMARY LIST OF RESPONSES FOR THE MEETING. EXAMPLE COPY Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Councilmembers Sean T. Clerkin Bruce G. Nawrocki GaD' L. Peterson Robert W. Ruetfimann City Manager Patrick Hentges July 13, 1993 RE: City of Columbia Heights 590 H.-r. 40th Avenue DRAR BUSIINESS 0~NER: On April 14, 1983 the City Council adopted a Sign Ordinance regulating all signage within the Gity limits. Existing businesses were given a five year period to bring their signage into conformance with the Sign Ordinance. On December 14, 1988 the Ordinance was amended to allow pylon signs over eight feet tall to be located within one foot of the front property line and many existing signs were then in compliance. An additional extension of five years was then granted to existing non-conforming signage. Since the adoption of the Sign changes, many property owners have brought their signage into compliance. On July 14, 1993 the moratorium will expire and all non-conforming .si~nage will be required to be brought into compliance whenever any change or alteration is made to the property or the signage or when ownership changes. Additionally, the existance of a non-conforming sign could impact saleability. The signage on your property is non-conforming because: 1. Freestanding sign not in compliance as far as location. 2. Freestanding sign too large. Please contact the Building Inspection Department within thirty (30) days to let us know what your plans are to brinE your signage into conformance. You may contact this office at 782-2818. Sincerely, Evelyn Nygaard Building/Zoning Administrator EN/kp "SERVICE IS OUR BUSINESS" EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 590 40th Avenue N. E. Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (612) 782-2800 JUL gO 1993 MANAGER CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS Ma3'or Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Councilmembers Sean T. Clerkin Bruce G. Nawrocki Gar3' L. Peterson Robert W. Ruettimann City Manager Stuart W. Anderson "SERVICE IS OUR BUSINESS" EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 590 40th Avenue N. E. Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (612) 782-2800 Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Councilmembers Sean T. Clerkin Bruce G. Nawrocki Gar5' L. Peterson Robert W. Ruettimann City Manager Stuart W. Anderson March 3, 1993 Mr. Edward F. Miskowic 4015 Seventh Street Northeast Columbia Heights, Mn. 55421 Dear Mr. Miskowic: Thank you for taking the time to write to the City Council expressing your concerns about the retirement for some retired members of the Columbia Meights Fire Department Relief Association - Volunteer Division. In 1989, the Board of Trustees (City Council) entered into a new bylaws agreement with the Relief Association. That agreement stated in part that "no pension benefits shall ever be adjusted to exceed two times the original pension paid at the time of retirement." The five firefighters which you refer .to in your letter already exceed that amount, so I can only assume from the language stated is that the new maximum for those five retired firefighters would be frozen and that all other retired firefighters will be bound by the "two times" rule such as you are. In 1992, the Board of Trustees again negotiated a bylaws change with the Relief Association as a single entity and not as individual members or small groups of individual members. This same limitation also exists in our present contract negotiations with our union groups. We can only negotiate with the union as a single entity and not as individual members. Our negotiations during 1992 were in good faith with a committee designated by the Relief Association. We believe that when the "two times" rule was negotiated in 1989 that it was a permanent rule and we desire to keep that rule in place. We are contracted with the Relief Association through 1995 and do not feel it proper to revisit the issue at this time. Your request for a modification to the bylaws to include "all retired firefighters" is a request better made to the Relief Association before the next contract negotiations. "SERVICE IS OUR BUSINESS" EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Miskowic Letter March 3, 1993 page 2 The Board' of Trustees has the obligation to keep the Relief Association properly funded well into the 21st century. Small changes now can have enormous impact on the long-term financial health of the Association. The City Councilmembers and I believe that we have put forth a solid, responsible pension plan which was negotiated in good faith by representatives of the Relief Association. No changes will be made at this time. Thanking you for taking the time to write to us, I am, Sincerely, Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. DJM/jds Edward F. Miskowic 4015 7th St. N.E. Columbia Heights, MN 55421 February 19, 1993 Mayor Donald J. Murzyn Columbia Heights City Hall 5gO 4~ AV ,, r ~UCII . m~.~. Columbia Heights, MN 55421 Dear Mayor Murzyn: I am requesting a modification of the bylaws for the Relief Association to be enacted that would include all retired firefiqhters. I served for the Columbia Heights Fire Department for 26 years, from 1943 to 1969. My monthly retirement income at the present time is $202.00. You might wish to review the records of other retired firefighters that will indicate their monthly retirement income is approximately $500.00. In 1980 other retired firefighters were given increases averaging $38.00, another $39.00 in 1984, and $16.00 in 1989. This is $93.00 per month that was not included in my retirement income. I feel my retirement was not considered at that time, and now it is time to reconsider an increase for me. I was very active during my tenure and now feel that the city of Columbia Heights is letting me down because I was not included in increases when others were. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Edward F. Miskowic CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 590 40th Avenue N. E. Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (612) 782-2800 January 11, 1993 Mayor Donald J. Murzyn. Jr. Councilmembers Scan T. Cicrkin Bruce G. Nawrocki Gary L. Peterson Robert W. Ruettimann City Manager Stunt/W. Anderson Mr. Joseph J. Matlon 4016 Washington Street NE Columbia Heights, MN 55.421 Dear Joe: Thank you for taking the time to write to the City Council expressing your concerns about the retirement for some retired members of the Columbia Heights Fire Department Relief Association - Volunteer Division. In 1989, the Board of Trustees (City Council) entered into a new bylaws agreement with the Relief Association. That agreement stated in part that "no pension benefits shall ever be adjusted to exceed two times the original pension paid at the time of retirement.' The five firefighters which you refer to in your letter already exceed that amount, so I can only assume from the language stated is that the new maximum for those five retired firefighters would be frozen and that all other retired firefighters will be bound by the "two times" rule such as you are. In 1~92, the Board of Trustees again negotiated a bylaws change with the Relief Association. The Trustees can only negotiate with the Relief Association as a single entity and not as individual members or small groups of individual members. This same limitation also exists in our present contract negotiations with our union groups. We can only negotiate with the union as a single entity and not as individual members. Our negotiations during 1992 were in good faith with a committee designated by the Relief Association. We believe that when the 'two times' rule was negotiated in 1989 that it was a permanent rule and we desire to keep that rule in place. We are contracted with the Relief Association through 1995 and do not feel it proper to revisit the issue at this time. The Board of Trustees has the obligation to keep the Relief Association properly funded well into the 21st c/~ntury. Small changes now can have enormous impact on the long-term financial health of the association. The City Council members and I believe that we have put forth a solid, responsible pension plan which was negotiated in good faith by representatives of the Relief Association. No changes will be made at this time. Thank you for taking the time to write to us. ncerel~~.~~ Dddald J. Murzy~/ ~' Mayor DJM:bj "SERVICE IS OUR BUSINESS" EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER January 4, 1993 4016WashingtonSt. N.E. Col. Hts., MN 55421 Mayor Donald J. Murzyn Columbia Heights City Hall 590 40th Ave. N.E. Columbia Heights, MN 55421 Dear Mr. Murzyn, I am writing to you today as the representative of the Columbia Heights Retired Volunteer Fire Fighters. Specifically, I am requesting that the board of trustees review and modify the present by laws regarding the pensions of five or our retired fire fighters. During a period of 46 years the Volunteer Fire Fighter's Pension remained the same at two dollars per service year. Throughout the years numerous requests for an increase were rejected. Finally in 1977 a two level increase in pensions was passed. All active members, myself included, were to be given $150 per month upon 20 years of active service. However, five members who had retired prior to 1977 were given a smaller amount. For these five retired members, who all served between 22 and 26 years, the monthly pension was set at $75 for three and $100 for two. This was determined by their years of service with the department. Since the monthly pension was set in 1977, these five members were given three subsequent increases. In 1980 they received an average increase of $38; $39 in 1984; and $16 in 1989. After all the years without any adjustment, and then the years with smaller increases, these five retirees today are excluded from any pension increment. A modification of our bylaws should be enacted to include all retired firefighters. Sincerely, SM/jm COMMENTS Economic AssumDtions and Financinq Method The economic assumption of 5% annual investment return is established by state law. State Law also specifies that the annual minimum obligation of the municipality shall be determined by adding (i) the employer normal cost to (ii) the level dollar amount required to amortize the unfunded actuarial accrued liability by December 31, 2010. It is worth noting that when the same assumptions and methods are applied to plans which differ in nature, the valuation results may not be comparable. Caution should be exercised when attempting to assess the financial condition of one Association relative to another on the basis of valuation results produced using the assumptions and methods mandated by state law. Overfundinq Condition of Plan This year, as in the past several years, plan assets substantially exceed actuarial accrued liabilities. It is our understanding that this situation is in large part due to the asset allocation procedure followed at the time that the volunteer plan separated from the plan for paid firefighters. The plan has a surplus of $289,267. However, the state guidelines act makes no provision for dealing with surplus assets in volunteer plans which have recurring benefit payments. Consequently, the legally mandated contribution is the normal cost of $25,268. Rather than continue to overfund the plan, it would be advisable to contact the staff of the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement to discuss the possibility of a special law to deal with this unusual situation. A-1 Columbia Heights Fire Department'Re]ief Association (Volunteer Division) CONTRZBUT[ON RATE TO PROV[DE BENEFZTS Member portion & Employer portion Effective January 1, 1994 Contributions for Normal cost of annuities: Age & service Disability Death before retirement Refunds of member contributions Total Normal Cost If Paid [qually Throuqhoq% Year Dollars 19,469 2,478 3,321 0 25,268 Amortization of unfunded actuarial accrued liabilities (UAAL) (17 year level dollar payment} Retired lives Active members Total 0 0 0 Total Cost of Benefits 25,268 Member contributions COMPUTED EMPLOYER RATE: (a) If Paid Equally Throughout Year (b) IF PAID AT CALENDAR YEAR END 25,268 25,892 A-2 Columbia Heights Fire Department Relief Association (Volunteer Division) Present Actuarial Condition The Association's accrued actuarial assets were in excess of $879 thousand on December 31, 1992 -- a considerable sum of money if unencumbered and allocated among a small group of persons. The following schedule puts the $879 thousand into perspective by showing the relationship between accrued actuarial assets, actuarial accrued liabilities, and the number of persons with actual and potential claims on the Association's assets. Retirants and Beneficiaries Retired Members (14) Surviving Spouses (0} Surviving Children (0) Total (14) Unfunded Accrued Actuarial Actuarial Actuarial Accrued Accrued Assets Liabilities Liabilities Funded $352,378 $352,378 0 0 $352,378 $ 0 100.0% Deferred Members (0) 0 0 0 Active Members (23) 527.277 238,010 (289.267) 221.5 Total $879,655 $590,388 $(289,267) 149.0% A-3 Actuarial accrued liabilities represent the value, computed as of December 31, 1992 of: (i) retirement allowances likely to be paid the 14 retirants and benefic- iaries; and (ii) the contributions assumed to have been made for the 23 active members from entry into the plan until December 31, 1992. The value of retirement allowances likely to be paid the 14 retirants and beneficiaries, discounted for investment earnings and mortality, was computed to be $352,378 as of December 31, 1992. To put this amount in perspective, the $352,378, together with investment earnings, will just be sufficient to pay the 14 retirants and beneficiaries their allowances for their remaining lifetimes. This assumes the 14 retirants and beneficiaries live and die according to the assumed mortality and the $352,378 is invested to yield an average annual return of 5.0% over the remaining lifetimes of the retirants and beneficiaries. With respect to the active members, the actuarial accrued liability of $238,010 represents the amount that would have been accumulated by December 31, 1992. This assumes the normal cost had been contributed from the date of hire until December 31, 1992 for the 23 actives, and that these amounts had earned 5.0% interest. It also assumes that the members in the past have lived, died, withdrawn and retired according to the actuarial assumptions shown in this report. Historical Funding Ratio Schedule ($ in thousands) Valuation Actuarial Accrued Date Accrued Actuarial Percent December 31 ~iabilitie~ Assets Funded 1978 $216 $380 175.9% 1979 N/A N/A N/A 1980 277 430 155.2 1981 310 422 136.1 1982 316 506 160.1 1983 306 548 179.1 1983' 323 548 169.7 1984 N/A N/A N/A ]985 328 619 188.6 1986 388 660 170.2 1990 427 856 200.5 1990# 618 856 138.5 1992 556 879 158.1 1992# 590 879 149.0 * After change in assumptions. # After change in benefits. A-4 Col umbi a Heights Fire Department Relief Association (Volunteer Computed Contributions - Comparative $chedule Division} Year Ended December 31 Valuation Fiscal Total Normal Cost 1978 1980 $ 6,835 1979 1981 N/A 1980 1982 8,184 1981 1983 N/A 1982 1984 8,391 1983 1985 7,583 1983 1985' 8,210 1984 1986 N/A 1985 1987 14,110 1986 1988 13,247 1990 1992 13,861 1990 1992# 24,749 1992 1994 23,324 * After change in assumptions. ~ After change in benefits. A-5 22-Jul-93 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS LABELLE PARK RETAINING WALL MUNICIPAL PROJECT 9103 TOTAL PROJECT COST RETAINING WALL No. Description Quantity Unit 1 Clear and grub area 2 Cleadng trees 3 Grubbing trees 4 Remove concrete rubble 5 Remove existing retaining walls 6 Salvage existing fence 7 Barrier fence for construction 8 Excavation 9 Concrete collar around pipe 10 Construct retaining wall 11 Backfill 12 Granular borrow (L.V.) 13 Erosion fence 14 6' Chain link fence 15 Aggregate base CI 5 for path 16 Bituminous path 17 Reinstall fence 18 Erosion blanket 19 Slope vegetation 20 Sodding 1 L.S. 1,585 In. 1,585 In. 1.0 L.S. 130 LF. 320 bF. 2,000 L.F. 1,600 C.Y. 2 Ea. 7,000 S.F. 1,300 C.Y 2,940 C.Y. 1,350 LF. 1,165 LF. 315 Ton 900 S.Y. 320 L.F 5,210 S.Y. 5,210 S.Y. 2,525 S.Y. ESTIMATED CONSTRUC'i:ION.COST ESTIMATED ENGINEERING COST ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST Unit Price Total $25,000.00 $25,000.00 $15.00 $23,775.00 $5.00 $7,925.00 $25,000.00 $25,000.00 $10.00 $1,300.00 $5.00 $1,600.00 $5.00 $10,000.00 $15.00 $24,000.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $25.00 $175,000.00 $10.00 $13,000.00 $15.00 $44,100.00 $5.00 $6,750.00 $20.00 $23,300.00 $10.00 $3,150.00 $15.00 $13,500.00 $5.OO $1,6OO.OO $4.00 $20,840.00 $6.00 $31,260.00 $5.00 $12,625.00 $464,725.OO $20,000.00' $484,725.OO JUL 22 199;~ MANAGER CITY OF COLU,N'IBIA HEIGHTS 22-Jul-93 CITY Of COLUMBIA HEIGHTS LABELLE PARK RETAINING WALL MUNICIPAL PROJECT 9103 TOTAL PROJECT COST EROSION BLANKET No. Description Quantity Unit I Clear and grub area 2 Remove existing retaining walls 3 Salvage existing fence 4 Barrier fence for construction 5 Granular borrow (L.V.) 6 Erosion fence 7 Aggregate base Cl 5 for path/parking areas 8 Bituminous path/parking area 9 Reinstall fence 10 Erosion blanket 11 Slope vegetation I L.S. 130 L.F. 320 L.F. 2,000 L.F. 1,000 C.Y. 1,350 L.F. 370 Ton 1,050 S.Y. 320 L.F 7,735 S.Y. 7,735 S.Y. ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATED ENGINEERING COST ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST Unit Price $80,000.00 $10.00 $5.oo $5.oo $2o.oo $5.oo $1o.oo $15.oo $5.00 $8.oo $6.oo Total $80,000.00 $1,3oo.oo $1 6OO.OO $10 000.00 $2O 000.00 $6 75O.OO $3,7OO.OO $15,750.00 $1 600.00' $61 88O.OO $46 410.00 $248,990.00 $20,000.00 $268,990.00 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS Public Works Department JUL ,~3 1993 MANAGER CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DONAI.D MURZYN, JR., MAYOR CITY COUNCIL PATRICK HENTGES, CITY MANAGER MARK WINSON, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER KATHYJEAN YOUNG ASSISTANT CITY ENGINEER PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL ON STINSON BLVD BETWEEN 38TH AVE. AND 39TH AVE. DATE: JULY 22, 1993 The Signal Justification Report for the proposed pedestrian signal located on Sfinson Blvd., between 38th Ave. and 39th Ave. was approved by Mn/DOT on July 15, 1993. The signal location and surrounding area is shown on the attached aerial photo. For State Aid approval, the plans need to be signed by an electrical engineer. The contractor's work should also be certified by an electrical engineer. Staff recommends the project be designed and inspected by a consulting engineer. Maier-Stewart and Associates submitted a proposal for design, plan preparation and construction inspection with a cost not-to-exceed of $4,200.00. Maier-Stewart and Associates are the 'consulting engineers for the City of St. Anthony. Maler- Stewart and Associates has also been the low bidder on several recent Columbia Heights projects. Considering the small scope of work and the relationship between the two cities with Maier- Stewart and Associates, staff requests the project be awarded to Maler-Stewan and Associates without a formal bidding process. KKY:jb 93-441 600 ,,