HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 28, 2000OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 28, 2000
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CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 28, 2000 in
the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota.
Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Szurek, Councilmember Jolly, Councilmember Wyckoff,
Councilmember Hunter
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Hunter, second by Szurek, to approve the Consent Agenda items as follows:
1) Minutes for Approval
MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the August 14, 2000, Regular Council Meeting
as presented.
2)
Establish City Council Work Session dates for September 2000
MOTION: Move to establish Work Session meeting dates for Tuesday, September 5, 2000
at 5:30 p.m., and Monday, September 18, 2000, at 7:00 p.m.
3)
The City Council met in an executive session prior to tonight's City Council meeting to
discuss labor negotiations.
4)
Authorize Paving North half of rear Murzyn Hall Park Lot and Driveway out to Mill Street
MOTION: Move to authorize Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with
ACI Asphalt Contractors, Inc. and to award the bid for paving the north half of Murzyn
Hall rear parking lot and driveway on west side of building for the total amount of $17,200.
Walt Fehst, City Manager, suggested tabling this item for further consideration at a Council work session.
Staff felt Council might want to discuss paving the whole parking lot this year.
5)
Authorize Acceptance of Donations toward rebuilding the Police Shooting Range
MOTION: Move to accept $1,000 from each of the following organizations: VFW Post
#230, the Columbia Heights Boosters Organization, and the Tri-City American Legion, to
be used to offset the cost of rebuilding the police shooting range.
Fehst stated the gun range is for training purposes, youth organizations, hunting organizations, etc.
6)
Adopt Resolution 2000-59, authorizing preparation of specifications and bids for razing
4358 NE 3rd Street, 3855 Main Street, 828 NE 40th Avenue, 3944 Lookout Place and 3950
City Council Minutes
August 28, 2000
Page 2
Lookout Place
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-59
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
REQUESTING ABATEMENT OF THE HAZARDOUS STRUCTURES LOCATED AT 828 N.E. 40TM
AVENUE, 3944 LOOKOUT PLACE, 3950 LOOKOUT PLACE, 3855 N.E. MAIN STREET, AND 4358
N.E. 3m~ STREET.
WHEREAS, there are hazardous substandard structures at 828 N.E. 40th Avenue, 3944 Lookout Place, 3950
Lookout Place, 3855 N.E. Main Street, and 4358 N.E. 3rd Street, and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute 463.15 to 463.26 authorizes municipalities to address hazardous and substandard
structures and properties, and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights finds this property to be hazardous based on the following code
violations as contained in the Findings of Fact:
FINDINGS OF FACT
Dangerous Building Definitions Chapter 3 of the 1994 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings:
302(9) Whenever, for any reason, the building or structure, or any portion thereof, is manifestly unsafe for the
purpose for which it is being used.
302(11) Whenever the building or structure exclusive of the foundation, shows 33 percent or more damage or
deterioration of its supporting members, or 50 percent damage or deterioration of its non supporting members,
enclosing or outside walls or coverings.
302(12) Whenever the building or structure has been so damaged by fire, wind, earthquake or flood or has become
so dilapidated or deteriorated as to become an attractive nuisance to children; a harbor for vagrants, criminals or
immoral persons; or as to enable persons to resort thereto for the purpose of committing immoral acts.
302(17) Whenever any building or structure is in such a condition as to constitute a public nuisance known to the
common law or in equity jurisprudence.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED on the Building Official's conclusions that, the structures at 828 N.E. 40th
Avenue, 3944 Lookout Place, 3950 Lookout Place, 3855 N.E. Main Street, and 4358 N.E. 3rd Street are
substandard and seriously deteriorated, lack minimum standards for habitable space per 1998 MN State Building
Code and 1994 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and the Building Official is
recommending the structures be abated by razing the structures, authorize staff to prepare demolition
specifications, and solicit bids for the projects.
Conclusions of Council
That all relevant parties have been duly notified of this action.
That the structures on the properties at 828 N.E. 40th Avenue, 3944 Lookout Place, 3950 Lookout Place, 3855
N.E. Main Street, and 4358 N.E. 3rd Street are hazardous and in violation of many local, state and national code
requirements.
City Council Minutes
August 28, 2000
Page 3
That the structures cannot be rehabilitated to bring them into compliance with local, state and national code
requirements.
Order of Council
1. The structures, located at 828 N.E. 40th, 3944 Lookout Place, 3950 Lookout Place, 3855 N.E. Main
Street, and 4358 N.E. 3rd Street in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, are hazardous buildings pursuant to
Minn. Stat. 463.152, 463.616.
Pursuant to the foregoing findings and in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, the City Council authorize
staff to prepare demolition specifications for the projects.
3. Pursuant to the foregoing findings the City Council Authorizes staff to solicit bids for the projects.
Passed this 28th day of August, 2000.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
Patty Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2000-59, authorizing staff to prepare specifications
and bids for razing 4358 NE 3rd Street, 3855 Main Street, 828 NE 40th Avenue, 3944
Lookout Place and 3950 Lookout Place.
Fehst suggested placing a sign at these locations indicating that the City Council and Community
Development department is involved with the happenings at this site.
7)
Authorization to Sell, Salvage, or Dispose of City Property on September 9, 2000
MOTION: Move to authorize the sale, salvage, or disposal of surplus City property as
indicated on the attached listing of surplus property.
8)
Final Payment for Street Crack Sealing and Parking Lot Joint and Crack Sealing
MOTION: Move to accept the work for 2000 Street Crack Sealing and Parking Lot Joint
and Crack Sealing, City Project 0001(A) and authorize final payment of $3,508.26 to
Northwest Asphalt, Inc. of Goodridge, Minnesota.
9)
Approve expenditures for property maintenance at 4931 Jackson Street NE
MOTION: Move to authorize up to $17,933.28 plus tax for property maintenance, and
clean-up, and associated costs, at 4931 Jackson Street NE with funding from 415-50015-
4000.
10)
Establish Hearing Dates Re: License Revocation or Suspension of Rental Properties at
4919 Jackson Street NE and 1132 40th Avenue NE
MOTION: Move to Establish a Hearing Date of September 11, 2000 for Revocation or
Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights
City Council Minutes
August 28, 2000
Page 4
against Michael Johnson at 4919-4921 Jackson Street NE.
MOTION: Move to Establish a Hearing Date of September 11, 2000 for Revocation or
Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights
against Myrna Bourcy at 1132 40th Avenue NE.
Approve License Applications
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for August
28, 2000.
Payment of Bills
MOTION: Move to pay the bills as listed out of proper funds.
Mel Collova, Building Official discussed the buildings to be razed and assessment of the cost,'.
Fehst indicated there will not be city vehicles on our auction, as we will contract with Hennepin County to sell
them at their auction. Police Chief Johnson indicated the property sold at our auction comes from all divisions
in the city, for example: items that were found and evidentiary property. Collova stated that clean up work being
done at 4931 Jackson Street will be charged back to the owner.
Upon the vote: Szurek - aye, Jolly - aye, Wyckoff- aye, Hunter - aye, Peterson - aye. Motion carried.
5. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS
A. Proclamations
B. Presentations
C. Introduction of New Employees
1. Gary Boham, Police Department Community Service Officer
Chief Johnson introduced our newest Community Service Officer, Gary Boham, who is a long time
Columbia Height; resident and volunteer in Police Department. Mr. Boham thanked the Council and
stated he was honored to be chosen.
D. Recognition
1. Jack Moore, Police and Fire Civil Service Commission
Mayor Peterson recognized Jack Moore for his time given to the Police and Fire Civil Service
Commission and stated he will be awarded a clock for his service. Peterson indicated that Jack Moore's
father will replace him for two months.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public Hearing Regarding the Revocation or Suspension of the Rental License Held by James
Lupient regarding rental property at 3839 Hart Boulevard.
MOTION: Move to close the public hearing regarding the revocation or suspension of the rental
license held by James Lupient regarding rental property at 3839 Hart Boulevard in that the
property is in compliance with the Housing Maintenance Code.
Mayor Peterson closed the public hearing as the property is in compliance with the Housing Maintenance
Code.
City Council Minutes
August 28, 2000
Page 5
Emergency Ordinance # 1418, being an ordinance for a 90 day extension of the Moratorium on the
placement, construction, and modification of towers and wireless telecommunications facilities
within the City of Columbia Heights.
Ken Anderson, Community Development Director, indicated that Steve Guzzetta, of Creighton, Bradley
and Guzzetta, has prepared a draft Telecommunication Tower Siting Ordinance. This draft will now be
reviewed by staff and relevant commissions with an anticipated presentation to Council in October of
2000. As the previous moratorium ends September 7, a ninety-day extension was requested so staff may
follow the proper channels for approval.
EMERGENCY ORDINANCE 1418
BEING AN ORDINANCE OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL FOR A 90 DAY EXTENSION OF
THE MORATORIUM ON THE PLACEMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND MODIFICATION OF TOWERS AND
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES WITHIN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
The City of Columbia Heights does Ordain:
Section 1:
WHEREAS, on February 8, 1996, Congress enacted the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, P.L. No. 104-
104, to deregulate the telecommunications industry, providing a more competitive environment for wired and wireless
telecommunication services in the United States; and,
WHEREAS, increased competition in the market for wireless telecommunications services may create an increased
demand for antenna sites on towers and other antenna support structures necessary for providing wireless service via existing
and new technologies; and
WHEREAS; the Telecommunications Act of 1996 preserves the authority of the City to regulate the placement,
construction, and modification of towers, antenna support structures, and wireless telecommunications facilities in order to
protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public; and,
WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights Zoning Ordinance currently allows public utility structures as a Conditional Use
Permit in every zoning district within the City except for the 1-2, Industrial District which does not allow public utility
structures; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council determines it is necessary to complete the Comprehensive Plan update and the rewrite
of the Columbia Heights Zoning Ordinance and conduct further research and analysis as to appropriate zoning and
performance standards for towers and wireless telecommunications facilities within the City.
Section 2:
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT in an effort to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the
public the Columbia Heights City Council hereby imposes a 90 day extension to the moratorium on the placement,
construction, and modification of towers and wireless telecommunications facilities within the City of Columbia Heights, with
said moratorium commencing and effective September 7, 2000 through and including December 7, 2000 and recognizing said
moratorium will effect only those applications for the placement, construction, and modification of towers and wireless
telecommunications facilities submitted to the City after the date of adoption of this ordinance.
Section 3:
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after September 7, 2000 and extending through and including
December 7, 2000.
Offered by: Szurek
City Council Minutes
August 28, 2000
Page 6
Seconded by: Jolly
Roll Call: All ayes
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
MOTION by Szurek, seconded by Jolly, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1418, there being
ample copies available for the public. Upon the vote: Szurek - aye, Jolly - aye, Wyckoff- aye,
Hunter - aye, Peterson - aye. Motion carried.
MOTION by Szurek, seconded by Jolly, to approve Emergency Ordinance 1418, Being an
Emergency Ordinance of the Columbia Heights City Council for a 90 day extension of the
moratorium on the placement, construction, and modification of towers and wireless
telecommunications facilities within the City of Columbia Heights. Upon the vote: Szurek - aye,
Jolly - aye, Wyckoff- aye, Hunter - aye, Peterson - aye. Motion carried.
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ITEMS
A.
B.
C.
FOR CONSIDERATION
Other Ordinances and Resolutions
Bid Considerations
Other Business
1. Approve Proposals for Professional Services for the Joint Community Task Force
Anderson stated the cities of Fridley and Columbia Heights, along with School District ~13 have
combined to create a joint task force aimed to maximize opportunities created by the new Medtronic
facility. The Task Force determined the necessity to request proposals for land use, market, and financial
consulting services, and the GIS data analysis and mapping services. The Columbia Heights' share of the
marketingfirm costs' would be $6,082 and $18,500 for the GIS services.
Peterson questioned the cost difference from the Council letter to the motion. Anderson explained the
amount shouM be $6,082.
MOTION by Wyckoff, second by Szurek, to award land use, market, and financial consulting
services for the joint community task force to the Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc., (HKGI), based
upon their qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $6,082.00, with funds to be appropriated
from fund 226, special project revenue, and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager
to enter into an agreement for the same, which will be administered by the Fridley HRA. Upon the
vote: Szurek - aye, Jolly - aye, Wyckoff- aye, Hunter - aye, Peterson - aye. Motion carried.
MOTION by Wyckoff, second by Szurek, to award the GIS Data Analysis and Mapping services
for the joint community task force to Demographic Technologies, Inc. (DTI), based upon their
qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $18,050.00, with funds to be appropriated from fund
226, special project revenue, and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter
into an agreement for the same, which will be administered by the Fridley HRA. Upon the vote:
Szurek - aye, Jolly - aye, Wyckoff- aye, Hunter - aye, Peterson - aye. Motion carried.
8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
City Council Minutes
August 28, 2000
Page 7
A. Report of the City Manager
1. Presentation of 2001 Summary_ Budget information.
Fehst, in reference to the 2001 Summary Budget hand out, indicated City Council review was necessary to
meet State requirement,'. This information will be presented to Council at a September Work Session.
State law requires a Truth and Taxation Hearing which will be scheduled for December 4, 2000. Fehst
stated this presentation would acknowledge City Council acceptance of the report.
Fehst pointed out from the departmental activities green sheet, that 40 seniors enjoyed the annual
watermelon spitting contest. The winning distance was 26feet.
Fehst indicated that Street Rehabifitation in District 4 continues. There was some flooding in areas from
the recent three inches of rain which was received in a short amount of time. Fehst stated a car was
damaged in an area that was clearly marked prohibiting parking. The Municipal Service Center parking
lot has been re-paved. There was an electric fire at Wagamon Brothers Engines. dolly questioned the
storm sewer project on Monroe Street. Fehst stated this project will be completed soon.
Report of the City Attorney
Nothing at this time.
C. Report of the Building Official
Mel Collova, Building Official, indicated Wendy's Restaurant has proposed to move into the previous
Boston Market. A court order has been obtained to remove the structure at 4358 3rd Street. Collova
thanked all City personnel who assisted in the clean up of the property on Jackson Street. A number of
garage plans are being processed. A resident was removed from a condemned building on Main Street.
Collova will be issuing a citation to two driveway contractors. Hunter requested Collova inspect a
collapsing sidewalk on 49th and Central. Collova stated the City will obtain five signs indicating City
involvement and place them at relative locations.
Szurek stated she is pleased with the gateway sign. Fehst acknowledged the Chamber of Commerce, now
joined with Southern Anoka County Chamber of Commerce, has made an offer to donate their remaining
funds (estimated at $8,-9,000) for entrance signs into our City. The only stipulation is to acknowledge
local businesses on the sign. This sign was suggested for the North entrance into Columbia Height,'. Fehst
suggested a get-together at the new entrance sign.
Fehst indicated the City of Minneapofis has offered to meet and ,'hare their plans for improvement; to
Central Avenue in their city.
Wyckoff stated that Planning and Zoning meetings will now be taped and televised. There are openings
on the Planning and Zoning, Human Services and Telecommunications Commissions. Election result;
will be posted on cable and the City web site after 8 p.m. on September 12th. There will be a benefit raffle
for Scott Solem, who was injured in a car crash.
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Peterson commented on the success of the Senior program trip to Gull Lake, and Chippewa Fall,'. Karen
Moeller, Sr. Citizens Coordinator does a wonderful job.
GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
A. Minutes of Boards and Commissions
1) Meeting of the July 18, 2000 Economic Development Authority
City Council Minutes
August 28, 2000
Page 8
2)
Meeting of the August 1, 2000 Public Library Board of Trustees
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 Council
regarding specific agenda items at the time the item is being discussed.)
Darlene Buboltz, 3 709 Polk, (former owner ora home on Lookout Place which the City purchased.) stated
there was a mis-communication between the city and the title company, indicating she owes $1,900 for
assessment; and interest on her new home. She does not want to pay the interest for the three years she
did not own the home. Fehst was not aware of this situation and asked for time to research it.
She also received a letter from the City giving her one month to fix a retaining wall. Fehst stated staff
will work with her to extend the time limit into next spring. She requested help applying for a home
improvement loan, because she was refused an improvement loan on her prior home. She will need to fill
out an application for this current home, and get estimates from a contractor. Collova stated her oM
home was a non-conforming structure, where repairs exceeded 50% of value. A loan for her current home
shouM not be a problem.
11.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Peterson adjourned the August 28, 2000 City Council meeting at 7:55 p.m.
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk