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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 8, 2001OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 2001 1. CALL TO ORDER/OATH OF OFFICE/ROLL CALL The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2001 in the th City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40 Avenue NE, Columbia Heights. The Deputy City Clerk issued the Oaths of Office to Mayor Peterson, and Councilmember Nawrocki. Present: Councilmember Szurek, Councilmember Wyckoff, Councilmember Nawrocki, and Mayor Peterson Absent: Councilmember Williams 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Nawrocki thanked the citizens of Columbia Heights for the honor to serve this community. He commented on his political career and goals, and listed future expectations of the City Manager and City Attorney. He asked that citizens get better information on actions taken by the City Council. 4. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION A) by Wyckoff, second by Szurek, to approve the Consent Agenda items, except the Business License for 3952 Central Avenue, as follows: 1) Minutes for Approval Motion to approve the minutes of the December 27, 2000, regular City Council meeting as presented. 2) Authorization to obtain price quotes for printing and mailing of the 2001 City Newsletter Motion to authorize staff to obtain price quotations for printing and mailing of the 2001 “Heights Happening” City Newsletter. 3) Authorize payment of 2001 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities Membership Dues Motion to authorize payment of the 2001 annual Membership Fee to the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities in the amount of $5,187.00. 4) Establish Hearing Date regarding License Revocation or Suspension of Rental Properties at 1020 th 44 Ave NE, 1221-1223 Circle Terrace, 4640, 4648 Polk Street NE, and 3725 Main Street NE Motion to establish a Hearing Date of January 22, 2001 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Greg Heinen at 1020 th 44 Avenue NE. Motion to establish a Hearing Date of January 22, 2001 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Susan Kinch at 1221- 1223 Circle Terrace. Motion to establish a Hearing Date of January 22, 2001 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Connie Johnson at 4640, 4648 Polk Street NE. Motion to establish a Hearing Date of January 22, 2001 for Revocation or Suspension of a License City Council Minutes January 8, 2001 Page 2 of 5 to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Maurice Weaver at 3725 Main Street NE. 5) Approve License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for January 8, 2001. 6) Approve Payment of Bills Motion to pay the bills as listed out of the proper fund. Wyckoff asked when staff seeks bids for the City Newsletter, to consider and give preference to a Columbia Heights firm. Wyckoff asked to pull and table the license application for Junklin Jewels at 3952 Central Avenue for further investigation. Nawrocki questioned contracting out the compilation of the newsletter. Fehst stated this contract was to the past employee who put together the newsletter, and she has agreed to continue until new personnel are able to do this. Nawrocki felt staff should do this. Nawrocki wants to be sure that all Columbia Heights residents receive the newsletter, as this has been a problem in the past. He requested information be included on commission terms that are expiring and the Board of Review Public Hearing date. Nawrocki stated that when establishing hearing dates for revocation or suspension of rental housing license he would like to see the problems listed. Fehst indicated that information would be available at the hearing and that a large majority of these properties are brought into compliance before the public hearing date. Peterson stated this information is available to the public through the inspections department. Nawrocki questioned the Land Title Inc. bill for $117,557. Hoeft stated this was to the title company for the nd purchase of 1307 42 Avenue for flood mitigation purposes. Nawrocki suggested the bills listed be brought to the council meeting to assist with questions asked. Nawrocki suggested that with the increase in natural gas prices, that the City make an adjustment now and not wait until the end of the year to make this budget revision. Nawrocki questioned the Steininger Construction bill for $5,700. This was for rubble removal at a demolition site. Wyckoff indicated this information is available from the Finance Department. Nawrocki stated the $8,752 membership fee for the North Metro Mayors Association was not as great a benefit as participation in the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities. All ayes. Motion carried Upon vote: . Business License for Junklin Jewels at 3952 Central Avenue Wyckoff stated she went to this store and felt this is not the correct location for them, and that residents feel we already have too many stores of this type in the city. Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, questioned if the intent of tabling the Business License for 3952 Central Avenue license so as to prohibit the business to operate. He suggested a conditional license be issued until there has been further review and investigation. This will be brought back to the Council for discussion. Wyckoff questioned if the owner would receive a refund if the license was not approved. Hoeft stated the License Clerk would need to address this. Motion by Wyckoff, second by Nawrocki, to table approval of the business license for 3952 Central Avenue until there has been further review and investigation, and can be brought back to the Council for All ayes. Motion carried. discussion. Upon vote: City Council Minutes January 8, 2001 Page 3 of 5 5. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS A) Proclamations – none. B) Presentations 1) Holiday Lighting Contest Awards a) Gary and Jodi Gorman, 5010 Johnson Street b) Gene and Bonnie Rauchwarter, 1290 Polk Place c) Michael and Kristina Hamann, 4221 Reservoir Blvd. Mayor Peterson congratulated these residents. He presented certificates and checks to Gene and Bonnie Rauchwarter of 1290 Polk Place, and Gary Gorman of 5010 Johnson Street. The Hamann’s were not present and will be sent their prize. C) Introduction of New Employee 1) Christopher Downing, Assistant Liquor Operations Manager Chris Downing introduced himself, gave his background, and thanked the Council for this opportunity. D) Recognition – none. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A) Close the Public Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 1224-1226 Circle Terrace. Mayor Peterson closed the Public Hearing for 1224-1226 Circle Terrace as the property is in substantial compliance with the Residential Maintenance Code. Fehst stated there are several screens that will be replaced in the spring. 7. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A) Other Ordinances and Resolutions B) Bid Considerations C) Other Business 1) Police and Fire Civil Service Commission opening Peterson indicated there is an opening on the Police and Fire Civil Service Commission as the new Councilmember, Mr. Nawrocki, who served on that Commission must now resign. Peterson stated there has been discussion to abolish this commission. He suggested discussing this at a work session. Nawrocki felt there should be a new appointment, continuing the Commission. The Fire Civil Service Commission would have to continue, unless absolved by the citizens. It was recommended to contact Vern Moore, to again inquire if he would accept a temporary appointment to this commission. 8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS A) Report of the City Manager Upcoming Work Session Items · Assignment of Liaisons from Council to the Commissions and Boards · Roof heating cables for the north side of Murzyn Hall · Alternative route for jamboree parade, because of Central Avenue construction · School liaison program · Purchase of two squad cars · Fire reallocation of funds from assisting the Carlos Avery Fire · Purchase of turn out gear – replacing gear purchased in 1987 City Council Minutes January 8, 2001 Page 4 of 5 · Purchase of washer and dryer (budgeted items) for the Fire Department · Transfer of CD block grant money to transition program. · Application for 2001 CD block grant money. · Quotes for sanitary sewer cleaning in Zone 5 of 12 and 15 inch lines. · Purchase agreement for 4552 Washington Street for flood mitigation · Recent lobbying efforts to legislature for sale of beer and wine in grocery stores · License for second hand store on Central Fehst reported on happenings in the City: he indicated that two new Police Officers began work today, a robbery suspect was apprehended, there was new carpeting and painting being done in the Police Department, construction of the gun range in the basement of the Police Department has begun, the Huset th Park Neighborhood group is starting a list of volunteers to review the 40 Avenue redevelopment concept, and Dana Alexon is at the fire academy, Mel Collova is at a training session this week, there was a fire at 4021 Stinson caused by the water heater, and the Public Works Department handled two water main breaks. Fehst referred to the research done by Decision Resources to improve the façade of Central Avenue. Nawrocki stated he opposes using work sessions to make decisions. He gave the background on the CBD Block Grant process. He spoke on compensation from tax increment financing compression and questioned why we were not compensated the first year. Fehst stated many communities are not happy and a formal complaint has been lodged. Fehst responded to Nawrocki’s statement at the beginning of the meeting. th Peterson informed the public that the next Council Work Session is January 17 in City Hall Conference Room 1, and is open to the public, with a 10:30 curfew. B) Report of the City Attorney - none 9. GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS A) Minutes of Boards and Commissions 1. Meeting of the December 6, 2000 Traffic Commission 10. CITIZENS FORUM Peterson commented on the difficulty youth groups in the City have obtaining gymnasium time to practice, and stated there is need for more cooperation with the School Board. Nawrocki questioned the street parking permit process adjacent to NEI. Hoeft stated the agreement calls for this process to be reviewed by the Chief of Police or his delegate, with issuance through NEI’s permit process Nawrocki referred to an anonymous letter he received and asked the party to call him directly for a response. Szurek stated she is a member of the Joint Task Force with the City of Fridley and stated the public forum previously set for January 11, 2001 was rescheduled to February 21, 2001 at Murzyn Hall at 7:00 p.m. She requested community input at this meeting. City Council Minutes January 8, 2001 Page 5 of 5 Szurek questioned the status of purchasing signs designating demolition areas. Fehst stated that only one bid was received and normally three bids are obtained. Szurek, who missed Mr. Jolly’s and Mr. Hunter’s last City Council meeting because of illness, expressed her feelings regarding their service and dedication to this community. Wyckoff thanked staff for responding to a complaint and removing snow at a local bus stop. She requested that Metro Transit be contacted to fulfill their responsibility of clearing snow at bus stops. Wyckoff commented on the WCCO T.V. Dimension report on the Heights Theatre and the El Bustan restaurant review in the newspaper. She commented on Bobby and Steve’s Auto World “food to go”, and a new Mexican restaurant in Hilltop called El Tequita. Peterson gave the Government class students present the opportunity to introduce themselves. 11. ADJOURNMENT Peterson adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m. ____________________________ Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk