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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 14, 2001OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 14, 2001 The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 14, 2001 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Councilmembers Williams, Szurek, Wyckoff, Nawrocki and Mayor Peterson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Nawrocki requested item 7-A-2 be moved to the end of the agenda in anticipation of a lengthy discussion. Peterson stated it would be left in the proper sequence. Peterson stated it was a sad day for the City of Columbia Heights, as a mother and her eleven year old daughter died in a tragic house fire. The Fire Department did their best, but were unable to save them. Peterson expressed sympathy to former Council Secretary Joanne Student on the loss of her daughter-in- law. CONSENT AGENDA Nawrocki requested Items 4, 5, and 7 be removed from the Consent Agenda. Wyckoff requested Item #6 be removed from the Consent Agenda. MOTION A) by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff to approve the Consent Agenda items as follows, with the exception of items 4, 5, 6 and 7: 1) Minutes for Approval Motion to approve the minutes of the April 23, 2001, regular City Council meeting and the minutes of the April 17, 2001 special City Council meeting, as presented. 2) Acceptance of the 2000 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and the Independent Auditors Report from HLB Tautges Redpath, Ltd. Motion to accept the 2000 independent auditors report from HLB Tautges Redpath, Ltd. including the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Management Reports for the City of Columbia Heights and the EDA. Motion to direct staff to follow up on the auditor’s recommendations and to report back to the City Council on a quarterly basis regarding the implementation of the auditor’s recommendations. Nawrocki stated his regret that only one hour was spent reviewing this document. He felt if the results of last year finances were known, it would not have been necessary to levy a10% tax increase. 3) Award bid for sale of 1967 Pirsch Fire Pumper Motion to award the bid for the 1967 Pirsch Fire Pumper based on the bid received from Brad Krull for $2,600; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. City Council Minutes May 14, 2001 Page 2 of 10 Nawrocki stated that staff did an excellent job getting out the information that the truck was available for bids, and therefore removed any thought of favoritism. 4) Award bid on refinishing wood floor in Murzyn Hall REMOVED 5) Approve Reappointment of Steve Johnson to the Planning and Zoning Commission REMOVED 6) Appointment of members to the Downtown Master Plan Advisory Task Force REMOVED 7) Authorize Permits for 2001 Jamboree REMOVED 8) Award of Bituminous Surface Milling Motion to award the project to Mill Bituminous Surface to Midwest Asphalt Corp. of Hopkins, Minnesota, based upon their low, qualified, responsible quote in the amount of $1.25 per square yard for a total cost not to exceed $18,750.00, to be appropriated from Fund 415-50101-5130; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. 9) Consideration of Joint Powers Agreement with City of Hilltop for cost sharing of Corporate Limit streets included with Zone 5 Street Rehabilitation Works. Motion to approve a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Hilltop for cost sharing of Corporate Limit streets included with Zone 5 Street Rehabilitation Work; and, authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Fehst stated the agreement is cost plus up to 20 percent for administrative costs. Wyckoff clarified that Hilltop is paying the entire amount for their street improvements. th 10) Accept the engineering reports for the 3900 block of Van Buren and 40 Avenue and McKinley intersections and Authorize the preparation of Plans and Specs for Stormwater Piping Replacement th on 40 Avenue th Motion to accept the engineering reports (2) for 3942 Van Buren and the intersection of 40 Avenue and McKinley Street. th Motion to authorize City Staff to perform the short-term improvements on 40 and McKinley identified as “a-d”, in the corresponding Council letter. th Motion to authorize the preparation of plans and specs for 40 and McKinley for the replacement of th 24 and 48- inch storm sewer on 40 Avenue. Nawrocki questioned the estimated cost for replacement of the 24 inch and 48 inch storm sewer pipe replacement. Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, indicated the fee would be $35,000 for both. 11) Adopt Resolution No. 2001-37, being a Resolution authorizing application for a DNR Grant for Storm Water Mitigation Improvements Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2001-37, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2001-37, authorizing the Public Works Director to apply for DNR Grant Assistance Program Funds for 3942 Van Buren Street and designating the Director of Public Works as the primary contact for the program. City Council Minutes May 14, 2001 Page 3 of 10 RESOLUTION NO. 2001-37 BEING A RESOLUTION TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES GRANT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR FUNDS FOR STORM WATER RELATED IMPROVEMENTS AND DESIGNATE THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS AS THE CITYS == PRIMARY CONTACT WITH THE DNR BE IT RESOLVED that the Director of Public Works, hereinafter referred to as Authorized Official act as A@ legal sponsor for the project contained in the Flood Damage Reduction grant Assistant Program Application submitted on May 14, 2001, and that Authorized Official is hereby authorized to apply to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, hereinafter referred to as State, for funding of this project on behalf of the A@ Applicant. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Applicant has the legal authority to apply for financial assistance, and the institutional, managerial and financial capability to ensure adequate acquisition, maintenance and protection of the proposed project. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Applicant has not incurred any construction costs or has not entered into any written agreements to purchase property proposed by this project. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Applicant has not violated any Federal, State, or local laws pertaining to fraud, bribery, graft, kickbacks, collusion, conflict of interest or other unlawful or corrupt practice. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT UPON APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION BY THE State, the Authorized Official may enter into an Agreement with the State for the above-referenced project and that the Applicant certifies that it will comply with all applicable laws and regulations as stated in the contract agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Director of Public Works is hereby authorized to execute such Agreements as are necessary to implement the project on behalf of the Applicant. Dated this 14th day of May, 2001 Offered by: Nawrocki Seconded by: Szurek Roll Call: Williams-aye, Szurek-aye, Wyckoff-aye, Nawrocki-aye, Peterson-aye _________________________ Mayor Gary L. Peterson _____________________________ Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk 12) Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for May 14, 2001 as presented. 13) Approve Payment of Bills Motion to approve payment of the bills, as listed, out of the proper fund. Motion carried. Upon Vote: All ayes. Item #4 Award bid on refinishing wood floor in Murzyn Hall Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director, and Brent Kehler, owner of Renewed Hardwood Floors, were present to answer questions. Nawrocki indicated he believed in maintenance, but would vote against refinishing the floor at this time as he felt there is still “life” in the floor. Williams asked the contractor City Council Minutes May 14, 2001 Page 4 of 10 what he felt was wrong with the floor. Brent Kehler indicated that dirt and sand have worn off the layers of urethane and the wood will begin to pock and mar. He stated that if the floor were only re-coated with urethane, it would just highlight the worn spots. Kehler recommended a light sanding and three coats of Glitza finish, followed by a yearly single coat of Glitza for maintenance. Williams felt this was a good bid and it should be done. Kehler indicated yearly maintenance would be approximately $1,000. Windschitl indicated that last year $2,400 was expended for the application of two coats of oil based urethane. Wyckoff asked if the other companies solicited recommended this procedure? Windschitl indicated they had, and stated that $9,000 was budgeted for this project. MOTION by Szurek, second by Williams, to award the bid for refinishing the wood floor in Murzyn Hall to Renewed Hardwood Floors of 3406 Humboldt Avenue, Minneapolis, MN based on their low, qualified bid in the amount of $5,775.00, with funds being appropriated from the Murzyn Hall budget; and furthermore to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Upon Roll Call Vote: Williams – aye, Szurek – aye, Wyckoff – aye, Nawrocki – nay, Motion carried Peterson – aye. - 4 votes aye, 1 vote nay. Item #5 Approve Reappointment of Steve Johnson to the Planning and Zoning Commission Nawrocki indicated that he would abstain from voting as he felt all reappointments should be interviewed and others should be given a chance to serve on these boards and commissions. He stated that Mr. Johnson is very knowledgeable and an asset to this commission, but he would abstain from voting. MOTION by Williams, second by Szurek, to reappoint Steve Johnson to a four-year term on the Planning and Zoning Commission, with the term to expire April 1, 2005. Upon Vote: Williams – Motion carried aye, Szurek – aye, Wyckoff – aye, Nawrocki – abstain, Peterson – aye. - 4 votes aye, 1 vote abstention. Item #6 Appointment of members to the Downtown Master Plan Advisory Task Force In answer to Wyckoff, Fehst stated that Council did approve this as a long-term plan with possible th townhomes along 40Avenue. Wyckoff stated the plan was not to buy up neighborhood homes. Fehst indicated that residents in this area requested that members of their neighborhood be appointed to the task force to review this plan. Fehst stated that the urban plan and the downtown plan were referred to on two pages of the Comprehensive Plan. th Kay Stickler, 696 40 Avenue NE, asked the purpose of adding members to the task force if the consultant would not be invited back to explain the plan. Wyckoff was hesitant to spend funds to have the consultant come back to talk to this group when new plans are possibly being considered, but liked having the residents involved. Peterson stated this motion is only to appoint additional members to the task force. Fehst stated this is only a plan, and there may be other options in the future. th Karsten McKarthy, 4213 5 Street, felt there could not be a master plan for property the City does not own. MOTION by Wyckoff, second by Nawrocki, to appoint the following individuals to the Downtown Master Plan Advisory Task Force: Louretta Nelson, Sandy Sichak, Sue Trezona, Karen Gutkaes and Motion carried Lisa Fisher.Wyckoff. Upon Vote: All ayes, . Item #7 Authorize Permits for 2001 Jamboree Nawrocki questioned why the Lions Club, who supports the Jamboree Parade, would be charged $100 per day to sell beer in the park for the Jamboree celebration. He stated that funds raised offset costs of the parade. Fehst stated he is attempting to discuss this with the club president, but normally these fees are waived. Hoeft indicated the liquor license ordinance establishes fees for the sale of beverages away City Council Minutes May 14, 2001 Page 5 of 10 from the licensee’s property, but Council can regulate the fee however they choose. Peterson indicated the Lions would need to apply for a waiver. Fehst will contact Bill Karol to fill out the appropriate paperwork. MOTION by Williams, second by Szurek, to authorize staff to close Jefferson Street for the time Motion period from Monday afternoon, June 18, 2001 through Sunday, June 24, 2001. All ayes. carried. MOTION by Williams, second by Szurek, to authorize the Police department to issue a parade permit for the Jamboree Parade to be held on Friday, June 22, 2001 at 6:30 p.m. for the following ththththth streets: Central Avenue at 45 Avenue to 40 Avenue, west on 40 Avenue to 5 Street, and 5 Motion carried. Street to Mill Street. All ayes. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS Proclamation – Peace Officers’ Memorial Day – May 15, 2001 Peterson read the proclamation. Police Chief Johnson stated that this year 313 new names of fallen officers were added to the Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. There has been a 12 percent rise in fatalities. Johnson indicated that being a Police Officer is the deadliest profession in America. He mentioned Officer Curt Ramsdell, a Columbia Heights Officer, who gave his life in the line of duty, and stated that his son, Tom Ramsdell, was present. Flags will be lowered honoring fallen officers. A ceremony, which will include the Governor, will be held at the Anoka County Courthouse honoring all officers who were killed in the line of duty. Nawrocki listed other Officers who had lived in Columbia Heights and who also gave their lives in the line of duty. Introduction of New Employees Chief Johnson introduced Police Officer Rob Harvey and Police Officer Jason Beckett, and gave the ceremonial swearing in. Peterson presented their badges. Johnson stated he is proud to have these new officers join our police force. There are currently two openings on our police force, and one officer has taken a leave of absence. Nawrocki stated that Chief Johnson was appointed second Vice-President of the State of Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, and congratulated him. Presentations Peterson presented Robert Ruettimann, a clock for his 15 years of service on the Park and Recreation Advisory Board. Peterson acknowledged Mr. Ruettimann’s contribution to the Park and Recreation Advisory Board, the City Council, the Economic Development Authority, and the Boosters organization. Ruettimann thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve the community. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions First Reading of Ordinance No. 1429, being an Ordinance Establishing a Heritage Preservation Commission. MOTION by Wyckoff, second by Szurek, to waive the reading of Ordinance No., 1429, there being Motion carried ample copies available to the public. All ayes. . City Council Minutes May 14, 2001 Page 6 of 10 MOTION by Wyckoff, second by Szurek, to establish Tuesday, May 29, 2001, at approximately 7:00 p.m. as the second reading of Ordinance #1429, Establishment of a Heritage Preservation Motion carried Commission. All ayes. . Wyckoff introduced Becky Loader, Library Director. Loader indicated the process to establish a Heritage Preservation Commission began in April of 2000. Information was gathered from the City Attorney and the State to create this ordinance, with the intention of preserving community information th through pictures or words. Following Council direction, language was changed to require a 4/5 Council vote to pass a motion, and that residents or real property owners, such as first families could be members on the commission. Preservation interests were discussed. Loader stated that this commission would be advisory to the Council. Wyckoff referred to the restoration of the Heights Theater, the Sullivan house, and the Waterworks building. Wyckoff stated the nine volunteer members would meet quarterly. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1428, being an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 818 pertaining to Zoning and Development. MOTION by Szurek, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1428, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon Vote: Williams – aye, Szurek – aye, Wyckoff – aye, motion failed Nawrocki – nay, Peterson – aye. Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, indicated the , as waiving the reading of an ordinance must be by unanimous vote. Fehst stated a special meeting could be called to read the ordinance. Nawrocki suggested the alternative of setting another televised work session for public and Council questions. Peterson stated previous dates this ordinance was discussed. Peterson asked how Council wished to handle this. Williams stated the ordinance could be read. Peterson suggested the reading be held at the Monday work session. Fehst stated he would be unavailable for that meeting, and that the Assistant to the City Manager, Linda Magee, would be present. Wyckoff questioned if Council needed to be present for the reading. Hoeft indicated the reading would have to be at a regular or special Council meeting. Szurek suggested scheduling an official meeting for Wednesday, May 23, as there is regular business scheduled for Monday’s work session. Naworcki requested the reading be televised. Nawrocki again requested an additional work session to answer questions on the ordinance, stating he would possibly then be prepared to waive the reading of the ordinance. Peterson questioned if Nawrocki could guarantee this would be the last work session requested. Nawrocki feels it would be. Malcom Watson, former City Manager, stated that he read the previous zoning ordinance and felt it would be difficult to read because of the charts. He felt that where there were no major changes to the ordinance, it should not be necessary to read it. Nawrocki stated that he offered an alternative to th reading the ordinance and he would like to finish the process begun on April 30. Watson asked if Mr. Nawrocki’s questions had been answered. Nawrocki indicated that some questions had been answered favorably, but some would be addressed by proposing amendments. Nawrocki stated he initially asked for a strike-out copy of the ordinance, or a sidebar document indicating changes to the ordinance. Nawrocki indicated that two residents requested the ordinance be read. He stated these methods of reading or reviewing the ordinance would allow openness in government. Watson stated that the City Newsletter carried highlights of the changes to the ordinance. Williams suggested that even though the reading the ordinance was a laborious job, it should be read to complete this process. Fehst stated that he requested a sidebar copy of the ordinance from staff, but that would take several weeks to do, and referred to the five page summary of changes given to Council. Peterson stated that there was no urgency in completing this ordinance, and he would like to review options and dates before continuing the process. Nawrocki stated that if the revision process were City Council Minutes May 14, 2001 Page 7 of 10 continued he felt it could be finished in one more session, and under that circumstance, with the option to offer amendments on the vote, he would vote to waive the reading of the ordinance. Peterson felt that possibly even with following this process, Nawrocki would still require the reading of the ordinance. th Harold Hoium, 4321 5 Street, stated that on numerous occasions he has requested ordinances be read by the City Attorney, and felt all existing ordinances should also be read. He requested that new Police Officers recite the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Minnesota. Hoium stated that the public should vote on all ordinances. B) Bid Considerations C) Other Business 1) Budget Appropriation for Minnegasco Rate Increases Nawrocki requested department details as to how they will cover rate increases within the scope of their present budget. MOTION by Nawrocki that the City Manager be directed to work with Department Heads and come to Council with budget adjustments taking into account increased utility costs above the anticipated amount by reduction in line items for each department. Bill Elrite, Finance Director, stated that the recommended motion would be included as part of the budget process. He indicated that at present it is hard to determine the projections of under- expenditures, and would be more definable in September. Fehst stated the City is currently under- expended. Motion died for lack of a second. MOTION by Williams, second by Szurek, to direct staff to review the 2001 utility rate increases as part of the 2002 budget preparation to determine if there will be adequate under expending in the various funds to cover the rate increases, and to present this information to the City Council as part of the 2002 budget process. Nawrocki disagreed with delaying the process to the end of the budget year. Motion Upon vote: Williams – aye, Szurek – aye, Wyckoff – aye, Nawrocki – nay, Peterson – aye. carried, 4 ayes, 1 nay. Fehst agreed in substance, if not form, with Nawrocki, stating that if proposed Legislative Bills pass, the City will have to look at serious budget reductions. Variance Request, Case #2001-0507, 3954 Arthur Street NE Tim Johnson, City Planner, indicated this request is for two variances, a size variance of 760 square feet and height variance to 18 feet. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the size variance and approval of the height variance, as this would be in line with the proposed ordinance. Rich Abraham, 3954 Arthur Street, owner of the property, stated that he has a unique 22,000 square foot lot. He stated that his proposed lot coverage would be 13 percent, and the maximum lot coverage is 30 percent. Abraham referred to two other recently granted variances that had no hardship. He listed amenities that he has added to his property, including arrangements to replace the asphalt driveway. Abraham stated he has an easement and must share his driveway with his neighbor. He reminded Council that 13 people responded favorably and 3 negatively to the survey conducted by the City. City Council Minutes May 14, 2001 Page 8 of 10 th Ellen Zimmerman, 1916 40 Avenue, requested Council not approve the two variances. She was upset that all the trees were removed from this lot and concerned that a big structure adjacent to her lot would affect her property value. Zimmerman stated that about 3 feet of fill was brought in and the owner is requesting a height variance. She presented a letter from another neighbor against the project who could not be present at the meeting. Nawrocki gave the history of this area. He stated that as this area is land locked, Mr. Abraham has a lot equal to four or five, 40 foot or 50 foot lots. He felt this property was possibly worthy to exceed the limits and would agree to allow the additional accessory building with proper restrictions: 1. no commercial activity, 2. the garage be built with quality materials, 3. a landscaping plan be required, 4. hard surfacing of the driveway. Peterson questioned if fill was brought in and if the building could be lowered. Abraham stated fill was brought in, but the area of the proposed building was excavated down three to four inches. The fill was to create a natural taper to safely drive up the driveway. Abraham stated the problem with excavating the structure area would be drainage. Abraham suggested changing the pitch of the roof. Wyckoff stated that she could see no hardship for this variance request. Abraham stated that sharing an easement with the neighbor is difficult. Wyckoff indicated there is already a three- car garage and could not see the need for such a large accessory building. Nawrocki stated the owner should have the ability to get usage out of his property. Johnson stated that the size of this lot was not an issue, as is the structure size in relation to the surrounding parcels. Abraham again indicated the improvements he has made to the property. Szurek stated that this request does not constitute a hardship, and the owner would be allowed to build a 22 by 22 foot garage. Abraham referred to two variances that were granted for over the 1,000 square feet. Hoeft indicated this variance request does not fit the requirements of our ordinance; that the interplay of the ordinance is relative to smaller lots. Hoeft stated that many properties in Columbia Heights have shared driveways. Wyckoff stated that she was willing to compromise, but this is in a residential area, and the requested structure is too big and overpowering. Abraham stated he would be willing to reduce the size from 30 x 40 to 30 x 38, or 30 x 36 feet. Williams suggested subdividing the lot. Johnson stated this would not be possible because of the requirement for street footage. Nawrocki questioned the two past variance requests. Johnson stated the referenced requests allowed for square footage of storage space above the garage, not an increased footprint. MOTION by Nawrocki to grant the variance requests for 3954 Arthur Street; including materials consistent with the home and aesthetics, no commercial activities in the building, and requirements for landscaping, and screening; and restricting the height to 16 feet. Nawrocki referred to the staff report and other variances granted. Hoeft stated the other cases were clearly distinguishable from this request. He indicated lot coverage is not the issue, but if a variance is given on large yard then the same criteria must be applied on a small lot. Nawrocki stated that if this request exceeded the 30 percent coverage he would look at it differently, but this is only 13 percent lot coverage. Hoeft stated the variance is not for lot coverage, it is for structure size. Motion seconded by Williams. City Council Minutes May 14, 2001 Page 9 of 10 Peterson stated this item should be tabled for an alternate plan. Zimmerman responded that Mr. Abraham did not prove a hardship, and should only be allowed a two-car garage with a roof level restriction. MOTION by Nawrocki, second by Williams, that the motion be referred to the City Manager, City Planner, City Attorney, and the property owner to see if there are alternatives to the building, to incorporate concerns listed relative to use of the building, landscaping, and allowable height, and that it be brought back to the next regular Council meeting. Upon Vote: Williams – aye, Szurek – Motion carried nay, Wyckoff - nay, Nawrocki – aye, Peterson – aye. , 3 ayes, 2 nay. MOTION by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to table the height variance request for 3954 Arthur Street until the next regular meeting. Upon Vote: Williams – aye, Szurek – nay, Wyckoff – aye, Motion carried Nawrocki – aye, Peterson – aye. , 4 ayes, 1 nay. Zimmerman indicated it would be a hardship for her to attend the next meeting and asked when this would end. 2) Establish Board and Commission Interview Date Fehst stated the Board and Commission Interviews are to fill one opening on the Park and Recreation Commission, one opening on the Telecommunications Commission and two openings on the Human Services Commission. There are three applications for the Park and Recreation Commission, one application for the Telecommunications Commission and one application for the Human Services Commission. MOTION by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to set a special meeting date of Wednesday, May 23, Motion 2001, at 6:00 p.m. to interview Board and Commission applicants. Upon vote: All ayes. carried. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager Upcoming Work Session Items · Reimbursement of off duty overtime funds to the Police budget · Purchase of two laser speed guns for the Police Department · Review sanitary sewer televising inspection results of Zone 5 · Bid for the Jamboree fireworks · Scoreboard for Huset park · 2002-2004 CDBG Urban Block Grant options · Second reading of the Zoning and Development Ordinance *The McComb Group market analysis proposal will be presented at the next regular Council meeting. Fehst reminded Council of the Economic Development Authority meeting Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 6:30 p.m, and the joint meeting with the School Board, Hilltop and Fridley at the High School Family Center at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2001. Discussion at the joint meeting will include how the House of Representatives and the Governor’s budget will affect these groups. Fehst stated he has handouts available from the North Metro Mayors Meeting stating that HACA would be eliminated and referring to items in the budget to augment the losses, with no guarantees for the second year. He stated that the House of Representatives also opposes levy limits, and possibly allowing school funding to be handled by the State. Fehst described the plans and the effects thereof. Report of the City Attorney - None City Council Minutes May 14, 2001 Page 10 of 10 GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Minutes of Boards and Commissions Meeting of the March 14, 2001, Human Services Commission Meeting of the April 2, 2001, Traffic Commission Meeting of the April 19, 2001, Telecommunications Commission Meeting of the May 1, 2001, Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of the May 1, 2001 Public Library Board of Trustees CITIZENS FORUM Don Laufenberg, Treasurer of the Lions Club, questioned license fees for the Lion’s Jamboree beer garden, and asked if the fees could be waived. Nawrocki stated that the license request has not yet come before the Council, but that the City Manager would be making a recommendation to waive these fees. Williams referred to the Heights Happenings newsletter, regarding citizen donations, rental rehabilitation programs, community fix up funds, and first time homebuyer programs. He reminded residents that there are funds available to help them with home repairs. Nawrocki stated that he was disappointed in the amount of information regarding the Jamboree in the Heights Happenings. Nawrocki requested the City Manager inform Council through the Green Sheet when he will be out of town. Nawrocki referred to the Public Works lawn mower hours of use discussed at a previous Council meeting. Nawrocki questioned when the burned restaurant on Central Avenue would be cleaned up. Fehst stated he has called the owner, and discussed cleanup and capping the water and sewer. He stated that the issue is being pursued, but the owner has not yet been cited. Nawrocki questioned the closed sign on the Tycoon Bar. Wyckoff stated that the owner is waiting for paper work from Anoka County. Nawrocki expressed concern for semi trucks to get through the alley of the Transition Block. Nawrocki th stated a safety concern that the new Habitat for Humanity home on the 4200 block of 7 Avenue has a side entrance next to the adjacent driveway. Nawrocki stated that at the next City Council meeting he would make a motion that regular City Council meetings be held on the first four Mondays of each month. Nawrocki referred to a public comment letter he received. Nawrocki questioned why the declaration of a th hazardous building was pulled for 4356 5 Street. Fehst stated there is an ongoing working relationship with the family. Wyckoff stated that Kathy Pepin, License/Permit Clerk, would be leaving the employment of the City this week after more than 23 years. She stated Kathy would be missed, as she was very knowledgeable about the City. She thanked her for her years of service. Peterson, Fehst, Szurek and Williams stated similar comments. Peterson referred to Jean Kuehn, Special Projects Coordinator, and the broadcast of the Jamboree parade. Peterson stated in that Mr. Nawrocki, who has assisted with this commentary in the past, would be riding on the fire truck with City Council members, he suggested allowing several high school students to work with Kuehn. Nawrocki stated he took offense at this suggestion and that he looked forward to doing the commentary again. Nawrocki stated that he has more history and background of the City and Jamboree events than anyone, and probably would not be riding in the fire truck. ADJOURNMENT MOTIONMotion carried by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to adjourn the meeting. Upon vote: All ayes. . _______________________________ Patty Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk