HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 25, 2001
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 25, 2001
The follow are the minutes for the regular meeting of the Columbia Heights City Council held at 7:00 p.m.
on Monday, June 25, 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 Wyckoff, Councilmember Nawrocki, Mayor Peterson
Absent: Councilmember Szurek
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MISCELLANEOUS
Mayor Peterson explained that Councilmember Szurek is in Alabama for the commission of a new ship
and a ride on the maiden voyage.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA
- none
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION
A) by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to remove Item #2 and to approve the remaining
Consent Agenda items as follows:
1) Minutes for Approval
MOTION to approve the minutes of the June 11, 2001, regular City Council meeting as
presented.
2) Establish Work Session Meeting Dates for Monday, July 2, 2001 beginning at 7:00 p.m. and
Monday, July 16, 2001 beginning at 7:00 p.m. -REMOVED
Walt Fehst, City Manager, recommended that only the work session for July 16 be scheduled.
He read a preliminary list of items to be discussed at the July 16, 2001 work session: Bids for
Sewer pipe lining, final plans for University Avenue Sound Wall, sanitary sewer cross
connection to Jackson Pond, sale and development agreement for 3913 Polk Street and 4401
Quincy Street, unclaimed property ordinance, junk and abandoned vehicles, and computer
replacement for the Library.
Nawrocki requested Item #2 be removed from the consent agenda.
3) Authorize transfer of funds from General Fund to Police Department Budget to reimburse
overtime fund
MOTION to transfer $1,820, the total amount received from Unique Thrift store, Valley View
Elementary PTA, and Columbia Heights High School for off duty security worked, from the
General Fund to the Police Department 2001 budget under line 1020, police overtime.
4) Authorize acceptance of COPS More ’98 Grant
MOTION to accept the COPS More ’98 federal equipment block grant #98-CM-WX-1653 for
$11,358, with a local match of $3,787, funds to cover the match to come from unexpended
funds in the 2001 Police Department budget.
MOTION to approve the purchase of four cellular digital packet modems at a cost of $1,280
plus tax, five Toshiba laptop computers at a cost of $9,750 plus tax, and eight CDPD antennas
City Council Minutes
June 25, 2001
Page 2 of 4
with mounting brackets at a cost of $312 plus tax, funds to come from the COPS More ’98
federal equipment grant fund #227-42120.
5) Approve application for one-time Gambling Request by the East River Hockey Association
MOTION to direct the City Manager to forward a letter to the State Charitable Gambling
Control Board indicating that the City of Columbia Heights has no objection to a one-time
bingo event to be conducted by the East River Hockey Association at the Church of the
Immaculate Conception, 4030 Jackson Street NE, Columbia Heights, on August 11 and 12,
2001; and furthermore, that the City of Columbia Heights hereby waives the remainder of the
thirty-day notice to the local governing body.
6) Approve Business License Applications
MOTION to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for June 25, 2001 as
presented.
7) Approve Payment of Bills
MOTION to pay the bills, as listed, out of the proper fund.
Nawrocki questioned why the yellow detailed check summary is not included in the information packet
to the Library and the meeting room copy, as all non-public information has been removed. Fehst
stated that Council direction was to have one copy available at the meeting. Fehst stated the extra
copies could be done, however there is no guarantee that all private information will be caught and
deleted. Nawrocki stated that the people have a right to know this information. Wyckoff agreed, and
stated this is a helpful document. Peterson questioned the ramifications if non-public information
becomes public. Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, stated there could be legal ramifications if personal
information is released. Peterson asked the attorney to review this type of document for an opinion on
its release to the public. Hoeft stated the review would have to be done each time a new document is
released, as the data changes each time. He stated that there is certain level of risk involved, but
Council can choose to make this document public if they wish. Williams stated the initial consensus of
the Council was to not give out this information. Peterson suggested this discussion wait until the next
meeting when Councilmember Szurek is present and the Finance Director can explain the privacy
issues involved. Nawrocki suggested have something in writing explaining this.
Nawrocki referred to the June 11 bill list expenditure on air conditioning for a large City vehicle;
stating that the truck is used an average of 500 hours per year, and for the limited use, he questioned
the value of the expenditure.
Motion carried
Upon Vote: Aye – Williams, Wyckoff, Nawrocki, and Peterson. All ayes. .
Establish Work Session Meeting Dates – Item #2
MOTION
by Nawrocki, that in lieu of a work session on Monday, July 16, a special meeting be
held at 8:00 p.m. to consider business in an effort to be open to the public.
Fehst indicated that no action is taken at a work session. He described the information given at a work
session as preliminary information, and he felt this is a good way to operate. Nawrocki stated that he
understands openness in government and wants to change the way it is done. Peterson stated this was
previously discussed at length, and work sessions are open to the public and allow for a more relaxed
atmosphere.
Motion died
for lack of a second.
City Council Minutes
June 25, 2001
Page 3 of 4
MOTION
by Wyckoff, second by Williams, to establish a Work Session meeting date for
Monday, July 16, 2001 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Upon vote: Ayes: Williams, Wyckoff, Peterson.
Motion carried
Nay: Nawrocki. 3 votes to 1.
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS
A) Proclamations -none
B) Presentations -none
C) Introductions -none
D) Recognition
Mayor Peterson introduced David Roberts, U.S. Taekwondo Champion and read the recognition
certificate he presented Mr. Roberts.
Mr. Roberts thanked his family and instructor for their support and gave a history of his involvement
with Taekwondo. All Council members asked Mr. Roberts questions about this sport and his
involvement. Mr. Roberts is also the owner of the Dave’s Heating and Air Conditioning business in
Columbia Heights.
Peterson requested that if anyone in our community has an achievement they would like to share, to let
someone know so they could also be recognized.
PUBLIC HEARINGS -
none
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
A) Other Ordinances and Resolutions -none
B) Bid Considerations - none
C) Other Business
1) Appointment -Park and Recreation Commission Member
MOTION
by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to appoint Tom Greenhalgh to the current vacancy
on the Park and Recreation Commission with the term to expire on April 1, 2006.
Motion failed
Upon vote: Aye – Wyckoff, Nawrocki. Nay – Williams, Peterson. – 2 ayes, 2
nays.
MOTION
by Williams, second by Peterson, to table the appointment of the Park and
Recreation Commissioner until Councilmember Szurek returns.
Wyckoff stated she was glad this item would be tabled because it was a tough decision, as two
of the applicants were both very qualified and complimented each other; and that if any
current members who have not been attending meetings of the Commission chose to step down
that both applicants could be appointed.
Motion carried
Upon vote: Aye – Williams, Wyckoff, Peterson. Nay – Nawrocki. – 3 ayes, 1
nay.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A) Report of the City Manager - none
B) Report of the City Attorney - none
GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
A) Minutes of Boards and Commissions
1) Meeting of the June 5, 2001, Library Board of Trustees
City Council Minutes
June 25, 2001
Page 4 of 4
2) Meeting of the April 19, 2001 Charter Commission
CITIZENS FORUM
-none
MISCELLANEOUS
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Nawrocki stated the grass needs cutting at the house on the intersection of 44 and 5 Streets. Fehst
stated it has been cut. Nawrocki felt it needs it again.
Nawrocki again questioned the size of the signage on the Casting Theatre. Fehst stated that the City
Planner indicated the lettering size is within our ordinance. The construction was stopped and they
changed the letter size to meet code. Fehst will have the City Planner put together an explanation of
this. Wyckoff stated that she likes the sign. Fehst felt it is creative and nice looking. Nawrocki did not
agree with using size of the letters.
Nawrocki indicated items for the upcoming City newsletter should include: City budget information
and the process, information relative to a possible Point of Sale Ordinance, and possible budget
hearing dates.
Nawrocki stated the City Council meetings were not broadcast on Saturday and Sunday.
Nawrocki referred to information received at the League of MN Cities Conference which included
future GASBY financial reporting, 2001 law summaries, new requirements on fees established and
records kept, and “Power of Giving” which helps communities raise private funds for projects.
Peterson agreed that the Casting Theatre sign was large, but it is rather unique, and he indicated his
hope that they remain in Columbia Heights a long time.
Peterson indicated that at the League of MN Cities Conference he attended a session entitled “Life in
a Fish Bowl”, which reflected the saying he uses to close every meeting: Don’t take life too seriously,
laugh at ourselves, enjoy life, and do a random act of kindness for someone.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m.
_______________________________
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk