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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 thth 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