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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 12, 2001 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 12, 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, February 12, 2001 in th the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40 Avenue NE, Columbia Heights. Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers Szurek, Wyckoff, Williams, and Nawrocki 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. 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.) Nawrocki announced the death of long time resident Doug Hill. Peterson also announced the passing of Ruth Graham, a resident that served on the Telecommunications Commission. 4. CONSENT AGENDA Motion A) by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to approve the Consent Agenda items as follows: 1) Minutes for Approval Motion to approve the minutes of the January 22, 2001, regular City Council meeting as presented. 2) Establish Work Session Meeting Date and Quarterly Joint School District Meeting Date Motion to establish a Work Session meeting date for Tuesday, February 20, 2001 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room 1, and to establish the Quarterly Joint Meeting with the School District on Thursday, March 8, 2001 at 5:30 p.m. at the High School Family Center. th Walt Fehst, City Manager indicated the February 20 work session would be devoted to the Central Avenue construction project scheduled for this summer. 3) Authorize Agreement for City Newsletter Printing for 2001 Motion to enter into an agreement with Nystrom’s Publishing for printing, publishing, and distributing the City newsletter based upon their proposal of an estimated yearly cost of $20,106.16 for four publications in 2001; and furthermore to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter in to an agreement for the same. st 4) Authorize request of fees waived for the 1 Annual “Taste of Columbia Heights” st Motion to waive all the Murzyn Hall rental fees for the 1 Annual “Taste of Columbia Heights”. 5) Authorize Anoka County Joint Powers Agreement for SCORE Funds Motion to authorize Mayor and City Manager to enter into the 2001 Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County to provide cooperation between the City and the County in the implementation of the Residential Recycling Program and to make funds of up to $54,963.31 available as reimbursement for eligible expenses. City Council Minutes February 12, 2001 Page 2 of 8 6) Adopt Resolution No. 2001-06A, being a Resolution authorizing BRW to make plan amendments to right-of-way acquisition for Central Avenue and authorizing City Attorney to begin land acquisition for Central Avenue Street, Utility and Streetscaping Improvements Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2001-06A, there being ample copies available for the public. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2001-06A, being a Resolution authorizing the engineering consultant BRW to make plan amendments and right-of-way easement documents related to land acquisition for City Project 1999-12, at a cost not to exceed $15,500 and authorizing the City Attorney to begin land acquisition for roadway and sidewalk purposes as required by Mn/DOT for City Project 1999-12, Central Avenue Street, Utility and Streetscaping Improvements. Fehst stated the plan amendment cost is not to exceed $15,500, and would authorize the City Attorney to acquire necessary land acquisitions for sidewalks and curbs. RESOLUTION NO. 2001-06A BEING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ENGINEERING CONSULTANT BRW TO MAKE PLAN AMENDMENTS AND RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT DOCUMENTS RELATED TO LAND ACQUISITION FOR CITY PROJECT 1999-12 AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO BEGIN LAND ACQUISITION FOR ROADWAY AND SIDEWALK PURPOSES AS REQUIRED BY Mn/DOT FOR CITY PROJECT 1999-12, CENTRAL AVENUE STREET, UTILITY AND STREETSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS CITY PROJECT 1999-12 WHEREAS , a cooperative project with the Minnesota Department of Transportation is planned for Central thrd Avenue from 37 to 43 Avenues in 2001; WHEREAS , a portion of the roadway will be constructed outside the existing right-of-way, and WHEREAS, segments of the sidewalks will be constructed where easements do not exist NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA that: 1. The City’s Engineering Department is hereby designated the Engineers for these improvements, and they shall prepare easement documents in accordance with Mn/DOT Standards, for the acquisitions indicated on the attached maps. 2. The City Attorney is hereby authorized and directed to proceed with easement acquisitions through negotiations or condemnation. th Passed this 12 day of February, 2001. Offered by: Nawrocki Seconded by: Williams Roll Call: All ayes _____________________________________ Mayor Gary L. Peterson ______________________________ Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk City Council Minutes February 12, 2001 Page 3 of 8 7) Adopt Resolution 2001-07, being a Resolution authorizing City Attorney to begin land right-of-way acquisition process for 39th Avenue Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2001-07, there being ample copies available for the public. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2001-07, being a resolution authorizing the City Attorney to begin land acquisition for roadway purposes to realign the horizontal curve to meet Municipal State Aid standards on 39th Avenue between 5th Street and Jefferson Street. RESOLUTION NO. 2001-07 BEING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO BEGIN LAND ACQUISITION FOR ROADWAY PURPOSES TO REALIGN THE HORIZONTAL CURVE TO MEET MUNICIPAL STATE AID STANDARDS ON THTH 39 AVENUE BETWEEN 5 STREET AND JEFFERSON STREET CITY PROJECT 2001-05 thth WHEREAS , a Municipal State Aid Project is planned for 39 Avenue from 5 Street to Jefferson Street, WHEREAS , a portion of the roadway will be constructed outside the existing right-of-way, and WHEREAS, State Aid rules govern the design of State-Aid roadways, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA that: 1. The City’s Engineering Department is hereby designated the Engineers for these improvements, and they shall prepare easement documents in accordance with Mn/DOT Standards, for the acquisitions indicated on the attached maps. 2. The City Attorney is hereby authorized and directed to proceed with easement acquisitions through negotiations or condemnation. th Dated this 12 day of February, 2001. Offered by: Nawrocki Seconded by: Williams Roll Call: All Ayes _____________________________________ Mayor Gary L. Peterson ______________________________ Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk 8) Authorize Rejection of Current Bids Received and Authorize to obtain sealed bids for the 1967 Pirsch 1250 GPM Pumper Motion to authorize the Fire Department to reject any current bids received and Authorize the Fire Department to go out under sealed bids for the sale of the 1967 Pirsch 1250 GPM Pumper. Fehst stated that the one bid was received after the closing date and requested to re-bid through the League of MN Cities monthly magazine, trade journals, fire chief’s magazine, and to persons who have expressed interest in the past. City Council Minutes February 12, 2001 Page 4 of 8 9) Establish Hearing Date regarding License Revocation or Suspension of Rental Properties at 1133 th 45 Avenue NE Motion to Establish a Hearing Date of February 26, 2001 for Revocation or Suspension of a License th to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Don Woods at 1133 45 Avenue NE. 10) Approve Rental Housing License Applications Motion to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for February 12, 2001, in that they have met the requirements of the Housing Maintenance Code. 11) Approve License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for February 12, 2001. 12) Approve Payment of Bills Motion to pay the bills, as listed, out of the proper fund. Nawrocki stated that the City Newsletter distribution is sometimes missed in the area surrounding his home and requested enough copies be printed so all residents receive the mailing. He was glad the fire pumper bidding will be opened again and publicized more. Nawrocki again stated that he would like more information on rental properties prior to setting the hearings. He also presented an example of the City of Shoreview bill list, which he felt gives more details and would like to be provided with something similar. He discussed with Shoreview staff their efforts ten years ago to pass a bond issue, and had obtained information that went out to residents and the strategies they followed to inform citizens of the impact of such a facility. Wyckoff questioned the business license request for C.A.S.T at 4030 Central Avenue, as this work has taken a long time. Fehst stated the license would allow them to complete the work. They have been notified that they are beyond a reasonable time period for construction. Work will now continue. Motion carried. Upon vote: All ayes. 5. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS A) Proclamations 1) Joyce Lamont Day Peterson stated that Dave Holmgren, of the Heights Theater, would have a recognition event for Joyce Lamont, past personality of WCCO radio on Saturday, February 17, 2001. The Mayor read a proclamation declaring that day as Joyce Lamont Day. B) Presentations C) Introduction of New Employees D) Recognition 1) David Meyer – years of service to the Columbia Heights Fire Department Charlie Thompson, Fire Chief, presented David Meyer a plaque for his years of service from August 1985 to June 2000. Meyer thanked the Council and complimented the Fire Fighters and the Chief for their excellent work. Peterson thanked him for his service and stated how proud he was of him and the entire Fire Department. Szurek mentioned the compliment she receive about our Fire Fighters from a recent mutual aid fire, and also stated she is very proud of them all. Williams voiced appreciation to all the Fire Fighters who came to this meeting to support Mr. Meyer. City Council Minutes February 12, 2001 Page 5 of 8 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A) Public Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 4640 & 4648 Polk Street. Mayor Peterson closed the hearing, in that the property is in compliance with the Residential Maintenance Code. 7. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A) Other Ordinances and Resolutions B) Bid Considerations C) Other Business 1) Sister Cities Committee Contribution Request Fehst stated that on behalf of the Sister Cities Committee, Delores Strand, requested a contribution toward the National Sister Cities Conference. This is a one-time request. This committee promotes Columbia Heights nationally and internationally through their alliance with Lomianki, Poland. Delores Strand stated this is the tenth anniversary of the Columbia Heights committee. The International organization was established in the 1950’s.The committee has attended many local conferences, but never a national conference. She listed some things this committee has done for Lomianki including a $10,000 donation for a medical transportation van. She stated this contribution would give recognition to those who work so hard for this committee. Strand stated the monthly Sister Cities committee meeting is tomorrow at 9:30 a.m., in the council chambers. Wyckoff questioned where the funds would come from. Fehst stated the Council Contingency fund would be used. Motion by Szurek, second by Wyckoff, to approve a contribution of $200.00 per person, up to four th members, of the Sister City Committee, to attend the 10 Annual Sister Cities Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on July 25 to 28, 2001. Williams questioned if it was appropriate to use tax dollars for this purpose or would a private donation be more appropriate. Peterson stated this group works hard for a cause, which represents our City. Szurek referred to the City’s Polish heritage and that residents are proud to have a sister city in Poland. Nawrocki commended Williams on behalf of his business promotion, which will donate funds raised to the Sister Cities Committee. Motion carried. Upon vote: All ayes. 2) Approve Columbia Heights Transition Block LLC Amendment of Plat and Easement Establishing Overflow Drainage on NEI property Peterson indicated that new information was received today on this item and additional time is required to review it. Keith Jans, Real Estate Equities, requested these two items be tabled to the next Council meeting. Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to table consideration of the Amended plat for Northwestern nd 2 Addition to February 26, 2001. City Council Minutes February 12, 2001 Page 6 of 8 Nawrocki questioned the changes that were proposed for this meeting. Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, indicated the request was to remove an easement from the original plat and to then prepare a separate easement agreement in written form. Hanson stated the size of the easement would not change. Motion carried. Upon Vote: All ayes. 3) Approve Columbia Heights Transition Block amended easement Document # 597725 Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to table consideration of the Amendment of Easement Agreement for Document No. 597725. Motion carried. Upon vote: All ayes. Jans reiterated that these changes are regarding wording. There is no disagreement. 8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS A) Report of the City Manager 1) Upcoming Work Session Items th Fehst stated the Work Session of February 20 would be at 5:00 p.m. in Conference Room, prior to the Economic Development Authority meeting. Discussion would center on the Central Avenue construction project. Other items to discuss, if time permits, or for the February 26 City Council meeting include: administrative expenses for TIF funds, PERA funds authorized to purchase a SUV for the Fire Department, lobbying funds regarding wine sales in grocery stores, and establishing the hearing date for the Zone 5 reconstruction. Fehst announced the DARE graduations are: Tuesday, February 13, 2001 at Valley View Elementary, with Senator Satveer Chaudhary as guest speaker, and Thursday, February 15, 2001 at Highland Elementary with Representative Barb Goodwin as guest speaker. th , The next scheduled Columbia Heights Landlord meeting will be Tuesday evening, February 13 at Murzyn Hall. Williams indicated residents concerns and requests to not spend money on lobbying for the wine sales in grocery stores issue. Fehst stated there would be an open forum at the Fridley library, and the Heights Theatre with Senator Chaudhary and Representative Goodwin, allowing residents the opportunity to voice their opinion. Nawrocki suggested a breakfast meeting with our representatives to express our concerns on city subjects. th Nawrocki questioned the bus stop bench on 37 Avenue and the shelter that was removed. He stated the bench and bus stop should be returned to the original spot. Hansen indicated the two property owners are not in favor of these items on their property. Bus stop and bench locations will be discussed in conjunction with road construction work on Central Avenue. This would be the time to address the types of benches allowed on Central Avenue. Nawrocki felt the letter regarding the benches should be City Council Minutes February 12, 2001 Page 7 of 8 rescinded and the bench returned. Peterson stated the removal was a safety issue. Hanson stated the current ordinance allows removal due to a potential safety hazard, or if the existing land owner is not in favor, and requests the removal in writing. Williams referred to complaints regarding bus service between Central and University. Wyckoff gave the history of this process, stating compromises were reached. She indicated bus service would increase this March. Hansen referred to complaints on litter that results from free newspaper stands. Wyckoff would like to see benches with advertising changed to seating that aesthetically matches the street renovation. Nawrocki questioned the increase in utility costs to the City. He has received complaints of City crews not sanding early enough following the storms last week. Hanson described the flooding following the rain and the water main break after the ice storm. Crews were not called out until 5:30 a.m. as a safety issue, following the previous long shifts worked. Nawrocki suggested offering to host a City/Township Meeting at Murzyn Hall. Fehst will check on this. The next such meeting is scheduled for March 29. Nawrocki questioned the legality of buying or selling property without written comment from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Hoeft indicated the “planning body” could be the commission or staff and the Council letters are considered this report. He requested copies of the reports for 4542 ndrd Washington, the properties on 42 or 43Avenue, and 4101 Central Avenue. Nawrocki referred to the reallocation of Community Block Grant Funds for housing redevelopment at th the last Council meeting. He indicated the City Charter requires a 4/5 majority vote on a budget amendment, and he felt this item comes under that category, and therefore, the vote should have failed. Hoeft stated this action only requested the CDBG funds be reallocated by Anoka County. This followed a resolution request in December of 2000. If Council chooses to void this action, the funds could come from the commercial redevelopment fund. Fehst spoke of discussions to use commercial redevelopment funds to buy properties on Central Avenue. He stated that over $400,000 would be available through the county for residential improvements. Nawrocki announced he would not be at the next City Council meeting or the first meeting in March. B) Report of the City Attorney - none 9. GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS A) Minutes of Boards and Commissions 1) Meeting of the January 4, 2001, Public Library Board of Trustees 2) Meeting of the January 10, 2001, Human Services Commission 3) Meeting of the January 23, 2001, Public Library Board of Trustees Work Session 4) Meeting of the January 24, 2001, Park and Recreation Commission 5) Meeting of the January 18, 2001, Charter Commission 6) Special Meeting of the January 25, 2001 Charter Commission Peterson referred to the letter regarding snow removal. He asked residents to be patient and to drive carefully, as City crews are working hard to keep up with the large amounts of snow and ice received. He stated that he was proud of our employees and the way they maintain our City streets. City Council Minutes February 12, 2001 Page 8 of 8 Wyckoff asked who was responsible for the sidewalk leaving Parkview Villa to Central Avenue. Fehst indicated that portion of sidewalk belongs to the Mall. Nawrocki requested that plows come closer to the curb next to mailboxes so mail delivery is not restricted. 10. CITIZENS FORUM Delores Strand, Sister Cities Committee representative, again thanked the Council for their financial support and the support of their organization. She stated the committee would be happy to give a report to Council following the conference. th Wyckoff informed residents that Sunday, March 25 , will be the First Annual Taste of Columbia Heights, with samples from local restaurants, and a diversity forum put together by the School District highlighting approximately six different families sharing information and items from their culture. Peterson reminded everyone that Wednesday is Valentine’s Day and suggested doing something nice for someone else, like a random act of kindness. Nawrocki referred to the promotion at the League Legislative Conference regarding cities building quality communities. There is a video promotion and sample resolution available. 11. ADJOURNMENT Adjourned 8:45 p.m. ________________________________ Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk