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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 26, 2001OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 26, 2001 The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 26, 2001 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Szurek, Councilmember Wyckoff, Councilmember Nawrocki, and Mayor Peterson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA - None CONSENT AGENDA Walt Fehst, City Manager, removed item #3, Pet Contract, for discussion following the consent agenda. MOTION A) by Szurek, second by Williams to approve the Consent Agenda items as follows: 1) Minutes for Approval Motion to approve the minutes of the March 12, 2001, regular City Council meeting as presented. 2) Establish Work Session Meeting Dates for April Motion to establish Work Session meeting dates for Monday, April 2, immediately following the Board of Review meeting in the City Hall Council Chambers, and Tuesday, April 3, 2001 at 5:00 p.m. at Murzyn Hall; and a Special Joint meeting with the District 13 School Board, and cities of Fridley, Hilltop and Columbia Heights City Councils for Wednesday, April 18, 2001 at 5:30 p.m. at the Columbia Heights High School Family Center. Fehst stated the first Work Session would be April 2, for a limited time, immediately following the Board of Review hearing. Discussion will include: Legislation regarding wine sales in grocery stores, contracting transitional services of the liquor manager upon his retirement for a six month period, and a payment of bill format similar to the Shoreview payment of bills. Fehst stated the April 3 Work Session would be discussion of the proposed Zoning and Development Ordinance, inviting the Planning and Zoning Commission for their input. Nawrocki requested information on this proposed ordinance be included in the summer newsletter. Fehst stated the April 18 Joint meeting would be the quarterly meeting with School District #13, and the cities of Fridley, Hilltop, and Columbia Heights. 3) Approve Animal Impound Contract with Camden Pet Hospital – removed for discussion 4) Authorize Attendance at Out of Town Conference by Police Explorers Motion to authorize the attendance of Officer Joe Sturdevant as advisor and four police Explorers at the 2001 State Law Enforcement Explorer conference on April 26-29, 2001, at Breezy Point, Minnesota, with costs to be covered out of the 2001 Police Department budget, 101-42100-3320. Fehst stated this is the highlight of year for the Police Explorers, and the total expense is $720. City Council Minutes March 26, 2001 Page 2 of 9 5) Approve Payment of Project Safety Net Billing for 2001 Motion to approve the payment of $6,000 to cover the cost of Project Safety Net for the year 2001, with the cost of the program to be covered as follows: $6,000 from the 2001 Minnesota Department of Economic Security, Juvenile Accountability Block Grant. Fehst stated this is secured through a grant, and saves our officers time and effort. Offenders are held in the designated area in Fridley and kept there until parents or custodians are notified. 6) Approve 2001 Board/Commission Reappointments – removed for discussion 7) Renewal of Contract for Automated Library System with Anoka County Library Motion to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into Anoka County Contract No. 2001- 0066 with the Anoka County Library to participate in an automated library system. Nawrocki questioned the current cost. Fehst estimated the cost would be $3,100, based on the previous year. 8) Authorize Response to Auditor’s Notice for Sullivan Lake Tax Increment District Motion to authorize the City Manager to respond to the Auditor’s letter relating to the Sullivan Lake Tax Increment District, and indicate disagreement with its findings. Fehst stated this authorization is to work with the county to resolve what the TIF should be for the Sullivan Lake District. 9) Approve Rental Housing License Applications Motion to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for March 26, 2001. 10) Approve Business License Applications Fehst stated there were no license requests. 11) Approve Payment of Bills Motion to pay the bills, as listed, out of the proper funds. 12) Approve/Adopt Resolution 2001-32, Requesting Municipal State Aid System Construction Funds for Other Local Transportation Uses Motion to waive the reading of the resolution, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to approve and adopt Resolution #2001-32, requesting Municipal State Aid System construction funds for other local transportation uses. Fehst stated that since the MSA system is complete, the City is allowed to use certain portions of the funds for other local street rehabilitation programs. A portion is used to reduce the resident’s cost of street work. Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, indicated $170,000 is used annually for local street projects. RESOLUTION #2001-32 BEING A RESOLUTION REQUESTING MUNICIPAL STATE AID SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION FUNDS FOR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION USES WHEREAS , the City of Columbia Heights receives Municipal State Aid System (MSAS) funds for construction and maintaining 20% of its City streets, and WHEREAS, 11.65 MSAS miles are currently authorized, and City Council Minutes March 26, 2001 Page 3 of 9 WHEREAS, 11.65 MSAS streets have been built or resurfaced since 1964, and WHEREAS, the City currently has 47.08 municipal streets that require maintenance and upgrade, and WHEREAS, the majority of these streets have insufficient strength and poor surface drainage, and WHEREAS, it is proposed to systematically install or repair concrete curb and gutters for improved surface water drainage and additional strength to the streets for traffic survivability, and WHEREAS, the City State Aid routes are improved to State Aid standards and are in an adequate condition that they do not have needs other than additional resurfacing, and WHEREAS, it is authorized by MN Rules 8820.1800 to use part of the MSAS construction appropriation of our Citys State Aid allocation on local streets not on the approved State Aid system, and = WHEREAS, the City proposes to rehabilitate the City-owned underground utilities as needed and rebuild the street in the process, and WHEREAS, it is proposed to use a portion of the Citys population allocation funds to upgrade the local street, = ththth ththththth to wit: 6 Street (44 Ave to 47Ave), 7 Street (47 Avenue to 48 Ave), Monroe Street (44 Ave to 45 stthndrdthth Ave), Quincy Street (41 Ave to 45 Ave), Jackson Street ( south of 42 Ave to 43 Ave and 44 Ave to 45 ndrdththth Ave), Van Buren Street (42 Ave to 43 Ave and 44 Ave to 45 Ave), 47 Avenue (Monroe St to the Cul-de- sac) and 47 ½ Avenue (Monroe St to Jefferson St) combined with other non-eligible construction, and WHEREAS, the City indemnifies save and holds harmless the State of Minnesota and its agents and employees from claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or by reason or matter related to constructing the local street as designed, and WHEREAS, the City further agrees to defend at its sole cost any claims arising as a result of constructing the local street, and WHEREAS, the final approval of the State Aid for Local Transportation Division is therefore given, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA that: the City of Columbia Heights, Anoka County Minnesota, requests the release of MSAS construction funds for ththth thth the upgrade and reconstruction of City municipal streets, to wit: 6 Street (44 Ave to 47Ave), 7 Street (47 thththstth Avenue to 48 Ave), Monroe Street (44 Ave to 45 Ave), Quincy Street (41 Ave to 45 Ave), Jackson Street ndrdththndrdth ( south of 42 Ave to 43 Ave and 44 Ave to 45 Ave), Van Buren Street (42 Ave to 43 Ave and 44 Ave thth to 45 Ave), 47 Avenue (Monroe St to the Cul-de-sac) and 47 ½ Avenue (Monroe St to Jefferson St) th Dated this 26 day of March, 2001. Offered by: Szurek Seconded by: Williams Roll Call: All ayes _____________________________________ Mayor Gary L. Peterson _______________________________ Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk City Council Minutes March 26, 2001 Page 4 of 9 13) Award of 2001 Plant Mixed Bituminous Materials at Unit Prices Listed Motion to award the 2001 Plant Mixed Bituminous Materials contract based on the unit prices and vendors listed, up to a maximum contract amount as approved in the 2001 Public Works budget, and to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Fehst listed the dollar amounts. 14) Award Bid for 2001 Road Aggregates at Unit Prices Listed MOTION: Move to award the 2001 Road Aggregates contract based on the unit prices and vendors listed, up to a maximum contract amount as approved in the 2001 Public Works budget, and to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Fehst listed the dollar amounts. Nawrocki questioned the dollar amount compared to last year. Hansen stated the increase is an average of 3 percent. All Upon vote: Williams – aye, Szurek – aye, Wyckoff – aye, and Nawrocki –aye, Peterson – aye. ayes, Motion carried. #3 Approve Animal Impound Contract with Camden Pet Hospital Motion by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to approve the contract between the City of Columbia Heights and Camden Pet Hospital for animal impound services for the City of Columbia Heights and to authorize the Mayor and the City Manager to enter into a contract for the period of April 1, 2001 to January 31, 2004. Fehst stated that Dr. Cynthia Fetzer, of the Camden pet hospital in North Minneapolis was present and had been approached for animal impound services. Nawrocki questioned if the City pays impound and boarding fees if the owner does not claim the animal. Tom Johnson, Police Chief, stated we would and that $16,500 is budgeted for animal impounds. He estimated that 40 percent of the time owners pick up the animal. The impound fee will be paid to the Police Department. Animals are disposed of after five days if not recovered. Approximately eleven animals per month are impounded, with a cost last year of $14,000. Wyckoff stated she visited the facility and was pleased with the care given. Dr. Fetzer indicated that every possible attempt is made to find homes for all animals in good health. Wyckoff encouraged everyone to spay or neuter their pets. Fetzer encouraged identification computer chips, which would help reunite animals with owners. Williams suggested increasing pick up costs so owners would be more careful. Nawrocki felt if costs were too high, owners would not retrieve their pets. Szurek reminded citizens that cats must also be leashed. Johnson indicated a word change on page two of the contract, from operation to negligence. Wyckoff suggested a fund raising walk with proceeds going to the Camden Pet Hospital. All ayes, Upon vote: Williams – aye, Szurek – aye, Wyckoff – aye, and Nawrocki –aye, Peterson – aye. Motion carried. #6 Approve 2001 Board/Commission Reappointments Motion by Williams, second by Wyckoff, to reappoint the following people to the various City of Columbia Heights Boards and Commissions: Human Services Commission, Barb Karol; Library Board, Nancy Hoium and Patricia Sowada; Park & Recreation Commission, Eileen Evans; Traffic Commission, Kenneth Stumpf; Telecommunications Commission, Dennis Stoik and Rueben Ruen; Police & Fire Civil Service Commission, Bruce Magnuson. City Council Minutes March 26, 2001 Page 5 of 9 Nawrocki stated that more residents should be considered for Boards and Commissions instead of automatic reappointments. He stated the last term appointment for the Police and Fire Civic Service was incorrect. Nawrocki felt the original application of those considered should be available to Council and all applicants should be interviewed. Patty Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk, indicated there are presently three new applications waiting for interviews. Wyckoff stated that many of these reappointments have been on their respective commissions for years and have gained much knowledge. She suggested each commission appoint their own members, with Council having the final decision. Peterson stated that historically reappointments are always confirmed, if there have been no problems. He indicated the lengthy procedure to interview applicants, and how difficult it is to schedule dates for interviews. Peterson stated that there are no guaranteed appointments. Williams stated he would like to see more competition in the future. Four ayes, Upon vote: Williams – aye, Szurek – aye, Wyckoff – aye, Nawrocki – abstain, Peterson – aye. one abstention. Motion carried. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS A) Proclamations 1) National Library Week – April 1 to 7, 2001 Mayor Peterson read the proclamation, and he presented it to Barb Miller, Library Board President; Pat Sowada, and Katherine Vesley, Library Board members; and Becky Loader, Library Director. Library Board members thanked Council for their support. Vesley encouraged the community to attend the fundraiser for the Library on Sunday, April 1, 2001 at 1:30 p.m., at the Heights Theater for the showing of a Laurel and Hardy film. All proceeds will be donated to the Library. Nawrocki mentioned speaking to Bill Luther’s representative and asking if there would be any funds available for building a new library or adding to the current library. Williams promoted donations to the library. Fehst stated that the Fire, Police, Park and Recreation, and Library Departments accept donations. This information will be added to the next City newsletter. He recognized the donation of Ms. Schwetcher. 2) Steve Novak Day – March 26, 2001 Mayor Peterson read the proclamation, and presented it to Steve Novak, former Minnesota State Senator and Representative. Mr. Novak thanked Council and spoke of tenure and his future. Nawrocki spoke of Mr. Novak’s accomplishments and thanked him. A resident spoke of Mr. Novak’s performance in both a positive and negative way. B) Presentations - none C) Introduction of New Employees - none D) Recognition - none PUBLIC HEARINGS A) Close the Public Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 4616 and 4622 Tyler Street NE Mayor Peterson closed the hearing, in that the property is in compliance with the Residential Maintenance Code. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A) Ordinances and Resolutions – none City Council Minutes March 26, 2001 Page 6 of 9 B) Bid Considerations a. Award of 2001-2002 Tree Planting Program MOTION by Szurek, second by Williams, to award the 2001-2002 Tree Planting contract to Fair’s Garden Center of Maple Grove, Minnesota, the lowest, qualified, responsible bidder based on the unit prices submitted in their proposal dated March 15, 2001, up to a maximum contract amount of $18,000; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, stated this is for a two-year contract. Tree replacements are for Dutch Elm Disease and storm losses and are 1.5 to 2.5 inch balled and burlaped trees. Bids are also obtained for private residential work. He stated the City Forester decides what purchases are necessary by the particular needs of an area with care to not over populate any area with only one species. Hansen stated that ten bids were mailed and only two were returned. All ayes, Upon vote: Williams – aye, Szurek – aye, Wyckoff – aye, and Nawrocki –aye, Peterson – aye. Motion carried. C) Other Business 1. View “Minnesota Cities: Building Quality Communities” Fehst described this education effort sponsored by the League of MN Cities. A six-minute videotape was viewed highlighting the program. 2. Resolution 2001-33, Declaring the City of Columbia Heights’ commitment to join in the “Minnesota Cities: Building Quality Communities” statewide educational effort. MOTION by Nawrocki, second by Szurek, to waive the reading of the resolution, there being ample copies available to the public, and to appoint Linda Magee, Assistant to the City Manager, and Motion carried Councilmember Marlaine Szurek as key contacts for the program. All ayes. . MOTION Nawrocki, second by Szurek, to adopt Resolution 2001-33, being a resolution declaring the City of Columbia Heights’ commitment to join in the “Minnesota Cities: Building Quality Communities” statewide educational effort. Fehst listed the process to build quality communities, which includes involving citizens in decision processes, and ways to interest people in the community. Fehst referred to events like the Taste of Heights Festival, the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast as excellent examples of bringing our community together. Nawrocki supported Building Quality Communities as a motto and possible theme for projects such as Central Avenue. Peterson indicated that he is proud that Columbia Heights has already implemented many of the ideas behind Building Quality Communities, such as neighborhood picnics with the Police Department, cooperation with the School Board, a trail system with events such as “tour de’heights”, the jamboree and associated events, and National Night Out. All ayes, Upon vote: Williams – aye, Szurek – aye, Wyckoff – aye, Nawrocki –aye, and Peterson – aye. Motion carried. RESOLUTION 2001-33 RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS’ COMMITMENT TO JOIN IN THE MINNESOTA CITIES: BUILDING QUALITY COMMUNITIES STATEWIDE EDUCATIONAL EFFORT City Council Minutes March 26, 2001 Page 7 of 9 WHEREAS, the top values and priorities of citizens include safety, family, job opportunities, health, the well-being of children, and recreational opportunities; and WHEREAS, many of the services cities provide directly enhance those citizen priorities; and WHEREAS, the connection between city services and how they benefit citizen priorities and concerns is not always understood by citizens; and WHEREAS, it is one of the responsibilities of city officials to ensure legislators, media and citizens understand their governments through open and frequent communication using various avenues and means; and WHEREAS, it is important to encourage citizens to actively participate in city government, to share their views, and to work in partnership with city officials to ensure that the needs of the community are met; and WHEREAS, partnerships developed between citizens and city officials can result in greater understanding of the connection between Minnesota’s high quality of life and the services provided by Minnesota cities, as well as in greater trust by citizens in the efforts of their city government. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights hereby declares its commitment to join in the “Minnesota Cities” Building Quality Communities” statewide educational effort in cooperation with our fellow members of the League of Minnesota Cities. We hereby designate Councilmember Marlaine Szurek and Linda Magee, Assistant to the City Manager as the City of Columbia Heights’ key contacts for this effort, and will inform the League of Minnesota Cities of this designation. Passed this 26th day of March, 2001. Offered by: Nawrocki Seconded by: Szurek Roll Call: Ayes: Nawrocki, Szurek, Williams, Wyckoff, Peterson – Carried. _______________________________ Mayor Gary L. Peterson _____________________________ Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk 3) Approve Final Plans/Specifications and Authorize to Seek Bids for 2001 Street Rehabilitation Projects MOTION by Szurek, second by Williams, to approve the final plans and specifications - City Projects 0101 and 0102: 2001 Street Rehabilitation Projects in Zone 5, including utility improvements, and authorize staff to seek bids for the same. Hansen indicated resolutions were passed at the March 19 Public Improvement Hearing ordering improvements and preparations of plans, contingent upon a joint powers agreement with Hilltop. Hansen has met with the Hilltop administrator, and she will get the joint powers agreement to the Hilltop Council on April 2. On April 9, 2001, Hansen will make a presentation to their Council. The Hilltop City Council will consider th approval on April 16. Nawrocki reaffirmed that this work not move forward without a signed joint powers agreement. Bill Elrite, Finance Director handed out Fund Balance information including water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and cost factors for bonding and rate increases, with 5-10-15 percent rate increase options. A 10 percent City Council Minutes March 26, 2001 Page 8 of 9 increase would be $.93 cents per quarter. He also distributed cost increases from the City of Minneapolis. While rates from Minneapolis have increased 40 percent, only 20 percent increases have been passed on to users. Nawrocki requested rate comparisons with other communities. Hansen requested authorization to seek bids for the Street Rehabilitations projects in Zone 5. Hansen referred to the proposed project schedule. All ayes, Upon vote: Williams – aye, Szurek – aye, Wyckoff – aye, Nawrocki – aye, and Peterson – aye. Motion carried. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager Fehst indicated the status of construction on Central Avenue this year versus next year would be discussed at the work session of April 2. Report of the City Attorney - none MISCELLANEOUS Mayor Peterson asked that the students present come forward to introduce themselves. Students were asked the pronunciation and location of Columbia Heights’ Sister City – Lomianki, Poland. Mayor Peterson suggested a map of Lomianki be placed in the Council Chambers GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Minutes of Boards and Commissions – none Peterson referred to one complaint on alley plowing, but also read a letter of praise regarding removal of ice in the alley behind 4536 Jefferson Street. He also received correspondence from a citizen regarding inoperable cars in town, and encouraged residents to repair or remove such vehicles. Wyckoff highlighted changes to the local bus schedule, which she felt were positive and beneficial to residents. Nawrocki referred to his attendance at the State and National League of Cities conference and has handouts to share. He requested the City Newsletter highlight changes to the City Zoning and Development ordinance. Nawrocki was disappointed to see the 10 percent city increase on property tax statements. Nawrocki referred to an article from residents regarded as negative against Real Estate Equities LTD. He spoke to the Mayor of South St. Paul, who was pleased and felt this company was doing them a service by restoring a deteriorating area of the city. Nawrocki questioned sending six employees to the two-day certified tree inspector’s course. Hansen indicated areas of tree care covered in the course and referred to the large task of boulevard tree care and tree trimming done as necessary. Wyckoff stated that the First Annual Taste of Columbia Heights International Festival was a huge success. She stated that more than 600 plates were used and that several times food operators had to send back to their restaurants for more food. She thanked everyone who helped or participated. She apologized for patrons having to wait in line, but indicated that such a large crowd was not expected. Wyckoff stated a larger facility would be necessary next year. Williams suggested that all people in the City be asked to participate. Nawrocki indicated this festival should reflect not just new culturally diverse groups, but also the old groups, such as Polish and German. Wyckoff stated that our Sister City Committee did participate representing Polish heritage. Peterson felt this festival was very successful and also a learning experience. He thanked the Human Services Commission for this effort to reach out to all cultures in our community. Fehst thanked the restaurants and encourage residents to visit these and other local businesses. Szurek stated this was a wonderful start to an annual event, where skeptics can learn to enjoy wonderful new foods. Wyckoff also thanked the Murzyn Hall City Council Minutes March 26, 2001 Page 9 of 9 staff for their help, and Jean Kuehn for taking photos. th Dee Logan, 1221 39 Avenue, stated that the International Festival was an event to be proud of, and hoped it would become a tradition. Peterson referred to an article in the League of Cities weekly paper, regarding investing in and supporting your local community. Nawrocki stated that at the National League of Cities Conference, former Governor Thompson of Wisconsin, now the head of the Health and Human Services, spoke on the cause of promoting organ donation. Council discussed ways to promote this in our community. CITIZENS FORUM - none ADJOURNMENT Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m. ____________________________________ Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk