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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 11, 2001 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 11, 2001 The following are the minutes for the regular City Council meeting held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 11, th 2001, in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40 Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL/APPOINT SECRETARY PRO TEM Mayor Gary Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Roll Call: Present: Councilmembers Williams, Szurek, Wyckoff, Nawrocki, and Mayor Peterson. Motion by Marlaine Szurek, seconded by Bobby Williams, to appoint Carole Blowers as Secretary Pro Tem. Motion passed unanimously. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Mayor Peterson stated there was an updated motion for Item 6B. There were no other additions/deletions to the agenda noted. CONSENT AGENDA There were no items removed from the consent agenda for further discussion. Councilmember Nawrocki questioned what check #92577 for $1,700 was for which was listed on the bottom of page 8 of the bills. He asked that more detailed information on this expense be available for the next meeting. Councilmember Nawrocki stated that it was his understanding that everyone would receive full copies of the bills to be paid with the agenda packet, and he is aware that this is not happening. It was explained that for data privacy reasons, not all this type of information could be provided to the general public. Councilmember Nawrocki also stated that Resolution No 2001-34, regarding the removal of a hazardous th structure at 4356 5 Street N.E. has property on Central Avenue mixed in with it and needs to be corrected. Motion by Bruce Nawrocki, seconded by Julienne Wyckoff, and passed unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda items as follows: 1) Minutes for Approval Approve the minutes of the May 14 and May 29, 2001, regular City Council meeting as presented. 2) Approve Conditional Use Permit No. 2001-0611, at 4747 Central Avenue Approve the Conditional Use Permit to allow the placement of a 40 by 60 foot tent for the display and sale of clearance merchandise at 4747 Central Avenue from June 15, 2001 through August 15, 2001, subject to the following conditions: 1. A $500 deposit shall be submitted to the License/Permit Clerk prior to installation of the structures on the site. 2. Fire Department shall make site inspection once tent is erected to verify compliance with Fire Codes. 3) Adopt Resolution No. 2001-38, being a Resolution approving a lot split of the property at 3855 Main Street City Council Minutes June 11, 2001 Page 2 of 5 Waive the reading of Resolution No. 2001-38, there being ample copies available to the public. Adopt Resolution No. 2001-38, being a Resolution approving a lot split of the property at 3855 Main Street NE. RESOLUTION NO. 2001 - 38 SUBDIVISION REQUEST CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 590 - 40TH AVENUE N.E. COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 I, Brian Michael Roeller, hereby request a split of PIN 35 30 24 33 0059 Legally described as: Lot 29, Block 80, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, Anoka County, Minnesota. THE DESCRIPTION HENCEFORTH TO BE: l. That part of Lot 29 lying North of the South 20 feet, Block 80, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, Anoka County, Minnesota. TO BE COMBINED WITH PIN 35 30 24 33 0060, Lot 30, Block 80, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, Anoka County, Minnesota. See survey TRACT A for new legal description. 2. The South 20 feet of Lot 29, Block 80, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, Anoka County Minnesota. TO BE COMBINED WITH PIN 35 30 24 33 0058, Lot 28 and the North 10 feet of Lot 27, Block 80, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, Anoka County, Minnesota. See survey TRACT B for new legal description. Be it further resolved that special assessments of record in the office of the City of Columbia Heights as of this day, against the above described property, are paid. Any pending or future assessments will be levied according to the new split as approved this day. Any lot split given approval shall become invalid if the resolution, motion or other Council action approving the said lot split is not filed with the County Recorder within one (l) year of the date of the Council action. PLANNING & ZONING DEPARTMENT ACTION: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: th Dated this 5th day of June, 2001. Dated this 11 day of June, 2001. Offered by: Yehle Offered by: Nawrocki Seconded by: Ericson Second by: Wyckoff Roll Call: All ayes Roll Call: All ayes ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Zoning Officer Mayor Gary L. Peterson ___________________________________ Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk 4) Approve Rental Housing License Applications Approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for June 11, 2001. 5) Approve Business License Applications Approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for June 11, 2001 as presented. 6) Approve Payment of Bills Pay the bills, as listed, out of the proper fund. 2. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS A) Proclamations –none B) Presentations City Council Minutes June 11, 2001 Page 3 of 5 1) Presentation of the 2001 Humanitarian of the Year Award to Wally Logacz Mayor Peterson read the comments made by the nominators of Mr. Logacz. He also summarized his numerous accomplishments, and then presented the 2001 Humanitarian of the Year Award plaque to Mr. Logacz. 2) Presentation of the 2001 Chief Merle Glader Memorial Scholarship Police Chief Tom Johnson briefly explained Merle Glader was a 33 year veteran of the Columbia Heights Police Department, and this scholarship award was established two years ago by the Merle Glader family. Kelly Vaughn, daughter of Sgt. Steve Vaughn and JoAnn Vaughn, is this year’s recipient. 3) Presentation of Certificate of Achievement to Natalia Kushner from the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association Police Chief Tom Johnson explained the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association has an annual essay th contest. Natalia Kushner, 8 grade student at Immaculate Conception, read her essay on “Violence in School—What Should be Done?” to the audience. Natalia’s essay was one of 18 chosen out of more than 600 entries. Police Chief Tom Johnson presented a Certificate of Achievement to Natalia Kushner. C) Introduction of New Employees – none D) Recognition - none 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS A) Close the Public Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 3933-3935 Ulysses Street The Mayor closed the Public Hearing regarding the Revocation or Suspension of the Rental License held by Oevering Oranzo regarding rental property at 3933-3935 Ulysses Street in that the property is in compliance with the Residential Maintenance Code. Motion passed unanimously. th B) Rental Housing License Revocation for 228 40 Avenue. The Mayor closed the Public Hearing regarding the Revocation or Suspension of the Rental License th held by Robert Mikulak regarding rental property at 228 40 Avenue N.E. in that the property is in substantial (but not complete) compliance with the Residential Maintenance Code. Motion passed unanimously. 4. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A) Other Ordinances and Resolutions -none B) Bid Considerations – none C) Other Business 1) Approval of Engagement letter with HLB Tautges Redpath, LTD for Audit of 2001 Finance Director Bill Elrite presented information on the firm of HLB Tautges, Redpath, Ltd. and the history the city has had with this auditing firm. Councilmember Nawrocki asked for dollar amounts for the new proposed contract, and how they compared to previous amounts. The City first hired this company to do the 1997 audit at a cost of $23,500 for city fund and $6,500 for City Council Minutes June 11, 2001 Page 4 of 5 EDA fund auditing ($30,000 total). For the 2000 audit, the costs were $25,700 for city fund and $7,400 for EDA fund auditing.($33,100 total). With a not to exceed three percent projected increase, costs for doing the 2001 audit would be approximately $34,100 for both city fund and EDA fund auditing. Councilmember Nawrocki stated he felt it was time to take a “fresh” look at another auditing company. By setting up good specs, and seeking proposals from a company with experience and knowledge in government auditing/accounting, the city could select a company with the best price. He also stated that even though the city has had a good business relationship with HLB Tautges, Redpath, Ltd., it’s a good time to look at other options, not when there are problems with the auditing firm. It’s not uncommon to change auditing firms from time to time. The City Manager stated that the city has won many awards for their accounting/auditing procedures from GFOA. These awards are comparable to the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. He stated that whether the city stays with the current firm or the city seeks proposals, this decision is entirely up to the council. Councilmember Szurek stated that she has been very satisfied with the current auditing firm and appreciated the suggestions they have made. Motion by Councilmember Nawrocki that staff be authorized to seek proposals for auditing services for the city. Motion died for lack of a second. Councilmember Wyckoff questioned whether it had to be a four year agreement, as stated in the proposed motion. Mr. Elrite stated that it could be one year to whatever. He stated that he would prefer to have the same company for 2001-2003 at least. Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Szurek, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a four-year agreement with HLB Tautges, Redpath, Ltd. for auditing service at a rate not to exceed a three percent increase per year over their current 2000 year auditing rate. Authorize an additional payment of $3,000 in the year GASB 34 is implemented. Roll call vote: Ayes: Szurek, Wyckoff, Williams, Peterson. Nay: Nawrocki. Motion passed. 2) Appoint “Free To Be!” Board of Directors Representative With the loss of the Montessori program, the “Free to Be!” program would fill a need. Free to Be! was founded in Anoka County in 1999 to provide a network of services for children, youth, and families seeking economic self-sufficiency. The program aims to include specific job training and work experience for refugees in the childcare area; car repair or donated vehicles; and childcare for culturally competent and Headstart for all ages. Free to Be! is planning to open its multicultural and intergenerational childcare center in Crest View in September, serving around 57 children of all ages. The Executive Director asked that the city consider appointing a representative to their Board. Marlaine Szurek has indicated she would be interested in serving on the Board. Motion by Councilmember Wyckoff, seconded by Councilmember Williams to appoint Marlaine Szurek as a representative to the “Free To Be!” Board of Directors. Motion passed unanimously. 5. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS A) Report of the City Manager 1) Upcoming Work Session Items City Council Minutes June 11, 2001 Page 5 of 5 The City Manager reported that the following items would be discussed at the next work session: - Transfer from General Fund to Police Department Budget to reimburse Overtime fund - 800 Radio System for Police and Fire - Purchase of Police Laptops from grant funds - Upgrade PAC Terminals at the Library - Relocation of Liquor Store - Point of Sale Ordinance - Heritage Preservation Commission - McComb Group market analysis proposal - Habitat for Humanity Home - Purchase of 4401 Quincy Street. - Consideration of Facilitator for Discussion of Goals for the City in the Context of Values First. B) Report of the City Attorney – None. 6. GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS A) Minutes of Boards and Commissions 1) The Council acknowledge the minutes from the meeting of the June 5, 2001 Planning and Zoning Commission. Mayor Peterson stated that Commissioner Johnson was recently injured and wished him well. B) Other Comments Councilmember Nawrocki: · questioned why there was going to be cable programming for councilmembers, when he was criticized for being a commentator for the Jamboree parade. · stated that there will be $1,000 donation from the VFW for fireworks for the Jamboree celebration. th · stated the property at 4356 5 Street needs mowing. · stated that he thought members of the EDA should have been consulted before moving the date of their meeting due to the League of Minnesota Cities Conference in Duluth the week of June th 18. st · stated perhaps the signage for the Casting Theater business on Central Avenue and 41 may be non-conforming. Councilmember Wyckoff reminded everyone that the City-wide garage sale is this Friday and Saturday. Councilmember Szurek stated that it is also the Immaculate Conception garage sale this week as well. 7. CITIZENS FORUM (At this time, citizens have an opportunity to discuss with the Council items not on the regular agenda. The citizen is requested to limit their comments to five minutes. Please note the public may address the Council regarding specific agenda items at the time the item is being discussed.) None. 8. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. _______________________________ Carole J. Blowers, Secretary Pro Tem