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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 th 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- th 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. th 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. th 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 th 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 th 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