HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 22, 2001
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 22, 2001
1. CALL TO ORDER/OATH OF OFFICE/ROLL CALL
The regular meeting of the City Council was called or order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 22, 2001 in
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the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40 Avenue NE, Columbia Heights.
The Deputy City Clerk issued the Oath of Office to Councilmember Williams.
Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers Szurek, Wyckoff, Williams, and Nawrocki
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA - none
4. CONSENT AGENDA
A) MOTION by Szurek, second by Wyckoff, to approve the Consent Agenda items as follows:
1) Minutes for Approval
Motion
to approve the minutes of the January 8, 2001, regular City Council meeting minutes as
presented.
2) Establish Work Session and Joint Meeting Dates for February 5, and 7, 2001
Removed from consent agenda
3) Authorize Joint Powers Agreement with School District #13 for a Police School Liaison Officer
Motion
to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to approve the joint powers agreement with school
District #13 for the provision of a police school liaison officer as stipulated in the joint powers
agreement for the period of September 5, 2000, through June 7, 2001.
4) Authorize Purchase of two vehicles for the Police Department
Motion
to authorize the purchase of two 2001 Ford Crown Victoria police vehicles, along with
service and parts manuals, per the State of Minnesota bid, with funding to come from 431-42100-
5150 in the amount of $45,918.68 including tax; and that the Mayor and City Manager are
authorized to enter into a contract for same.
5) Appoint Interim Police and Fire Civil Service Commissioner
Motion
to appoint Vern Moore as an Interim member of the Police and Fire Civil Service
Commission for a period not to exceed four months from the date of this appointment.
6) Establish Date for the Local Board of Review meeting
Item removed from consent agenda
Fehst stated this hearing is with Anoka County Assessors to answer questions regarding property
taxes.
7) Accept Lease Agreement for Gymnasium use at NEI College of Technology
Motion
to authorize staff to accept City of Columbia Heights/NEI College of Technology lease
agreement from September 1, 2000 to May 31, 2001 upon terms stated in the lease.
City Council Minutes
January 22, 2001
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2 of 13
8) Authorize Landing of State Patrols Helicopter at Huset Park for Safety Camp
Motion
to approve the landing/take-off of a Minnesota State Patrol Helicopter during Safety Camp
on June 14, 2001 between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. at Huset Park.
An incorrect time of 10:00 p.m. was printed in the original agenda and was corrected to 10:00 a.m.
9) Authorization to seek bids for Recreation T-Shirts and Equipment
Motion
to authorize recreation staff to seek bids for the purchase of t-shirts, hats, and athletic
equipment for the year of 2001 to be purchased from account 881-45001-2170.
10) Approve quote from Infratech Technologies for cleaning and televising trunk sanitary sewer in Zone
5 from Central to University Avenues
Motion
to accept the quotation from Infratech Technologies of Rogers, Minnesota in the amount of
$8,513 with funds from the City’s Sanitary Sewer Construction fund; and, authorize the Mayor and
City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same.
Fehst stated this is for cleaning the sewer system in Zone 5, prior to street re-construction. This may
also help alleviate some flooding problems.
11) Approve Blanket Purchase Orders for 2001
Removed from consent agenda
12) Authorization to seek bids for 2001-2002 Tree Planting Program
Motion
to authorize staff to seek bids for the 2001-2002 Tree Planting Program.
13) Authorization to seek bids for road materials
Motion
to authorize staff to seek bids for the purchase of road materials for 2001.
14) Adopt Resolutions No. 2001-01 and 2001-02, being resolutions ordering the preparation of reports
for proposed Zone 5 Street Rehabilitation Project and Seal Coating program.
Motion
to waive the reading of the Resolutions, there being ample copies available to the public.
Motion
to adopt Resolutions No. 2001-01 and 2001-02 being Resolutions ordering the preparation
of reports for proposed Zone 5 Street Rehabilitation Project and Seal Coat Program.
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-01
BEING A RESOLUTION ORDERING PREPARATION OF REPORTS ON
ZONE 5 STREET REHABILITATION
WHEREAS
, the City Council of Columbia Heights is proposing to rehabilitate the local streets in Zone 5.
Rehabilitation strategies include complete reconstruction, partial reconstruction or mill and overlay.
WHEREAS,
the City Council intends to assess the benefited property for all or a portion of the cost of the
improvement, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 429.011 to 429.111 (Laws 1953, Chapter 398, as
amended), and Section 103B.201 to 103B.251, as follows:
2001-01 ZONE 5 STREET REHABILITATION
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS,
City Council Minutes
January 22, 2001
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MINNESOTA
that the proposed improvements be referred to Mr. Kevin Hansen, City Engineer, for study and
that he is instructed to report to the Council with all convenient speed advising the Council in a preliminary way
as to whether the proposed improvements are necessary, cost effective, and feasible and as to whether it should
best be made as proposed or in connection with some other improvement, and the estimated cost of the
improvement as recommended.
Dated this 22nd day of January, 2001.
Offered by: Szurek
Seconded by: Wyckoff
Roll Call: All ayes
_____________________________________
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
______________________________
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-02
BEING A RESOLUTION ORDERING PREPARATION OF REPORTS ON
ZONE 5 SEAL COAT PROGRAM
WHEREAS
, the City Council of Columbia Heights is proposing to seal coat the local streets in Zone 5.
Rehabilitation strategies include complete reconstruction, partial reconstruction or mill and overlay.
WHEREAS,
the City Council intends to assess the benefited property for all or a portion of the cost of the
improvement, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 429.011 to 429.111 (Laws 1953, Chapter 398, as
amended), and Section 103B.201 to 103B.251, as follows:
2001-02 ZONE 5 SEAL COAT PROGRAM
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS,
MINNESOTA
that the proposed improvements be referred to Mr. Kevin Hansen, City Engineer, for study and
that he is instructed to report to the Council with all convenient speed advising the Council in a preliminary way
as to whether the proposed improvements are necessary, cost effective, and feasible and as to whether it should
best be made as proposed or in connection with some other improvement, and the estimated cost of the
improvement as recommended.
Dated this 22nd day of January, 2001.
Offered by: Szurek
Seconded by: Wyckoff
Roll Call: All ayes _____________________________________
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
______________________________
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
15) Adopt Resolution No. 2001-04 being a Resolution ordering the preparation of report for Central
Avenue Water Services and Streetscaping, City Project #1999-12A
Motion
to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2001-04, there being ample copies available to the
public.
City Council Minutes
January 22, 2001
Page
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Motion
to adopt Resolution No. 2001-04, being a Resolution ordering the preparation of report for
Central Avenue Water Services and Streetscaping, City Project 1999-12A.
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-04
BEING A RESOLUTION ORDERING PREPARATION OF REPORTS ON CENTRAL AVENUE
WATER SERVICES AND STREETSCAPING CITY PROJECT 1999-12A
WHEREAS
, the City Council of Columbia Heights is proposing reconstruct the water services and
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streetscaping on Central Avenue, from 37 to 43 Avenues, and
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WHEREAS
, a feasibility report has previously been prepared and accepted on December 13, 1999 by the City
Council for the Street and Utility work only, and
WHEREAS,
the City Council intends to assess the benefited property for all or a portion of the cost of the
Water Services and Streetscaping improvements, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 429.011 to 429.111
(Laws 1953, Chapter 398, as amended), and Section 103B.201 to 103B.251, as follows:
2001-04 CENTRAL AVENUE WATER SERVICES AND STREETSCAPING CITY
PROJECT 1999-12A
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS,
MINNESOTA
that the proposed improvements be referred to Mr. Kevin Hansen, City Engineer, for study and
that he is instructed to report to the Council with all convenient speed advising the Council in a preliminary way
as to whether the proposed improvements are necessary, cost effective, and feasible and as to whether it should
best be made as proposed or in connection with some other improvement, and the estimated cost of the
improvement as recommended.
Dated this 22nd day of January, 2001.
Offered by: Szurek
Seconded by: Wyckoff
Roll Call: All ayes __________________________________
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
______________________________
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
16) Adopt Resolution No. 2001-06, being a resolution setting a Public Hearing for Housing Revenue
nd
Bonds (Crest View on 42 Assisted Living Project)
Motion
to waive the reading of Resolution No.2001-06, there being ample copies available to the
public.
Motion
to adopt Resolution No. 2001-06, being a Resolution calling for a public hearing regarding a
proposed housing program and issuance of Revenue Bonds under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462C.
Fehst stated this resolution is only to set the Public Hearing date. He indicated the City has done
this previously for the original Crest View project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-06
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING A PROPOSED HOUSING
PROGRAM AND ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS UNDER MN STATUTES, CHAPTER 462C
City Council Minutes
January 22, 2001
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BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota (the “City”) as follows:
Section 1. Recitals.
1.01. Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462C, as amended (the “Act”) authorizes the City to issue revenue
bonds to finance a multifamily housing development.
1.02. Section 462C.03 of the Act requires that in order carry out a project, the City must develop a
housing program (“Program”) and hold a public hearing thereon.
1.03. Crest View ONDC I, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation (“Corporation”), (or Crestview Advanced
Missions I, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company and a member of Crest View ONDC I) (the “Member”),
has proposed that the City issue bonds in one or more series in the approximate principal amount not to exceed
$6,250,000 (the “Bonds”) to finance a proposed Program under the Act. The proposed Program consists of the
acquisition, construction and equipping of a 50-unit assisted-living multifamily senior rental housing
development (the “Project”), located at 900 – 42nd Avenue N.E. in the City to be owned by the Corporationor
the Member.
1.04. Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations promulgated
thereunder, requires that prior to the issuance of the Bonds, this Council approve the Bonds after conducting a
public hearing thereon.
Section 2. Public Hearing.
2.01. The City Council shall meet at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 26, 2001, to
conduct a public hearing on the housing Program and issuance of the Bonds as requested by the Corporation.
2.02. The City Administrator is authorized and directed to publish notice of the hearing in substantially
the form attached hereto as Exhibit A in a newspaper of general circulation in the City once, at least fifteen (15)
days prior to the date of the public hearing.
2.03. The Council hereby states its preliminary intention to issue the Bonds for the Program, subject to
adoption of the Program and compliance with the terms and conditions of the Act and the final agreement
among the City, the Corporation and the initial purchaser of the Bonds as to the terms and conditions thereof.
Passed this 22nd day of January, 2001
Offered by: Szurek
Second by: Wyckoff
Vote: All ayes ___________________________
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
17) Approve Rental Housing License Applications
Motion
to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for January 22, 2001, in
that they have met the requirements of the Housing Maintenance Code.
18) Approve License Applications
Motion
to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for January 22, 2001.
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January 22, 2001
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19) Approve Payment of Bills
Motion
to pay the bills as listed out of the proper fund.
Nawrocki stated he feels a fiduciary responsibility to discuss the payment of certain bills at the
Council meetings. He suggested staff prepare a short description summary of the bills, such as the
City of Shoreview has.
Nawrocki requested Items #2, 6, and 11 be pulled from the consent agenda.
Wyckoff questioned the dollar amount for tree purchases. Hansen stated we plant an average of 100
trees per year, possibly more if there is storm damage. Nawrocki asked if residents could take
advantage of this program. Hansen indicated residents are entitled to make purchases under this
contract.
Motion carried.
Consent Agenda Vote: All ayes.
Mayor Peterson asked the new Councilmember, Robert A. Williams to speak. Williams stated he was
honored to hold this position and pleased to have his friends present at this meeting. Bruce
Kelzenberg spoke in favor of Mr. Williams.
Item #2 Establish work session
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Fehst listed topics for discussion at the February 5 Council Work Session.
·
Printing of City Newsletter bids
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·
Architectural design guidelines for Central Avenue from 37 to 42 Avenues
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·
Acquisition for 39 Avenue, 600 feet east of 5 Street to comply with State Aid rules
·
Possible land acquisition for Central Avenue to comply with State Aid rules
·
Anoka County Joint Powers Agreement SCORE Funds
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·
Declaration of Hazardous Building – xxxx 6 Street NE
·
Assign Charter Commission liaison
·
Washer and Dryer purchase for Fire Department
·
Award bid for 1967 Pirsch Fire Truck
·
Refinancing 1990 bonds
·
Possible bond issue for Central Avenue project water and sewer
Fehst stated the joint meeting of the City Council and Library Board will cover needs for additional library
space. Becky Loader, Library Director, has a presentation of surrounding libraries planned. Staff
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recommended the date of February 7 at the Library Board Room.
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Fehst stated there would not be a Work Session meeting on January 29.
Nawrocki requested that the meeting with the Library Board include discussion on financing any project
considered.
Regarding Central Avenue improvement, Nawrocki suggested contracting Jim McComb, to conduct a financial
feasibility study. Fehst will contact him.
City Council Minutes
January 22, 2001
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Motion
by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to establish a Work Session meeting date for February 5,
Motion
2001, and a joint City Council/Library Board meeting for February 7, 2001. All ayes.
carried.
#6 Establish date for the Board of Review meeting.
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Nawrocki requested setting this Board of Review meeting for the alternate date of Thursday, April 5. Wyckoff
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requested meetings be consistent and that it be held on Monday, April 2, as her agreement with her employer
allows her to be available for Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday meetings.
Motion
by Wyckoff, second by Szurek, to set the date for the Local Board of Review meeting for
Motion
Monday, April 2, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Upon vote: All ayes.
carried.
#11 Approve Blanket Purchase Orders for 2001.
Nawrocki requested the Satellite rental have a not to exceed amount. Hansen stated this amount is based on the
Hennepin County contract and taking advantage of their pricing for a large number of units.
Motion
by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to authorize staff to process blanket purchase order
for 2001 for: Satellite rental for seven City parks with Biff’s in an amount not to exceed $8,500,
and De-icing salt for salt/sanding operations purchased off the State of Minnesota Contract in an
Motion carried.
amount not-to-exceed $27,000. Upon vote: All ayes.
Nawrocki questioned the sand/salt ratio usage on city streets. Hansen referred to the Snow and Ice policy, and
stated that although the new ratios are different, we use a much lower total volume. Hansen indicated there are
two different ratio stockpiles, used for different weather circumstances.
5. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS
A) Proclamations
B) Presentations
C) Introduction of New Employees
D) Recognition
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A) Close the Public Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 3725 Main Street.
Mayor Peterson closed the Public Hearing as the property is now in compliance with the Residential
Maintenance Code.
B) Close the Public Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 1221-1223 Circle
Terrace
Mayor Peterson closed the Public Hearing as the property is now in compliance with the Residential
Maintenance Code.
C) Close the Public Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 4640-4648 Polk
Street
Susan Moos, 4640 Polk, stated that she lives in Unit #4 and that her unit is not in compliance with the
code, as there are no storms windows or screens on her back bedroom windows. Dana Alexon, Assistant
Fire Chief stated he was present at this final inspection and the owner has the screens for spring
installation, and was working on the one unit that needed storm windows. Closing the hearing was
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January 22, 2001
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based on the violations completed. Alexon recommended tabling this to the next Council meeting,
allowing him to reassess the situation.
Motion
by Williams, second by Nawrocki, to table the Public Hearing regarding the Revocation or
Suspension of the Rental License held by Connie Johnson regarding rental property at 4640-4648
Motion carried.
Polk Street to the next council meeting. Upon vote: All ayes.
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D) Rental Housing License Revocation for 1020 44 Avenue
Alexon stated this property still has two of the original five violations from August, 2000 to correct. He
gave the background leading to the license revocation request.
Sarah Lane and William Lane spoke, and stated that none of the violations have been completely
corrected and the landlord has made no attempt to have this work completed. Mr. Lane stated he was
present when the City inspector arrived and pointed out several new violations. Alexon will make an
appointment to meet at this single-family residence with the renters.
Motion
by Szurek, second by Wyckoff, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2001-05, there being
Motion carried
ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. .
Motion
by Szurek, second by Wyckoff, to adopt Resolution No. 2001-05, being a Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Columbia Heights approving Revocation pursuant to Ordinance Code section
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5A.408(1) of the Rental License held by Greg Heinen regarding rental property at 1020 44 Avenue.
Motion carried.
Upon vote: All ayes.
RESOLUTION 2001-05
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS APPROVING
REVOCATION PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE CODE SECTION 5A.408(1) OF THAT
CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL RENTAL LICENSE HELD BY GREG HEINEN
(HEREINAFTER "LICENSE HOLDER").
WHEREAS, LICENSE HOLDER IS THE LEGAL OWNER OF THE REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT
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1020 44 AVENUE NE
, COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA,
AND WHEREAS, PURSUANT TO COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CODE SECTION 5.104(1)(A), WRITTEN
NOTICE SETTING FORTH THE CAUSES AND REASONS FOR THE PROPOSED COUNCIL ACTION
DECEMBER 7, 2000
CONTAINED HEREIN WAS GIVEN TO THE LICENSE HOLDER ON OF A
JANUARY 22, 2001
PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD ON .
NOW, THEREFORE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOREGOING, AND ALL ORDINANCES AND
REGULATIONS OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS MAKES THE FOLLOWING:
FINDINGS OF FACT
August 7, 2000
1. That on, Matt Field and John Larkin, inspectors for the City of Columbia Heights,
inspected the property and noted five violations. Compliance orders listing the violations were mailed by
regular mail to the owner at the address listed on the Rental Housing License Application.
October 17, 2000
2. That on, Matt Field and John Larkin, inspectors for the City of Columbia Heights,
inspected the property and noted that they were unable to get into the unit to recheck the five violations.
Compliance orders listing the violations and a letter advising the owner to notify the tenants of the next
inspection was mailed by regular mail to the owner at the property at the address listed on the Rental Housing
City Council Minutes
January 22, 2001
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License Application.
December 7, 2000
3. That on, Matt Field and John Larkin, inspectors for the City of Columbia Heights,
inspected the property and noted that they were unable to get into the unit to recheck the five violations.
Compliance orders listing the violations and a letter advising the owner to notify the tenants of the next
inspection was mailed by regular mail to the owner at the property at the address listed on the Rental Housing
License Application.
December 28, 2000
4. That on, Matt Field and John Larkin, inspectors for the City of Columbia Heights,
inspected the property and noted that four violations remained uncorrected. Compliance orders listing the
violations and a letter advising of the City Council action and revocation hearing was mailed by certified mail to
the owner at the property at the address listed on the Rental Housing License Application.
5. That based upon said records of the Enforcement Officer, the following conditions and violations of the
Citys Residential Maintenance Code were found to exist, to-wit:
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A. FAILURE TO CORRECT VIOLATION OF THE RESIDENTIAL MAINTENACE CODE
.
B. FAILURE TO SUBMIT REINSPECTION FEES OF $200.00
6 That all parties, including the License Holder and any occupants or tenants, have been given the
appropriate notice of this hearing according to the provisions of the City Code Section 5A.306(1) and
5A.303(1)(d).
CONCLUSIONS OF COUNCIL
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1020 44 Avenue
1. That the building located at is in violation of the provisions of the Columbia Heights
City Code as set forth in the Compliance Order attached hereto;
2. That all relevant parties and parties in interest have been duly served notice of this hearing, and any
other hearings relevant to the revocation or suspension of the license held by License Holder.
3. That all applicable rights and periods of appeal as relating to the license holder, owner, occupant, or
tenant, as the case may be, have expired, or such rights have been exercised and completed.
ORDER OF COUNCIL
1. The rental license belonging to the License Holder described herein and identified by license number
F4060
is hereby revoked/suspended (cross out one);
2. The City will post for the purpose of preventing occupancy a copy of this order on the buildings covered
by the license held by License Holder;
3. All tenants shall remove themselves from the premises within 60 days from the first day of posting of
this Order revoking the license as held by License Holder.
Passed this 22nd day of January, 2001
Offered by: Szurek
Second by: Wyckoff
Upon vote: All ayes _______________________________
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
_______________________________
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
7. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
A) Other Ordinances and Resolutions
B) Bid Considerations
C) Other Business
1) Appoint 2001 Council President and approve 2001 Council/Staff Liaison Assignments
Motion
by Peterson, second by Williams, to appoint Marlaine Szurek as Council President, and to
Motion
approve the established 2001 Council Staff Liaison Assignments. Upon vote: All ayes.
carried.
City Council Minutes
January 22, 2001
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2) Approve 2001 CDBG Program Application
Motion
by Wyckoff, second by Szurek, to authorize staff to prepare the 2001 CDBG Program
Application to remove slum and blight in the amount of $300,000 for the acquisition of the Conoco
Convenience Store/Gas Station at 3955 University Avenue; and furthermore, to submit said
application to Anoka County.
Randy Schumacher, Interim Community Development Director, stated that prior to this application, two
blighted residential homes were purchased with block grant funds. This 2001 CDBG program application
for competitive funds, not to exceed $300,000, would complete the third and final acquisition in this area.
This purchase would result in 21,450 square feet available for redevelopment. Initially, the owner of this
property considered purchasing the two City owned properties for expansion, but since has reconsidered
and would like to sell this property to the City. He stated eleven other properties were considered. Staff felt
this property met the Anoka County criteria, goals, and priorities more strongly than any other site.
Nawrocki questioned spending $300,000 to purchase this property. Peterson stated $300,000 is a maximum
figure, and not necessarily what would be paid for the property. Schumacher stated that the State has funds
to clean up this property if the soil is spoiled. He indicated there is not a signed purchase agreement nor
has a price been negotiated pending results of the Anoka County CDBG fund allocation. Schumacher
indicated this application has received approval of the Economic Development Authority.
Schumacher explained that Anoka County would handle the future funding of “Fix-up Funds”, however the
City does still have $95,000 available for this purpose.
Joyce Shellito, 403 Summit Street, questioned the City’s responsibility for site clean up, and what was
planned for this site. She asked if a light rail station was considered. Williams stated this request is only to
submit the CDBG application. Fehst stated there are Federal limitations placed on properties purchased
with CDBG funds, so all three sites would have the same restrictions applied. He also stated plans are to
purchase the property, level it, and go out for Request for Proposals. Peterson gave the background of
working with the gas station owner. Schumacher explained how this purchase would fit into the
Comprehensive Plan. Szurek stated that developers want naked land so they can develop a site to fit their
plan.
Lee Stauch, 1155 Khyber Lane, asked if there was a plan for light rail transit in Columbia Heights.
Peterson stated this has been considered. Stauch asked for the tax value of the gas station property. Staff
will get him that information.
Upon roll call vote: Williams -yes, Szurek –yes, Wyckoff –yes, Nawrocki –no, Peterson –yes.
Motion carried
- four ayes, one nay.
3) Approve Reallocation of Community Development Block Grant Funds
Motion
by Williams, second by Szurek, to reallocate $127,000 of Community Development Block
Grant Funds from the 1998 and 1999 Housing Rehabilitation Project Numbers 855 and 955, HUD
#376 and 469 to the 1999 Livable Demonstration Account, Project 929, HUD #427 thus giving that
account a balance of $231,000, and furthermore, authorizing a Public Notice to be published offering
the citizens of Columbia Heights the opportunity to make comments regarding the proposed use of
the reallocated Community Development Block Grant Funds.
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January 22, 2001
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Nawrocki stated these funds should remain to be used for housing rehabilitation as originally intended.
Wyckoff agreed, stating that many homes need rehabilitation and that comments received indicated that
residents do not want rental town homes.
Upon roll call vote: Williams -yes, Szurek –yes, Wyckoff –no, Nawrocki –no, Peterson –yes.
Motion carried
- three ayes, two nays.
Peterson stated that after the $127,000 transfer of funds, the City still has $95,000 available for housing
rehabilitation loans, and the Fix-Up Fund will still be an ongoing program through Anoka County.
Williams would like this information out to the public. Fehst stated this is published in the City newsletter.
Peterson suggested running this information on the City cable channel.
Susan Moos asked if these fix up funds are also available to landlords. Nawrocki stated it is for single -
family residents only. However, there are other grants and loans available.
4) Approve Purchase Agreement for Single Family Residential Property at 4542 Washington Street
Motion
by Wyckoff, second by Szurek, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the
purchase agreement for the acquisition of 4542 Washington Street in the amount of $108,000 for
flood mitigation purposes with funds from the City’s Storm Water Utility and DNR Flood Mitigation
Grant funds on a 50/50 cost share.
Hansen referred to his handout, which included the Wilson Development Services market analysis.
He gave background information dealing with flood problem areas and the negotiations for the
properties. Three properties were recommended for purchase from the 1998 storm water survey.
One owner has withdrawn and one property has been purchased. The Lake State Appraisal Service
value on 4542 Washington Street was $104,000. The negotiated settlement is for $108,000. Hansen
stated the flooding impact this property has on the surrounding area. Funding is a 50/50 flood
mitigation grant with the DNR. The City has been awarded over $400,000 in grant money.
Nawrocki indicated flooding problems should be considered when determining the fair market value
for the property. Fehst contacted a local realtor who indicated the assessed value is well below
market value, as most homes in Columbia Heights are selling for over $100,000. Hansen stated the
assessed value of the home this year is $80,700.
Hansen indicated that after removal of the home, a ponding area would be created, allowing water
to pool and slowly recede through storm sewer.
Upon roll call vote: Williams –yes, Szurek –yes, Wyckoff –yes, Nawrocki -no, Peterson -yes.
Motion carried
, four ayes, one nay.
5) Authorize Reallocation of funds to the Fire Department
Motion
by Szurek, second by Williams, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to transfer
$10,755.50 from Fund 101-00-34202 to Fire Department Fund 101-42200-2173 (2001 Budget).
Charlie Thompson, Fire Chief, stated that on October 20, 2000, the Columbia Heights Fire
Department responded to the Carlos Avery Edge fire with twenty firefighters logging over 200
hours. As this fire was declared a disaster by FEMA we were reimbursed for salaries, field costs,
benefits, and for vehicle usage. His request is to use these funds toward the purchase of additional
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January 22, 2001
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protective gear, above the eight sets budgeted for in 2001. This cost would be $11,060 for 14 sets of
turn out gear.
Nawrocki opposed amending the budget, as there may be unexpected expenditures later in the year
where these funds may be needed. He inspected the equipment and supported purchasing the 14 new
sets of gear, but stated the entire amount should not be allocated to this fund.
Thompson indicated that helmets, gloves and boots are also purchased from this fund. He indicated
their supply has been depleted to a dangerously low level, and these items are needed to keep
firefighters safe. Szurek stated that when inspecting the currently used suits, one of the firefighters
explained that after a suite is exposed to smoke and fire it becomes less effective and if a suit is
covered in tar it becomes flammable. She stated these items are required for the safety of our
firefighters and should not be “cheapened out on”.
Secondary Motion
by Nawrocki that the $10,755.50 to be transferred be amended to read $6,000.
Secondary Motion died for lack of a second.
Motion carried.
Upon vote of the primary motion: All ayes.
6) Authorize Purchase of 14 sets of Turnout Gear for the Fire Department
Motion by Wyckoff, second by Szurek, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to approve the
purchase of 14 new sets of Turnout Gear from Danko Emergency Equipment for a total of $11,060
plus any additional taxes from Fire Department fund 101-42200-2173, Protective Clothing and Gear.
Motion carried
Upon vote: All ayes. .
Peterson stated he would like the Fire Department to have more than sufficient supplies, and not
always be in need.
7) Approve City Funding for Lobbying Efforts in Opposition to Wine Being Sold In Grocery Stores
Fehst stated that letters were sent to our State Senator and Representative regarding opposition to
the sale of wine in grocery stores. He indicated that Rep. Goodwin would keep us apprised of any
related legislative action. Staff attempted to obtain specifics on the budget, but know that funds will
be used for lobbying efforts and that private liquor stores will contribute up to $60,000 toward this
effort. It is anticipated that grocery stores will spend up to $200,000 on lobbying efforts. Fehst
requested allocation of up to $3,000, conditioned upon reviewing their budget. Fehst commented on
the consequences of this legislation. Wyckoff questioned municipal wine sale income. Elrite stated
wine sales each year are over $500,000. Elrite indicated that if this legislation passed our profits
could decrease about $100,000.
Nawrocki gave the history on restricted liquor sales. He felt the financial loss to the community
should be a concern, and it is important to control the dispensing of beverages for public safety.
Peterson requested the City Manager contact Councilmembers before issuing a check.
Motion
by Williams, second by Szurek, to table action on funding opposition to the sale of wine in
grocery store lobbying effort.
Nawrocki stated it may be a mistake to hold this up, as the Legislature is in session.
Motion and second withdrawn
by Williams and Szurek.
City Council Minutes
January 22, 2001
Page
13 of 13
Fehst stated the original request was for $10,000. Fehst will get additional information on their plan
is and notify Councilmembers. Elrite stated funds would be taken from the liquor-advertising budget.
Motion
by Nawrocki, second by Szurek, to authorize the City Manage to spend up to $3,000 to
support the legislation effort opposing the ability of grocery stores to sell wine, with funds to come
from the advertising budget of the Liquor Fund and with the understanding that the City Manager
will supply, on a timely basis, additional information to members of the Council. Upon vote: All
Motion carried
ayes. .
Nawrocki suggested a breakfast meeting with our Legislators. Fehst suggested including other cities
with municipal stores. Fehst will request placing this on the agenda for the City and Township
Officials meeting. Nawrocki suggested also discussing the CDBG funding process at this meeting.
8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A) Report of the City Manager
The City and Township Officials meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 31, at Majestic Oaks
Restaurant. Szurek and Nawrocki will attend.
B) Report of the City Attorney - Nothing to report.
9. GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
A) Minutes of Boards and Commissions
1) Special Meeting of the December 11, 2000 Economic Development Authority
2) Meeting of the December 19, 2000 Economic Development Authority
3) Meeting of the January 9, 2001 Planning and Zoning Commission
Nawrocki stated he delivered the Holiday Lighting award to the Haman family and they expressed their
appreciation. He requested the Newsletter address the summer road maintenance project. Nawrocki
requested he be registered for the Legislative Conference.
10. CITIZENS
FORUM -none
Two government class students introduced themselves.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m.
_______________________________
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk