HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 9, 2001OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 9, 2001
The following are the minutes of the regular meeting of the Columbia Heights City Council held at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, July 9, 2001
on in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia
Heights, Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Councilmembers Williams, Szurek, Wyckoff, Nawrocki and Mayor Peterson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA
Mayor Peterson stated that two appointments to the Park and Recreation Commission would be addressed.
Walt Fehst, City Manager, stated that Item #7B3, First reading of Ordinance for Issuance of Tax Increment
Refunding Bonds, would be pulled until further research is completed and presented at the July 23, 2001 City
Council meeting. Nawrocki asked that other consultants be contacted for cost estimates. Fehst stated that
Springstead, Inc. contacted the City with a proposal to refinance the 1990 Capital Appreciation Bonds, at a
cost savings of approximately $110,000.
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION
by Szurek, second by Wyckoff, to approve the Consent Agenda items as follows:
1) Minutes for Approval
MOTION to approve the minutes of the June 25, 2001, regular City Council meeting as presented.
2) Establish Hearing Date regarding License Revocation or Suspension of Rental Properties at 1224-1226
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Circle Terrace Blvd, 1024-1026 45 Avenue, 1035-1037 43-1/2Avenues, 4420-4422 Monroe Street
and 4612 Polk Street
MOTION to establish a Hearing Date of July 23, 2001 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to
Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Salman Ali at 1224-1226
Circle Terrace Blvd NE.
MOTION to establish a Hearing Date of July 23, 2001 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to
Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Raymond Buganski at 1024-
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1026 45Avenue NE
MOTION to Establish a Hearing Date of July 23, 2001 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to
Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Thomas Ferrara at 1035-
1037 43-1/2 Avenue NE.
MOTION to Establish a Hearing Date of July 23, 2001 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to
Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Duncan McClellan at 4420-
4422 Monroe Street NE.
MOTION: Move to Establish a Hearing Date of July 23, 2001 for Revocation or Suspension of a
License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Marilyn Dalseth at
4612 Polk Street NE.
City Council Agenda
July 9, 2001
Page 2 of 9
3) Approve Business License Applications
MOTION to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for July 9, 2001 as presented
and that the fee of $200 for Immaculate Conception Church be waived.
Fehst indicated the waiving of the fee is for the annual Immaculate Conception Church Jamboree.
4) Approve Payment of Bills
MOTION to pay the bills, as listed, out of the proper fund.
Nawrocki stated he appreciates the information received regarding hearing dates for license revocation.
Nawrocki indicated the detailed copy of the bill list distributed to the Council must be available to the
public. Fehst stated a copy was available at the meeting from the Deputy City Clerk, and stated Council
could discuss this further at a work session.
Motion carried.
Upon Vote: All ayes.
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS
A) Proclamations -none
B) Presentations - none
C) Introduction of New Employees -none
D) Recognition - none
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
A) Other Business
1) Appointment -Park and Recreation Commission Member
MOTION
by Nawrocki, to appoint Tom Greenhalgh to the current vacancy on the Park and
Recreation Commission with the term to expire on April 1, 2006, and Mark Emme to fill the
vacancy to expire on April 1, 2005, when the anticipated written resignation is received.
Motion died
for lack of second.
MOTION
by Williams, second by Szurek, to appoint William Peterson to the term to expire April
1, 2006, and to appoint Tom Greenhalgh to the term to expire April 1, 2005.
motion be divided
Nawrocki asked that the and the appointments be voted on individually.
Motion
withdrawn.
MOTION
by Williams, second by Szurek, to appoint William Peterson to the Park and Recreation
Commission vacant term to expire April 1, 2006.
Nawrocki stated that William Peterson has good qualifications, but is the Mayor’s son. Williams
stated that Mr. Peterson is very qualified, and does not feel this is nepotism. Szurek felt it would be
unfair to discriminate when Peterson is qualified, and this is a volunteer position. Mayor Peterson
stated he is the current liaison to this commission and would remove himself if this appointment
were made. Wyckoff requested this be discussed at a work session.
City Council Agenda
July 9, 2001
Page 3 of 9
Upon Vote: Williams – aye, Szurek – aye, Wyckoff – aye, Nawrocki - abstain, Peterson – aye.
Motion carried
4ayes, one abstention, .
Fehst indicated that William Peterson had worked for City Maintenance at Murzyn Hall on the
weekends for a short time, and that he now works for the City of Blaine Park and Recreation
Department.
MOTION
by Williams, second by Szurek, to appoint Tom Greenhalgh to the Park and Recreation
Commission vacant term to expire April 1, 2005, subject to receiving the prior Commissioner’s
letter of resignation.
Upon Vote: Williams – aye, Szurek – aye, Wyckoff – aye, Nawrocki - aye, Peterson – aye. All
Motion carried
ayes. .
Mayor Peterson asked that the appointees be invite to the next meeting to be introduced. He stated
that these are volunteer positions, which can be a thankless job, but the work they do is very
appreciated by the City Council.
2) Approve Purchase Agreement for the property at 500 Mill Street
Fehst stated that 500 Mill Street is adjacent to Huset Park, and by Council perimeters, pursued the
purchase of this property for $135,000. The monies would come from the Medtronic fund,
previously set aside for capital improvements of a community center.
Nawrocki questioned if an appraisal was completed. Fehst stated the market value was
considered, and the City Planner determined this was in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan.
Nawrocki felt the Planning and Zoning Commission should have been involved. Fehst read the
City Planner’s report. Fehst indicated that this property would be available if development of the
industrial area across the street progressed. Nawrocki indicated this property was not necessary
for park purposes, but would be beneficial for industrial prospects. Fehst stated that the
Resolution does not limit the property to park usage. Fehst indicated the property would be leased
to the current resident, the aunt of the property owners, with a condition allowing her to lease the
property for three years, and an option for one additional year. The site would be handled as a
rental unit. The City would cut the grass and shovel the snow. The resident would pay the utilities.
Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, referred to these responsibilities in the purchase agreement, which
indicate the purchaser would be responsible for maintenance or reasonable repair.
Wyckoff explained the site to the public, and stated this purchase is no on her list of priorities, but
agreed the City should purchase the property now.
MOTION
by Williams, to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement for the purchase
of the property at 500 Mill Street in the amount of $135,000, with funds to come from the proceeds
resulting from the sale of the Sullivan Lake project to Medtronic.
Hoeft requested the motion be amended to include the “Mayor” to enter into the agreement.
Williams agreed to amend the motion to include the “Mayor” to enter into the agreement. Motion
seconded by Szurek.
Motion carried.
Upon Vote: All ayes.
City Council Agenda
July 9, 2001
Page 4 of 9
3) Approve the Sale and Development Agreement Relating to 3913 Polk Street NE and 4401 Quincy
Street NE. by and between the City of Columbia Heights, the Economic Development Authority of
Columbia Heights and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.
Randy Schumacher, Community Development Assistant, stated that in 1998 an application was
submitted to Anoka County for HOME funds to acquire property, remove homes, and replace them
with affordable housing in our scattered site tax increment district. The Economic Development
Authority (EDA) has authorized the sale of 3913 Polk to Habitat for Humanity and a contingent
for the sale of 4401 Quincy Street NE. Habitat would be responsible for the removal and
construction of two new homes. Habitat would have to submit the design plans to the EDA for
approval.
Szurek stated the concern of some Polk Street residents that the design of the Habitat home fit the
neighborhood. Schumacher indicated this is the reason for requiring the design approval of the
EDA.
Wyckoff questioned where the funds to purchase this would come from. Schumacher referred to the
budget information included in the Council packet, and stated that the City’s portion would be
$17,500.
Wyckoff indicated that she was firmly opposed to this sale to Habitat, and stated the homes should
be put to a public bid. She questioned Habitat placing homes, where children will live, so close to
a busy street. Wyckoff stated the agreement with Habitat in 1996 was only a letter to provide nine
lots over a three-year period, and that time period is over. The letter referred to Taylor and
Fillmore Streets, not Quincy or Polk Streets. Wyckoff indicated the Council did not approve this
letter. She stated that there are already nine Habitat homes in Columbia Heights, and that the
market should decide who gets these properties.
Nawrocki stated there was no agreement, only at best a letter of understanding, and no indication
of follow up to the City Council. He indicated Habitat has done good work, but disappointed they
do not give first consideration to Columbia Heights residents. Nawrocki felt it would be best to
spend funds upgrading existing properties.
Williams felt we have enough Habitat homes, but as the City agreed to nine lots and he believed
we should live up to the agreement.
MOTION
by Williams, second by Szurek, to approve and adopt the Sale and Development
Agreement relating to 3913 Polk Street NE and 4401 Quincy Street NE by and between the City of
Columbia Heights, the Economic Development Authority of Columbia Heights and Twin Cities
Habitat for Humanity contingent upon the passage of the appropriate Ordinances and Resolutions
required for execution of said agreement.
Nawrocki again indicated there was no agreement in place. Peterson stated the agreement is the
letter to Habitat for Humanities. He indicated it may not be a legal agreement, but the intent was
clear and he felt the City should fulfill this promise. Peterson stated that Columbia Heights has
work force housing and is proud of our community and our diversity. He has talked with Habitat
about design changes. Williams stated that these new homes would add value to the community.
Upon vote: Williams - aye, Szurek – aye, Wyckoff – nay, Nawrocki - nay, Peterson – aye. 3 ayes
Motion carried.
- 2 nayes,
City Council Agenda
July 9, 2001
Page 5 of 9
B) Other Ordinances and Resolutions
1) Approval of Resolution 2001-43 Authorizing the Purchase of 4401 Quincy Street NE.
Randy Schumacher, Acting Community Development Director, stated this resolution was the first
step to acquiring the property at 4401 Quincy Street. He indicated that this is a volunteer sale that
has been in process for over a year. The agreed sale price is $120,000.
MOTION
: Szurek, second by Williams, to waive the Reading of Resolution 2001-43, there being
ample copies available to the public.
Upon vote: Williams - aye, Szurek – aye, Wyckoff – nay, Nawrocki - nay, Peterson – aye. 3 ayes,
2 nayes.
The Deputy City Clerk indicated that with out a unanimous vote, the Ordinance must be read.
Nawrocki requested a revote.
Vote withdrawn.
MOTION
by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2001-43,
there being ample copies available to the public.
Upon vote: Williams – aye, Szurek - aye, Wyckoff – aye, Nawrocki – aye, Peterson - aye. All
Motion carried.
ayes,
MOTION
by Szurek, second by Williams, to Approve and Adopt Resolution No. 2001-43
Authorizing the purchase of 4401 Quincy Street NE.
Upon vote: Williams – aye, Szurek – aye, Wyckoff – nay, Nawrocki – nay, Peterson – aye. 3 ayes,
Motion carried
2 nays, .
Resolution 2001-43
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS,
MINNESOTA AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF 4401 QUINCY STREET NE.
WHEREAS,
the City has found that there exists conditions of deterioration, substandard residential
structures, residential units in need of repairs which are in violation of the City Housing Code and City
Ordinances or there exists a need (due to blighting influences) for intervention by the City to prevent
further deterioration of the area; and
WHEREAS,
the City and the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority have Modified
the Central Business District Redevelopment Project and established the Housing Redevelopment Tax
Increment Financing District No. 1 (a redevelopment district) on May 27, 1997; and
WHEREAS,
the property owner has offered to the City an option to purchase one such parcel
within Housing Redevelopment TIF District No. 1 at 4401 Quincy Street NE; and
WHEREAS,
the City desires to acquire said parcel for a fee not to exceed $120,000.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
by the City Council of the City of Columbia
Heights that:
1. The City Council hereby approves the purchase of 4401 Quincy Street NE. for a fee not to
exceed $120,000 which is determined to be a fair market price given the deteriorated condition
of the structure.
2. The City Council directs the City Attorney to prepare a purchase agreement and other
documents necessary to execute the sale of said property at 4401 Quincy Street NE.
City Council Agenda
July 9, 2001
Page 6 of 9
3. The City Council authorizes the use of $70,000 of Anoka County HOME Grant Funds,
$17,500 of Economic Development Authority Funds, and $35,650 of Twin City Habitat for
Humanity Funds for the financing of this project.
4. The City Council authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an Agreement(s) for the
same and to handle all the requirements and conditions necessary to complete the transaction.
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Passed this 9 day of July, 2001.
Motion by:Szurek
Seconded by: Williams
Roll Call:Ayes – Williams, Szurek, Wyckoff, Peterson
Nay – Nawrocki
Motion Carried. ______________________________
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
_____________________________
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
2) First Reading of Ordinance No. 1430, being an Ordinance Authorizing the Conveyance of Certain
Real Estate located at 4401 Quincy Street NE in the City of Columbia Heights.
MOTION
by Szurek, second by Williams, to waive the Reading of Ordinance No. 1430, there
being ample copies available to the Public.
Upon vote: Williams – aye, Szurek - aye, Wyckoff – aye, Nawrocki – aye, Peterson - aye. All
Motion carried.
ayes,
MOTION
by Szurek, second by Williams, to establish July 23, 2001 as the Second Reading of
Ordinance 1430, being an Ordinance Authorizing the Conveyance of Certain Real Estate located at
4401 Quincy Street NE. in the City of Columbia Heights.
Upon vote: Williams – aye, Szurek – aye, Wyckoff – nay, Nawrocki – nay, Peterson – aye. 3 ayes, 2
Motion carried
nays, .
Wyckoff encouraged residents with concerns to attend the second reading of the Ordinance at the next
Council meeting.
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Mona Strom, 4247 7 Street, stated there are two new Habitat homes near her home that are very
disruptive to the neighborhood, and that Habitat does not take into consideration what this does to a
neighborhood. She stated the agreement for the home next to them was that the fence would be 12
inches from her driveway; they have starting placing the fence right next to their driveway. The reason
for the fence was that the Habitat home doorway faced right onto the neighbor’s driveway, which is a
dangerous situation if children run out of the home while someone backs out of the driveway.
Fehst stated that because of this situation, there is request for future designs to be reviewed by the
City. Fehst indicated the only relevant Police matter was regarding uncut grass.
Ryan Karis, Development Director for Habitat for Humanity, stated that neighbors next to
construction sites are instructed to contact Habitat staff with any concerns. Peterson stated that the
Quincy address would be a unique opportunity to build something new and appealing. Karis indicated
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there are public meetings held for projects on public property, and that the homes on 7 were private
purchases.
City Council Agenda
July 9, 2001
Page 7 of 9
Wyckoff stated that a resident on Polk Street indicated they would have purchased this property. Karis
stated that Habitat has suffered three years of set backs from not receiving HOME funds.
Williams encourage residents to be pro-active instead of reactive, and directly address a neighbor
with inquiries about a purchase.
ORDINANCE No. 1430
BEING AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE OF
CERTAIN REAL ESTATE LOCATED AT 4401 QUINCY STREET N.E.
IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Section 1: Authorization of Sale of Real Estate. The City of Columbia Heights shall sell and
convey unto Twin Cities Habitat For Humanity the real property described as follows,
to wit: Lots 16, 17, and the South one half of Lot 18, Block 11, Columbia Heights
Annex to Minneapolis, Anoka County, Minnesota. PIN 35 30 24 11 0054
Section 2: The Mayor and City Manager are herewith authorized to execute the quit claim deed to
effectuate the conveyance of said real estate for carrying out the terms of the SALE
AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT and of this ordinance.
Section 3: This sale must meet all State and Federal Home Grant requirements prior to closing.
Section 4: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its
passage.
First Reading: July 9, 2001
3) First Reading of Ordinance No. 1431, being an Ordinance Setting the Sale Date for the Issuance of
$2,785,000 General Obligation Tax Increment Refunding Bonds, Series 2001A. Removed to next
meeting. REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA.
C) Bid Considerations
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A) Report of the City Manager
Fehst listed items for discussion at the July 17, 2001 Council Work Session:
·
Ordinance regarding parking on landscaped areas
·
Ordinance regarding non-moving violations
·
Ordinance regarding disposition of unclaimed property
·
Seeking bids - sewer pipe lining
·
University Avenue sound wall - final plans
·
Sanitary sewer work - Jackson pond
·
HRA/EDA transition
·
Possible restructuring of Community Development, Finance and Fire Departments
·
Service to look at street conditions in Zone 7
·
Permission to sell vehicles by sealed bid
B) Report of the City Attorney
GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
A) Minutes of Boards and Commissions
1) Meeting of the June 21, 2001, Telecommunications Commission
2) Meeting of the May 15, 2001, Economic Development Authority
City Council Agenda
July 9, 2001
Page 8 of 9
3) Meeting of the June 27, 2001, Park and Recreation Commission
CITIZENS FORUM
Karen Smith, Administrator of Little Voyageurs’ Montessori School, Inc., 1515 44 Avenue, clarified
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informed given at the June 11 Council meeting about their organization. She gave the 32-year history of
the school and stated that at the end of March Crest View gave notice to not renew their lease. She spoke
of their past and current affiliation with St. Timothy’s Church and their continued commitment to the
community. St. Timothy’s will allow Little Voyageurs to use space in their facility until they find a
permanent location. Smith questioned placing a Council member on the Board for “Free to Be”, the
group replacing them at Crest View.
Nawrocki stated the group asked for a Council representative on their Board. Szurek praised the Little
Voyageurs for everything they have done for the community and discussed options for a new permanent
location.
Smith wanted the public to know the school is not leaving the area.
COUNCIL CORNER
Williams read from a resident’s newsletter, the “Vi Tabulation”. Fehst stated she is a past Citizen of the
Year.
Wyckoff thanked Mayor Peterson for supplying the vehicles that Councilmembers and Employees of the
Year rode during the Jamboree parade. Wyckoff stated that the article in the Focus News on historic
preservation generated a lot of phone calls, and she stated that applications are available at City Hall and
the Library. A planning meeting is scheduled for September.
Fehst indicated the Highlander Drive-in has requested a block park in conjunction with National Night
Out. Fehst stated that the store manager of Rainbow Foods plans to develop a little mini-mall in the area
facing Central. They are also looking at adding planters and trees, and staff has asked them to look at
making the retaining wall more visually appealing. Nawrocki questioned the owner of our liquor store
building. Fehst stated the owner is Heritage.
Nawrocki protested the setting of a special meeting with out consulting Councilmembers about the time.
Fehst stated he attempted to contact all Councilmembers, and it is common practice to hold Executive
Sessions prior to a regular Council meeting. Nawrocki indicated the agenda should state who is calling
the meeting.
Nawrocki questioned the signage on the Casting Theatre. Fehst stated the City Planner has been asked to
write a report on this. Nawrocki stated the City Council meeting and Executive Session agendas were not
posted on cable or the Internet.
Williams stated citizens have asked him about outside storage, and that six items of debris on Circle
Terrace were not picked up, as they had not been called in. He encouraged neighbors to call in for
pickups of obvious debris for removal. Nawrocki stated that big items require a special truck.
Szurek reported on her trip aboard the maiden voyage of the newest U.S. Air Craft Carrier. She gave a
brief history of this event and her relation to the Captain of the new carrier. Szurek also stated that she
met the youngest winner of the Metal of Honor.
Peterson indicated his pride that his son applied to volunteer his time to service on a City Commission.
He stated that we should encourage the involvement of all residents.
City Council Agenda
July 9, 2001
Page 9 of 9
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
______________________________
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk