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 ,,