HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 27, 2001OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 27, 2001
The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August
27, 2001 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Williams, Szurek, Wyckoff, Nawrocki, and Mayor Peterson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA
Nawrocki stated that according to the Charter, the budget should be presented at a regular Council meeting in
August. Walt Fehst, City Manager, indicated this would be included in the Manager’s Report.
CONSENT AGENDA
- Items No. 2, 3, and 7 were removed for discussion.
A) MOTION by Wyckoff, second by Szurek, to approve the Consent Agenda items as follows:
1) Minutes for Approval
Motion to approve the minutes of the August 13, 2001, regular City Council meeting as presented.
2) Establish Work Session Meeting Dates for Tuesday, September 4 and Monday, September 17, 2001
- REMOVED
3) Adopt Resolution 2001-51, being a Resolution changing the dates of regular City Council meetings
in November and December, 2001 - REMOVED
4) Authorize the Assistant Fire Chief to Attend the National Fire Academy
Motion to authorize the Assistant Fire Chief to attend the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg,
Maryland, from October 22, 2001 through November 2, 2001, and that expenses be reimbursed from
the appropriate account.
Fehst stated this is the third of a four year training program, which is paid by a fire service grant.
5) Authorize Transfer of Funds from General Fund to Police Department Budget to Reimburse
Overtime Fund.
Motion to transfer $2,282.65, the total amount received from Unique Thrift Store, the Columbia
Heights High School All Night Party Committee, 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.
Nawrocki felt it inappropriate to charge for Police services at the all night senior graduation party.
Fehst stated they were not required to use this service and that they requested officers; therefore we
ask for reimbursement to the general fund. Chief Johnson stated that if these types of events were not
charged for Police services requests, the budget would have to be addressed.
6) Authorize the sale, salvage, or disposal of surplus City property on September 8, 2001
Motion to authorize the sale, salvage, or disposal of surplus City property as indicated on the
attached listing of surplus property.
City Council Minutes
August 27, 2001
Page 2 of 12
7) Adopt Resolution No. 2001-50, being a resolution authorizing the continuation of condemnation by
quick take and approval of the appraisals related to land acquisition for City project 1999-12 as
required by Mn/DOT for City project 1999-12, Central Avenue Street, Utility and Streetscaping
Improvements - REMOVED
8) Approve to establish hearing date of September 10, 2001 for Revocation or Suspension of a License
to Operate a Rental Property at 4433-4435 Main Street
Motion to establish a hearing date of September 10, 2001 for Revocation or Suspension of a
License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against William Field at
4433-4435 Main St.
9) Approve Rental Housing License Applications
Motion to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for August 27, 2001 as
presented.
10) Approve Business License Applications
Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for August 27, 2001 as
presented.
11) Approve Payment of Bills
Motion to approve payment of the bills, as listed, out of the proper fund.
Wyckoff questioned the City auction, and if the public could obtain a list of items available. Chief
Johnson stated the auction is Saturday, September 8, 2001 in the cold storage area east of the
Municipal Service Center. Items are available for review from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. prior to the
auction. He encouraged anyone interested to attend. Nawrocki requested the items be listed on the
City cable channel #16.
Nawrocki questioned the procedure for sale of cars. Johnson stated excess City vehicles and
forfeiture vehicles would be sold under sealed bid. He listed places the vehicles were advertised, and
stated lists are also available at City Hall. Viewing is available on Tuesday, August 28.
Motion carried
Upon vote: All ayes. .
Mayor Peterson moved on to Items 2, 3 and 7 which were removed from the Consent Agenda.
Item #2
Establish Work Session Meeting Dates for Tuesday, September 4 and Monday,
September 17, 2001
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Nawrocki indicated that he had a meeting conflict on Tuesday, September 4and requested an 8:00
p.m. starting time. Nawrocki questioned that agenda items are not available for both meetings.
Fehst listed agenda items for the September 4, 2001 work session:
st
·
Consider Resolution for median change on 51 by MnDOT
Nawrocki requested this be placed on Cable TV
·
Draft Ordinance - Courtesy Bench Policy
·
Preliminary Budget Resolution
·
Resolution for Housing Revenue Bonds for 50 units of assisted senior living by Crest View.
·
Work with consultant for reallocation of City properties -
City Council Minutes
August 27, 2001
Page 3 of 12
Fehst stated that items for the September 17 work session would be listed at the September 10 City
Council meeting.
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Nawrocki asked for the motion to be divided, as there is not an agenda available for September 17.
Motion
by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to set a work session meeting date of Tuesday, September 4,
Motion carried.
2001, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Upon vote: All ayes.
Motion
by Wyckoff, second by Williams, to establish a Work Session meeting date for Monday,
September 17, 2001 beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Nawrocki indicated parliamentary procedure requires an agenda when a meeting is set. Szurek stated
advance notice of meetings dates allows Councilmembers to schedule their calendars. Williams stated
that he appreciates the advance notice. Fehst stated he could attempt to set an agenda for both
meetings, but it would be difficult to project all items that far in advance.
Motion
Upon Vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 4-1
carried.
Item #3
Adopt Resolution 2001-51, being a Resolution changing the dates of regular City Council
meetings in November and December 2001.
Nawrocki indicated he had a conflict with the November meeting being moved to Tuesday, and
suggested Wednesday, November 14. Williams indicated he often has conflicts but arranges his schedule
to attend Council meetings.
Motion
by Nawrocki to reschedule the Monday, November 12 Council meeting to Wednesday,
Motion died
November 14, at 7:00 p.m. for lack of a second.
Motion
by Szurek, second by Wyckoff, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2001-51, there being
Motion carried.
ample copies available to the public. All ayes.
Motion
by Szurek, second by Williams, to adopt Resolution 2001-51, being a Resolution rescheduling
the Monday, November 12, 2001 City Council meeting to Tuesday, November 13, 2001 beginning at
7:00 p.m; and to reschedule and combine the Monday, December 10, 2001 and Monday, December 24,
2001 City Council meetings to Monday, December 17, 2001 beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Nawrocki objected to establishing one meeting in December because of concerns for staff to clean up
necessary end of the year items. Peterson stated that if another meeting becomes necessary in
December, one could be scheduled at that time.
Peterson stated this was considered at the work session and decided to follow the staff recommendation.
Nawrocki requested the record show that the Mayor indicated a decision was made at the work session.
Peterson indicated he incorrectly stated a decision was made, rather that the flavor at the meeting
showed this. Nawrocki indicated one Council member was not present at the work session.
Motion
Upon Vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 4-1
carried.
City Council Minutes
August 27, 2001
Page 4 of 12
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-51
BEING A RESOLUTION CHANGING THE DATES OF CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS REGULAR
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER, 2001
WHEREAS:
The City Council has decided to change the dates of regular Council meetings scheduled for
November 12, 2001; December 10, 2001 and December 24, 2001, and;
WHEREAS:
The first regular Council meeting in November, 2001 would heretofore have been scheduled for
Monday, November 12, 2001 which is a legal holiday, has now been rescheduled to Tuesday, November 13,
2001, and;
WHEREAS:
The date of the first regular Council meeting in December would heretofore have been scheduled
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for December 10 and the second regular Council meeting in December would heretofore have been scheduled
for Monday, December 24, 2001, has now been combined and rescheduled for Monday, December 17, 2001.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
, that all interested parties be advised of this change with the
traditional convening time of 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber.
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Passed this 27 day of August, 2001.
Offered by: Szurek
Second by: Williams
Roll call: Ayes: Williams, Szurek, Wyckoff, Peterson Nay: Nawrocki Carried.
____________________________
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
_______________________________
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
Item #7 Adopt Resolution No. 2001-50, being a resolution authorizing the continuation of
condemnation by quick take and approval of the appraisals related to land acquisition for
City project 1999-12 as required by Mn/DOT for City project 1999-12, Central Avenue
Street, Utility and Streetscaping Improvements.
Motion
by Szurek, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2001-50, there being
Motion carried.
ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes.
Motion
by Szurek, second by Williams, to adopt Resolution No. 2001-50, being a Resolution
authorizing the continuation of condemnation by quick take and approval of the appraisals related to
land acquisition for City Project 1999-12 as required by Mn/DOT for City Project 1999-12, Central
Avenue Street, Utility, and Streetscaping Improvements.
Nawrocki stated he is still waiting for the requested budget information on this project, and if land costs
were part of the budget. Fehst stated the initial budget on the Central Avenue project has increased
because of additional restrictions by MnDOT, and that land condemnations were not originally
anticipated. The resolution allows for quick take action with valid appraisals. Fehst indicated the
attempt would still be to negotiate on every property without court involvement. Nawrocki preferred
negotiations to condemnation.
Nawrocki questioned the fairness of this compared to other easements. Fehst indicated that because of
the project timing it is important to have this resolution in place. Fehst stated that purchase or
condemnation would not cause a loss of property or livelihood. Hoeft indicated that negotiates are in
City Council Minutes
August 27, 2001
Page 5 of 12
progress for the easements, even though we feel the City has prescriptive easement rights, which would
cost nothing.
Motion
Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, aye; Peterson, aye. 5-0
carried
.
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-50
BEING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CONTINUATON OF CONDEMNATION BY QUICK
TAKE AND APPROVAL OF THE APPRAISALS RELATED TO LAND ACQUISITION FOR CITY
PROJECT 1999-12 AS REQUIRED BY Mn/DOT FOR CITY PROJECT 1999-12, CENTRAL AVENUE
STREET, UTILITY AND STREETSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS
CITY PROJECT 1999-12
WHEREAS
, a cooperative project with the Minnesota Department of Transportation is planned for Central
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Avenue from 37 to 43 Avenues in 2001; and
WHEREAS
, a portion of the roadway will be constructed outside the existing right-of-way; and
WHEREAS
, segments of the sidewalks will be constructed where easements do no exist; and
WHEREAS
, it is necessary to acquire easement title and possession in the parcels of land quickly to meet the
scheduling issues for the roadway construction to accommodate site preparation and construction; and
WHEREAS,
the City has obtained individual appraisals on each property to be taken in these proceedings.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS,
MINNESOTA
that:
1. That the stated acquisitions are in the public interest and for a public purpose.
2. The City attorneys are directed to continue with the previous resolution for condemnation and where
legally appropriate to acquire these easements by direct purchase, if feasible and practical.
3. The time required for bidding and construction makes it necessary for the City to acquire possession
of the properties at the earliest possible date.
4. The City has received individual appraisals on each property to be taken in these proceedings and
hereby ratifies the City Administrator’s approval of the appraised value for each of the parcels as
stated on the attached list.
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Dated this 27 day of August, 2001
Offered by: Szurek
Seconded by: Williams
Roll Call: All Ayes: Williams, Szurek, Wyckoff, Nawrocki, and Peterson
______________________________
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
______________________________
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS
Proclamations -none
City Council Minutes
August 27, 2001
Page 6 of 12
Presentations
1. Bruce Nawrocki on behalf of the VFW
VFW Commander Bruce Nawrocki presented a check for $1,000 on behalf of the VFW and Auxiliary to
support the recognition dinner planned for officers and support personnel that answered the emergency
call last July. Peterson thanked the VFW and Auxiliary, on behalf of the Police Department and City
Council, for their support of this event and continued support of City activities.
Chief Johnson stated that Captain Roddy and his committee are planning the recognition dinner for
September 19, 2001 at Murzyn Hall. Johnson thanked the VFW for their continued support on behalf of
the Police Department. Johnson stated that any funds remaining from donations to this event would be
turned over to the Curt Ramsdell Scholarship fund.
Introduction of New Employees - none
Recognition –none
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Rental Housing Revocation/Suspension for 4643 Pierce Street NE
closed
Mayor Peterson the Public Hearing Regarding the Revocation or Suspension of the Rental
License for Rental Property at 4643 Pierce Street NE as all interested parties have not been properly
notified.
Rental Housing Revocation for 4616/44622 Tyler Street
closed
Mayor Peterson the Public Hearing Regarding the Revocation or Suspension of the Rental
License for Rental Property at 4622 Tyler Street in that the Property is in Compliance with the
Residential Maintenance Code.
Approve Reallocation of CDBG Funds used to acquire and raze property at 4656 Monroe Street
Fehst asked that Council continue this Public Hearing until September 24, 2001.
Motion
by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to continue the public hearing to September 24, 2001, at
approximately 7:00 p.m. for the reallocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds
Motion
that were used to acquire and raze property at 4656 Monroe Street NE. Upon vote: All ayes.
carried.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Other Ordinances and Resolutions
Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1435, being an Ordinance amending Chapter 6, Section 56 of the Charter of
the City of Columbia Heights pertaining to Purchases and Contracts
Motion
by Williams, second by Szurek, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1435, there being ample
Motion carried.
copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes.
Motion
by Williams, second by Szurek, to adopt Ordinance No. 1435, being an Ordinance amending
Chapter 6, Section 56 of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights pertaining to Purchases and
Contracts.
Nawrocki indicated that he forwarded a letter to the Charter Commission asking if there were any
problems with the present $3,000 limit, and stating that in his opinion that leaving the current language
“as is” allows for more oversight of City funds.
Nawrocki asked why purchases for the liquor stores do not have to meet the same requirement. Bill
City Council Minutes
August 27, 2001
Page 7 of 12
Elrite, Finance Director, indicated liquor purchase have been handled as such when immediate payment
allows for a discount, for the past twenty years. Nawrocki had no problem with this, but suggested this
be waived in the Charter. Nawrocki questioned a large payment for the Library. Elrite indicated this
might have been for several orders within the same time frame, paid with one check. Williams stated
that such situations are why the Charter Commission wanted to make this change. Peterson stated this
request was brought forward by the Charter Commission, but would require a unanimous vote or a
referendum vote. Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, indicated that the Charter Commission could place this
question on the ballot. Wyckoff verified that this would not change the dollar amount, only give Council
the ability to set the amount requiring approval of Council.
Williams stated that if we are currently violating the Charter, it should be corrected. Peterson asked
Fehst to talk to the Charter Commission and have them look at what purchases should be exempt and
bring this back to Council for approval by a unanimous vote.
Motion died
Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 4-1. .
Williams pointed out that Mr. Michael Hartel, Charter Commission member, was present and asked for
his input. Nawrocki again questioned what problems there are with the current arrangement. Fehst
stated the time delay causes some problems to received discounts on purchases. Hartel stated the
Charter Commission’s reason for the recommended change was that the current method is cumbersome
and is a small amount for City purchases. This would move the decision process along allowing our
elected officials who know what needs to be done and spent authority to do so. Peterson stated that if the
Charter Commission feels strongly about this, it would have to come to a referendum vote.
Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1436, being an Ordinance amending Chapter 12, Section 112 of the Charter
of the City of Columbia Heights Pertaining to Damage Suits
Motion
by Williams, second by Wyckoff, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1436, there being
Motion carried.
ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes.
Motion
by Williams, second by Szurek, to adopt Ordinance No. 1436, being an Ordinance amending
Chapter 12, Section 112 of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights pertaining to Damage Suits.
Motion carried.
Upon vote: All ayes.
ORDINANCE NO. 1436
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 12, SECTION 112
OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
PERTAINING TO DAMAGE SUITS
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Section 1: Chapter 12, Section 112 of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights:
IS HEREWITH AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
DAMAGE SUITS. Deleted.
Section 2: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after ninety (90) days after its passage.
First Reading: August 13, 2001
Second Reading: August 27, 2001
Date of Passage: August 27, 2001
Offered by: Williams
City Council Minutes
August 27, 2001
Page 8 of 12
Seconded by: Szurek
Roll Call: Ayes: Williams, Szurek, Wyckoff, Nawrocki, and Peterson Nays: none
_____________________________
Gary L. Peterson, Mayor
_________________________________
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1437, being an Ordinance amending Chapter 12, Section 114 of the Charter
of the City of Columbia Heights pertaining to City to Succeed to Rights and Obligations of Village
Motion
by Wyckoff, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1437, there being
Motion carried.
ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes.
Motion
by Wyckoff, second by Williams, to adopt Ordinance No. 1437, being an Ordinance amending
Chapter 12, Section 114 of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights pertaining to City to Succeed to
Rights and Obligations of Village.
Nawrocki stated that his previous concern regarding a historic perspective is answered in the preamble
of the Charter.
Motion carried.
Upon vote: All ayes.
ORDINANCE NO. 1437
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 12, SECTION 114
OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
PERTAINING TO CITY TO SUCCEED TO RIGHTS
AND OBLIGATIONS OF VILLAGE
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Section 1: Chapter 12, Section 114 of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights:
IS HEREWITH AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
CITY TO SUCCEED TO RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF VILLAGE. Deleted.
Section 2: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after ninety (90) days after its passage.
First Reading: August 13, 2001
Second Reading: August 27, 2001
Date of Passage: August 27, 2001
Offered by: Wyckoff
Seconded by: Williams
Roll Call: Ayes: Williams, Szurek, Wyckoff, Nawrocki, and Peterson Nayes: none
_____________________________
Gary L. Peterson, Mayor
_________________________________
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1438, being an Ordinance amending Chapter 12, Section 115 of the Charter
of the City of Columbia Heights Pertaining to Village Officers to Hold Office Till When
Motion
by Szurek, second Williams, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1438, there being ample
Motion carried.
copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes.
City Council Minutes
August 27, 2001
Page 9 of 12
Motion
by Szurek, second by Williams, to adopt Ordinance No. 1438, being an Ordinance amending
Chapter 12, Section 115 of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights Pertaining to Village Officers to
Motion carried.
Hold Office Till When. Upon vote: All ayes.
ORDINANCE NO. 1438
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 12, SECTION 115
OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
PERTAINING TO VILLAGE OFFICERS TO HOLD
OFFICE TILL WHEN
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Section 1: Chapter 12, Section 115 of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights:
IS HEREWITH AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
VILLAGE OFFICERS TO HOLD OFFICE TILL WHEN. Deleted.
Section 2: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after ninety (90) days after its passage.
First Reading: August 13, 2001
Second Reading: August 27, 2001
Date of Passage: August 27, 2001
Offered by: Szurek
Seconded by: Williams
Roll Call: Ayes: Williams, Szurek, Wyckoff, Nawrocki and Peterson Nayes: none
_____________________________
Gary L. Peterson, Mayor
_________________________________
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1439, being an Ordinance amending Chapter 12, Section 117 of the Charter
of the City of Columbia Heights pertaining to Existing Ordinances Continued
Motion
by Williams, second by Szurek, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1439, there being ample
Motion carried.
copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes.
Motion
by Williams, second by Szurek, to adopt Ordinance No. 1439, being and Ordinance amending
Chapter 12, Section 117 of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights pertaining to Existing
Motion carried.
Ordinances Continued. Upon vote: All ayes.
ORDINANCE NO. 1439
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 12, SECTION 117
OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
PERTAINING TO EXISTING ORDINANCES CONTINUED
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Section 1: Chapter 12, Section 117 of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights:
IS HEREWITH AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
EXISTING ORDINANCES CONTINUED. Deleted.
City Council Minutes
August 27, 2001
Page 10 of 12
Section 2: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after ninety (90) days after its passage.
First Reading: August 13, 2001
Second Reading: August 27, 2001
Date of Passage: August 27, 2001
Offered by: Williams
Seconded by: Szurek
Roll Call: Ayes: Williams, Szurek, Wyckoff, Nawrocki and Peterson Nayes: none
____________________________
Gary L. Peterson, Mayor
_________________________________
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
Peterson thanked the Charter Commission for all their work in reviewing the Charter, and to Tami
Erickson and Mike Hartel for being present at Council meetings to answer questions. Nawrocki
questioned if the Charter now needs to be renumbered. Hoeft stated numbering would remain the same,
with these items indicating, “repealed”.
B) Bid Considerations -none
C) Other Business
Authorize Sale of property at 4656 Monroe Street
Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to authorize staff to seek responsible bids and to advertise
“as is” sale of city-owned property at 4656 Monroe Street NE, with a minimum bid price of $33,000.
Wyckoff stated there has been a lot of interest in this property, and wanted to be sure the public now
realized this property is available. Bidding information is available in the Community Development
Department. Council will look at the design of the proposed home before awarding the bid. Fehst stated
that Council has the option to accept a bid on a number of factors.
Motion carried.
Upon vote: All ayes.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
D) Report of the City Manager
1) Upcoming Work Session Items – done
Fehst stated that by Charter, Administration has an obligation to submit a summary budget for initial
consideration by a meeting in August. A budget summary was discussed at the work session, including
concerns this year. State aids and assistance to Columbia Heights, and other first and second ring
suburbs, has changed and will change how we do business. Prior to the State tax changes, department
heads were asked not to exceed increases of more than five percent of last year. With the tax change,
our City lost over a million dollars, of which some $800,000 will be lost in government aid. He stated
local school district taxes would not disappear from our tax bills. Previously 50 to 55% was school
taxes, 25% County and 25% from the City. In the future, the City’s portion will be about 44% County is
33%, and school district 23 to 24%. Fehst has asked department heads to look at substantial cuts, which
he presented in a handout to Council. Of the original estimated general fund budget of $8.6 million,
Fehst is proposing $729,000 in cuts. Fehst stated that when the Legislature changed the fiscal aid
formulas for taxing bodies, they considered that communities would make up the difference by local
property taxes, based on demands of public service. Budget packets for each of the various accounts by
fund will be ready by the first part of next week, and budget meetings will follow.
City Council Minutes
August 27, 2001
Page 11 of 12
Nawrocki felt the entire budget should have been presented at this meeting and disagreed with the
format of the summary. Bill Elrite, Finance Director, give an historic background on the budget time
frame. State requirements changed budget requirement dates from October to December, and so a
budget summary was given in August to meet the minimum requirements of the Charter, and to come up
with a preliminary levy for the County in September. Budget meeting are held in October and November
so as to be more current for the public hearing in December. This year, with late Legislative decisions,
the process was moved back about 30 days.
Nawrocki does not agree with setting a preliminary maximum levy, as he has not heard of Council
reducing this amount. He felt the information handed out was not a fiscally responsible process.
Williams thanked Elrite and staff for their hard work to cut costs, and stated that Council is committed
to giving the best budget possible to the citizens. He would have no problem with setting the maximum
levy. Peterson stated he has the utmost confidence in staff. The budget is simple; the City provides
services, which we must pay for, and we must balance the budget. Peterson asked the viewing public to
contact Council with their thoughts, as there are large cuts recommended from areas such as the Police
Department. Peterson stated that Columbia Heights is one of the biggest losers in Minnesota from the
tax changes, and asked residents to attend meetings with their ideas and wishes, as Council only wants
to do what the people want them do.
Fehst mentioned the Crestview Gala event will be held a week from Friday. Proceeds will be used to
build a chapel in Columbia Height.
E) Report of the City Attorney - none
GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
F) Minutes of Boards and Commissions
1) Meeting of the July 19, 2001, Charter Commission
2) Meeting of the March 20, 2001, Housing and Redevelopment Authority
3) Meeting of the July 17, 2001, Economic Development Authority
4) Meeting of the August 7, 2001 Public Library Board of Trustees
CITIZENS FORUM
Wyckoff asked Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, 4638 Pierce Street, who were in the audience, how their neighbor’s
house is coming along. They stated it is being worked on.
COUNCIL CORNER
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Nawrocki commented on a call received from a resident on the 4400 block of 4 street, regarding the status of
the alley that residents paid for sealing coating two years ago. The alley was dug up to build duplexes and was
poorly repaired. Fehst stated he spoke to the Public Works Director and asked him to examine what needs to be
corrected. Regarding landscaping, the escrow will be checked and repairs completed.
Nawrocki questioned the slope being created by the sound wall on University and how this will impact snow
plowing. He questioned the width of parking spaces at the proposed Rainbow development. Fehst stated the
reduction is only for a small number of compact cars.
Nawrocki referred to problems with the local government cable broadcast and suggested someone review
programming. He questioned whether a legal notice in the paper regarding membrane filtration includes
Columbia Heights. Fehst stated it does not affect us, but it will raise rates.
Nawrocki stated he is waiting for more information on signage at the casting theater. Fehst stated that the City
City Council Minutes
August 27, 2001
Page 12 of 12
Attorney confirmed staff interpretation of the ordinance, and if Council wished to readdress that portion of the
ordinance, he would bring it forward. Other Council members concurred that this sign was unique and they had
no problem with it. Sandwich board signage was discussed. Wyckoff indicated that she lobbied to allow these
signs. Nawrocki indicated that the number of days allowed should be enforced.
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Nawrocki questioned the $75 grass-cutting bill for the condemned house on 5 street. Fehst questioned why this
cutting was contracted out.
Wyckoff asked for information on the new Fire Department Ford Expedition. Fehst stated that the new
Columbia Heights Rescue III has been in service since Monday, and is outfitted so fire fighters doing
inspections can take calls immediately from this vehicle. This will save our ambulance so it is not used as an
inspection vehicle. This was purchased with pension money returned to the City.
Williams recommend limiting Council Corner topics to five minutes per Council member. Williams commented
on how Central Avenue is coming to life, and the positive comments on the Gateway sign. Williams corrected
misinformation that habitat homes do not pay property taxes. Fehst stated that they pay the same taxes as their
next-door neighbor. Three Council members referred to a local businessman who is doing work for them.
Williams encourage citizens to continue to pray for our peace and prosperity.
Peterson referred to an alley problem at 2113 Fairway Drive, where for the second time a car has run into their
house. They would like some kind of barricade erected to prevent this from happening again. Fehst will ask
Hansen look at this.
Szurek stated she has received calls from residents on Stinson Avenue on how unsightly the water works project
is. Fehst will ask Hansen to report on this.
Williams stated that he has learned that Council envelopes are recycled. Nawrocki stated that Council packets
are also recyclable.
Nawrocki requested to be informed before the City Manager leaves town. Fehst stated he did not want to
mention this at a public meeting. Williams commended Linda Magee, Acting City Manager, on the fine job she
did in Fehst’s absence.
Nawrocki reminded everyone to “Take City business very seriously!” Williams stated it should be taken
seriously, but should still be fun.
Peterson mentioned a random act of kindness shown to him south of St. Cloud. Peterson gave the date of the
Gavette Park picnic.
Mayor Peterson stated “ Remember: don’t take life too seriously, enjoy life, and do a random act of kindness!”
Nawrocki referred to a Medtronic act of kindness by helping a resident with her house.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m.
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Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk