HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 14, 2000OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 14, 2000
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Szurek, Councilmember Jolly, Councilmember Hunter
Absent: Councilmember Wyckoff
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA
(The Council, upon majority vote of its members, may make additions and deletions to the agenda. These
may be items brought to the attention of the Council under the Citizen Forum or items submitted after the
agenda preparation deadline.)
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CONSENT AGENDA
(These items are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted as part of the Consent
Agenda by one motion. Items removed from consent agenda approval will be taken up as next order of
business.)
MOTION by Jolly, second by Szurek to approve Consent Agenda items as follows:
1) Minutes for Approval
MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the July 24, 2000, Regular Council Meeting
as presented.
2)
Appoint Interim Police and Fire Civil Service Commissioner
MOTION: Move to appoint Vern Moore as an Interim member of the Police and Fire
Civil Service Commission for a period not to exceed two months from the date of this
appointment.
3)
Approve Replacement of Unit #238 Groundsmaster Lawn Mower
MOTION: Move to purchase one (1) new Toro Groundsmaster 325D, 4 x 4 lawn mower
equipped with 72" mowing deck and cab from MTI Distributing Co., of Plymouth, MN,
under the State of Minnesota Purchasing Contract, in the amount of $14,754.00,
including trade-in of two existing groundsmasters, plus sales tax and delivery, with funds
to be appropriated from Capital Equipment Replacement Fund 431-45200-5180.
4)
Authorize Staff to Seek Bids for the Demolition and Removal of Huset Park Bandshell
MOTION: Move to authorize staff to seek bids for the demolition and removal of the
Huset Park Bandshell, based upon the recommendation of the Park and Recreation
Commission.
5) Authorize Purchase of Three Sets of Aluminum 5-Tier Bleachers
MOTION: Move to purchase three sets of aluminum five-tier bleachers from Earl F.
Anderson, Inc. of Bloomington, Minnesota, in the amount of $8,199.85, including tax
and delivery, from fund 412-45200-5180.
City Manager Fehst stated the new federal and state laws for bleacher safety require the
replacement of one-half of our bleachers.
6)
Authorize Purchase of 24" Gate Valve at Pump Station #3
MOTION: Move to purchase one (1) 24" gate valve and appurtenances from US Filter
City Council Minutes
August 14, 2000
Page 2
Distribution in the amount of $11,108.98, plus tax, from fund 651-49430-2160.
Fehst stated the water study initiated by the City show the need for this repair.
7) Approve Change Order No. 1 for Innsbruck Parkway Storm Sewer Repair
MOTION: Move to authorize Change Order No. 1, Addition of the Innsbruck Parkway
Storm Sewer Repair to the Zone 4 Street Rehabilitation, City Project 0002, to Hardrives,
Inc. of Rogers, Minnesota, in the amount of $31,161.80, from the Storm Water Utility
Fund, 604-50002-5130.
Fehst indicated this is for broken corrugated metal piping.
8) Authorize Staff to Seek Bids for Repair and Coating of MSC Garage Floor
MOTION: Move to authorize staff to seek bids for the spot repair and protective coating
of MSC Garage Floor.
Fehst stated this repair was done approximately five years ago, and will be repaired as an on-
going maintenance item.
9) Approve Payment to the City of Fridley for Columbia Heights' Share of Seal Coating and
Tape Street Markings of 53rd Avenue
MOTION: Move to accept the work for the City's share of seal coating and tape street
markings of 53rd Avenue and to authorize payment of $9,326.14 to the City of Fridley,
payment out of State Aid Maintenance, Fund 212-43190-5130.
Fehst indicated this is a joint effort with Fridley and is on the border of our cities.
10) Approve Change Order No. 1 to Northwest Asphalt Maintenance, Inc.
MOTION: Move to authorize Contract Change Order No. 1 to Northwest Asphalt
Maintenance, Inc. of Goodridge, Minnesota, to compensate for the additional materials
used for the crack and joint sealing project, in the amount of $15,678.60, with funding
out of 415-50001-5130.
Fehst indicated this is in Zone ~4.
11)
Establish Hearing Dates Re: License Revocation or Suspension of Rental Property at
3839 Hart Boulevard.
MOTION: Move to establish a Hearing Date of August 28, 2000, for Revocation or
Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia
Heights against James Lupient at 3839 Hart Boulevard.
12)
Approve Variance Request for 4524 Fillmore Street N.E.
MOTION: Move to approve the eight (8) inch rear yard setback variance at 4524
Fillmore Street N.E. as the variance would be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the
ordinance, and the proposal has challenges unique to the property in question that would
justify a hardship.
13)
Approve Setback Variance Request for 1845 Fairway Drive N.E.
MOTION: Move to approve the 8.5 foot rear yard setback variance at 1845 Fairway
Drive N.E. due to irregular shape of the lot, and the variance would be in keeping with
the spirit and intent of the ordinance.
14)
Approve License Applications
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for August
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August 14, 2000
Page 3
14,2000.
15)
Payment of Bills
MOTION: Move to pay the bills as listed out of proper funds.
Jolly commented on the Central Avenue walk the City Council and City Manager conducted on Sunday, August
13th.
Jolly stated that following demofition of the Bandshell, a portable Bandshell would be available if needed
Staff has been asked to research other options.
Malcolm Watson, 1717 49th Avenue, asked questions regarding the Bandshell that was built 30 years ago.
Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, indicated the roof is in good shape, but the flooring is in very bad shape,
and there are ongoing maintenance problems.
Watson asked questions regarding the pubfic hearing for 3839 Hart Boulevard Peterson indicated problems
may possibly be corrected and the hearing closed at the next Council meeting.
Jolly stated the Civil Service Commission is looking for another member and asked resident; to consider
applying for this important position.
Upon vote - All ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor Peterson indicated Councilmember Wyckoff has an excused absence from the meeting.
5. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS
Proclamations
Declare August 20, 2000, as "Frances Tatting Day" in the City of Columbia Heights
Mayor Peterson read the Proclamation declaring August 20, 2000 as "Frances Tatting Day"and presented
Frances Tatting with the proclamation. Mrs. Tatting thanked everyone. She spoke of her life in Columbia
Height; and how things have changed in our City.
Hunter and Jolly congratulated her and added things about her life. Peterson stated there will be an open house
on Sunday, August 20 at 2:00p. m. at her church.
Presentations - None
Introduction of New Employees - None
Recognition - None
Mayor Peterson informed resident; that Columbia Height; Postman Scott Solem was paralyzed and there will
be a benefit for him September 10, at Povs on Hwy. 65.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Public Hearing Regarding the Revocation or Suspension of the Rental License Held by Nurhan
Hasar Regarding Rental Property at 1215-17 Circle Terrace
Peterson closed the hearing, as the property has been brought into compliance.
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August 14, 2000
Page 4
B. Public Hearing Regarding the Revocation or Suspension of the Rental License Held by Abdul
Rashid Regarding Rental Property at 4341 Tyler Place
MOTION: Move to close the public hearing regarding the revocation or suspension of the
rental license held by Abdul Rashid regarding rental property at 4341 Tyler Place in that the
property is in compliance with the Housing Maintenance Code.
Peterson closed the hearing, as the property has been brought into compliance.
C. Public Hearing Regarding the Revocation or Suspension of the Rental License Held by F. C.
Celtic LLC, Inc. Regarding Rental Property at 3849 Central Avenue
MOTION: Move to close the public hearing regarding the revocation or suspension of the
rental license held by F.C. Celtic LLC, Inc. regarding rental property at 3849 Central Avenue in
that the property is in compliance with the Housing Maintenance Code.
Peterson closed the hearing, as the property has been brought into compliance.
Hunter asked if 3849 Central included repair of the step. Hoeft suggested speaking to the Housing Maintenance
Department.
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ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions
1) Resolution Setting Public Hearing for Establishment of Redevelopment TIF District
RESOLUTION 2000-57
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A
REDEVELOPMENT TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT AND TIF PLAN THEREFORE,
AND A MODIFIED REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE DOWNTOWN CBC REDEVELOPMENT
PROJECT
Whereas, the City of Columbia Heights ("City") and its Economic Development Authority ("Authority") have
contemplated using tax increment financing ("TIF") in order to facilitate construction of housing for senior
citizens and persons of low and moderate income pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.174 to 469.179
(the "Act"); and
Whereas, the City Council has determined to consider a modification of the redevelopment plan for the
Downtown Central Business District Redevelopment Project ("Project"), an establishment of a redevelopment
TIF District ("TIF District") within the project area, and to hold a public hearing regarding those actions in
accordance with the Acts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that:
The Authority, and its staff and consultants, are hereby authorized and directed to cause to be
prepared a modification to the redevelopment plan for the Project and a tax increment financing
plan for the proposed TIF District, and to file a copy of such documents in City Hall.
The City Clerk-Treasurer is authorized and directed to prepare a notice for publication in the
City's official newspaper setting a public hearing before the City Council on September 25, 2000
at approximately 7:00 p.m. in the council chambers on the Project plan and TIF Plan. The notice
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August 14, 2000
Page 5
shall be published in the newspaper at least 10 but not more than 30 days prior to the public
hearing, and shall include a map of the modified Project area and proposed TIF District.
The City Manager is authorized and directed to notify the County Commissioner representing the
area proposed to be included in the TIF District regarding the proposed district, in accordance
with the Act.
The City Manager is authorized and directed to transmit a copy of the modified Project plan and
the TIF Plan to the County Board and School Board at least 30 days before the date of the public
hearing and to take all other actions necessary to bring the Project plan and TIF Plan before the
City Council at the time of the public hearing.
Dated this 14th Day of August, 2000.
Offered by: Jolly
Seconded by: Szurek
Roll Call All ayes
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
Ken Anderson, Community Development Director, indicated legal counsel prepared this Resolution
estabfishing a Pubfic Hearing for 7:00 p.m., September 25. The area affectedwould be 47t and Central
Avenue. Included are commercial, private, and EDA owned property.
Bruce Nawrocki, 1255 Polk Place, asked how this will be paid. Anderson stated initially EDA fund; will be used
and will be reimbursed by 10% of administrative expenses allowed from the tax increment revenue for eligible
administrative activities and cost,'. Anderson indicated that tax increment produced will ultimately go toward
this.
MOTION by Jolly, second by Szurek, to waive the reading of Resolution 2000-57, there being
ample copies available to the public. All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION by Jolly, second by Szurek, to adopt Resolution 2000-57, being a resolution calling
for a Public Hearing on the establishment of a Redevelopment Tax Increment Financing District
and TIF Plan therefore, and a modified Redevelopment Plan for the Downtown CBD
Redevelopment Project. All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION by Hunter, second by Szurek, to award the proposal for preparation of the
Redevelopment TIF District and TIF Plan therefore, to Springsted, Inc., based on their proposal
dated August 9, 2000, in the amount not to exceed $5,000; and furthermore, to authorize the
Mayor and City Council to enter into an agreement for the same. All ayes. Motion carried.
Bid Considerations
1) Resolution Accepting Bids and Awarding Contract for Monroe Street Storm Sewer
Improvement Project
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August 14, 2000
Page 6
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-56
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR
MONROE STREET STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT CITY PROJECT No. 0007
TO HARDRIVES, INC. OF ROGERS, MINNESOTA
WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids for City Project No.'s 0002 and 0007, Street
Rehabilitation Projects In Zone 4, bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following
bids were received complying with the advertisement:
Bid Bond Base Bid Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Alternate 3 Addendum 1
Bidder 5% (adds #0007) (deduct) (add) (add)
Hardrives, Inc. Ok $809,776.28* $1,193,480.04' $805,806.63* $4,510.00 $1,206,398.04'
(Incl. base bid)
Midwest Asphalt Ok $841,245.90' $1,250,994.15' $838,121.40' $2,729.50 $1,264,148.55'
(Incl. base bid)
denotes corrected bid
WHEREAS, it appears that Hardrives, Inc. of Rogers, Minnesota, is the lowest responsible bidder.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS,
MINNESOTA:
The Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with Hardrives Inc.,
14475 Quiram Drive, Rogers, Minnesota, in the name of the City of Columbia Heights, for Monroe
Street Storm Sewer Improvement Project, City Project No. 0007, according to plans and specifications
therefore approved by the Council, accepting alternate bid No. 1.
The City Engineer is hereby authorized and directed to return, forthwith, to all bidders, the deposits made
with their bids except the deposit of the successful bidder and the next lowest bidder shall be retained
until the contract has been signed.
City Project #0007 shall be funded with DNR Grant, General Funds (Infrastructure and Assessments),
and appropriate Utility Funds.
Dated this 14th day of August, 2000.
Offered by: Szurek
Seconded by: Jolly
Roll Call: All ayes
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
Hansen indicated this is the third bid alternate for this project.
MOTION by Szurek, second by Jolly, to waive the reading of the resolution, there being
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August 14, 2000
Page 7
ample copies available to the public. All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION by Szurek, second by Jolly to approve and adopt Resolution No. 2000-56
accepting bids and awarding the Monroe Street Storm Sewer Improvement Project
#0007 to Hardrives, Inc. of Rogers, Minnesota, in the amount of $394,594.91 based
upon their low, qualified responsible bid and, furthermore to authorize the Mayor and
City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. All ayes. Motion carried.
Hunter questioned additional DNR grants'. Hansen indicated other grants' are in process. Hansen stated the
project is about 3 weeks' ahead of schedule.
C. Other Business
1) Master Redevelopment Plan for Downtown Columbia Heights
Anderson indicated a 22-member task force was involved in the downtown development plan. The initial three
concept plans included: Town Square, Urban Green and Civic Center concepts. SRF Consultants did a land
analysis determining the best type of development. Anderson showed a land use scenario. Phase I would be one
to five years near the NEI block, the Transit HUB and LaBelle Park. The Town Square plan would include
development west of Central on 40th Avenue including green space and retail development by Van Buren Street,
and improvements between 3 7th and 39t~ Avenues along Central Avenue to create a downtown atmosphere. The
Civic Center concept was eliminated. Anderson stressed this is just a proposal. Anderson stated the Task Force
also looked at streetscape and lighting concepts.
Peterson questioned the alternative motion. Anderson stated the alternative motion tried to estabfish
fundamental core principals' to be used in the area, developing a vision for the City. Szurek felt the Town
Square concept allowed greater flexibility. Jolly agreed Hunter recommended the first motion.
Nawrocki compfimented the Mayor and Hunter for their work on the entrance sign.
Nawrocki stated cost projections shouM have been included with each concept plan and suggested the Council
obtain further ideas and costs' before approval. Councilmembers stated they are in favor oft he Town Square
concept, for an idea to start and move forward from.
Karsten McCarthy, 4215 ya Street, wants' residents' responsible for their own property without involvement of
the government.
MOTION by Hunter, second by Szurek, to adopt the Town Square concept plan of the
Columbia Heights Downtown Master Plan to guide future redevelopment efforts with the
goals of creating a positive identity for downtown Columbia Heights, strengthen ties
among nearby neighborhoods, and to attract appropriate new business opportunities. All
ayes. Motion carried.
2) Approve Cooperation Agreement for the Transition Block Redevelopment Project
Anderson indicated this cooperation agreement would allow Real Estate Equities Development Company to
secure development funds from the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority as part of the Metropolitan Housing
Opportunities Program. Anderson stated this is the project adjacent to NEI College of Technology for 22 town
home units' and 50 assisted living units'.
Anderson read an addition of disclaimer language to the agreement by our legal counsel a/lowing the City or
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August 14, 2000
Page 8
EDA the ability to back out of this agreement.
Nawrocki does not want to see the town homes be Section 8 units and urged Councilmembers to vote no.
Keith dans, l/ice President of Real Estate Equities, stated three unit; would be to satisfy the Ho//man unit grant.
Town homes would be for an income range in the low $30, O00's with 2, 3, and 4, bedroom unit,'. The building
will require screening, background check; and prior rental check,'. Anyone qualified and meeting all
requirement; would not be turned down.
MOTION by Jolly, seconded by Szurek, to approve the Cooperation Agreement for the
Transition Block Redevelopment Project contingent on the addition of the proposed
language or language substantially similar and acceptable to legal counsel for the
City/EDA; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an
agreement for the same. All ayes. Motion carried.
3) Authorize Funds for Acquisition of 3855 Main Street NE
Anderson indicated this property is located in the scattered site district. As it is blighted and non-conforming,
staff recommends purchasing the property for the negotiated price of $54, 000 and $1, O00 for closing cost,'.
The City has received a no relocation cost agreement. Anderson stated it is a 40foot wide lot, allowing options
to sell to the adjacent property owners with them doing the demolition, or selling to a developer requiring
demolish and meeting new building standard,'. Funds will come from the abatement fund
MOTION by Szurek, second by Jolly to authorize $54,000 for acquisition of 3855 Main
Street N.E. and up to $1,000 for closing costs, with funds to be appropriated from the
abatement revolving fund; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to
execute the purchase agreement for the same. All ayes. Motion carried.
8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A. Report of the City Manager
Fehst stated the District Court and Appellee Court have released the City from any and all claims by Mr.
Rozman. He has the right to appeal to the Supreme Court. We are obligated to pay our legal fees which will be
paid by our insurance company.
B. Report of the City Attorney
9. GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Minutes of Boards and Commissions
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2)
3)
4)
5)
Meeting of the July 5, 2000 Library Board of Trustees
Meeting of the July 20, 2000 Telecommunications Commission
Meeting of the July 26, 2000 Park and Recreation Commission
Meeting of the August 7, 2000, Traffic Commission
Meeting of the August 8, 2000, Planning and Zoning Commission
10.
CITIZENS FORUM
(At this time, citizens have an opportunity to discuss with the Council items not on the regular agenda.
The citizen is requested to limit their comments to five minutes. Please note, the public may address the
City Council Minutes
August 14, 2000
Page 9
Council regarding specific agenda items at the time the item is being discussed.)
Cassandra Hern and Nary Soukup spoke on behalf of their grandmother and mother respectively, Ns. Rose
Ostrander, of 4157 Jackson Street NE. Ns. Ostrander has been dealing with the developer for the sale of her
home for two years, has a signed purchase agreement, but has received no further information as to a closing
date and final sale of the property. She is on a fixed income and two weeks ago moved to Parkview Filla, which
requires her to pay rent while still maintaining her home. Ns. Hern and Ns. Soukup asked the City Council for
help to finalize this sale within the next 60 days.
dim Hoefi, City Attorney, explained there were significant issues between the developer and another property
owner. The City has not been responsible for the delays and has tried to facilitate closure.
Fehst stated he appreciated Ns. Ostrander's patience and will work to see this resolved as soon as possible
Peterson indicated this process has been very frustrating to the developer, and thanked the family for their
patience.
HaroM Hoium, 4315 5th Street, thanked the City Council for the entrance sign at 37th and Central, as it puts the
city on the map. He felt all street signs should have a sign under them stating "Welcome to Columbia Heights ".
He asked the Public Works Director to get information on the cost of these signs.
11.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk