HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 16, 2001 Work SessionCITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (763) 706-3600 TDD (763) 706-3692
Visit Our Website at: www. ci. columbia-helghts. mn. us
ADMINISTRATION
Mayor
Gary L. Peterson
Councilmembers
Marlaine Szurek
Julienne Wyckoff
Bruce NawrocH
Robert A. Willtams
City ManaFler
Walt Fehst
NOTICE OF COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Notice is hereby given that a work session is to be held in the
CITY OF COL UMBIA HEIGHTS as follows.'
Meeting of:
Date of Meeting:
Time of Meeting:
Location of Meeting:
Purpose of Meeting:
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2001
8:00 P.M.
CONFERENCE ROOM 1
WORK SESSION
Consent Items
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
A GEND,4
Set meeting dates for May, 2001 and April 30, 2001
Bids for Jamboree Fireworks
Bids for Refinishing Wood Floor at Murzyn Hall
Bids for Scoreboard Huset Park
Declaration of Hazardous Building on 5m Street
Document Imaging System support to ENS
Commercial Package Insurance Renewal
School Based Partnership Grant Conclusions Contract
Speed Trailer- 2001 Federal Equipment Block Grant
Transfer of Detox Transportation Funds
Transfer quarterly payment Officer Overtime
Grant Application to the US Fire Administration
Replace unit #223, Toro Lawnmower
Replace Unit #220, Utility dump truck and plow
Discussion Items 1. Consider development on Grief Bros. Property (presentation by interested developers)
2. Consider purchase of lots - 500 Mill Street, Radiator Shop at 42"a & Central, possible site for liquor store
3. Phone system upgrade for Caller ID
4. Wireless network connections between City Hall, Parkview Villa, and Top Valu Liquor
5. Bus Benches/newspaper stands
The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or
employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with
disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights' services, programs, and activities. Auxiliary aids for handicapped
persons are available upon request when the request is made at least 96 hours in advance. Please call the City Council Secretary
at 706-3611, to make arrangements. (TDD/706-3692 for deaf or hearing impaired only)
THE City of COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY In EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS - CITY COUNCIL LETTER
Meeting of: April 23, 2001
AGENDA SECTION:
NO:
ITEM:
NO:
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT:
CITY MANAGER' S
Establishing Work Sessions and BY: W. Fehst
Special Meeting and DATE: April 12, 2001
Rescheduling Holiday Meeting
CITY MANAGER' S
APPROVAL
BY: ~/~~Z---
DATE:
It is recommended that a Work Session meeting be scheduled for Monday, April 30, 2001 at 7:00 p.m.
to discuss the proposed Zoning and Development Ordinance, with the location to be determined and
posted.
It is recommended that Work Session meetings be scheduled for Monday, May 7, 2001 at 7:00 p.m.
and Monday, May 21, 2001 at 7:00 p.m., in Conference Room 1 at City Hall.
It is recommended that a Special Joint Meeting with the District 13 School Board, and cities of
Fridley, Hilltop, and Columbia Heights City Councils be set for Thursday, May 17, 2001 beginning
at 5:30 p.m. at the Columbia Heights High School Family Center. A box lunch will be served.
It is also recommended that the regular City Council meeting of Monday, May 28 be rescheduled to
Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, as Monday is the Memorial
Day Holiday and City offices will be closed.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move to establish Work Session meeting dates for Monday, April 30, 2001 at 7:00 p.m.; Monday, May
7, 2001, at 7:00 p.m.; and Monday, May 21, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.
Move to establish a joint meeting date with the District 13 School Board, and cities of Fridley, Hilltop
and Columbia Heights City Councils to be held on Thursday, May 17, 2001 at 5:30 p.m. at the Columbia
Heights High School Family Center.
Move to reschedule the May 28 regular City Council meeting to Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in
the City Hall Council Chambers.
COUNCIL ACTION:
h:\200I -4-23worksessiondates
CITY COUNCIL LE rl ~R
Meeting of: April 23,200l
AGENDASECTION: CONSENTAGENDA
NO:
ITEM: REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR FIREWORKS
DISPLAY AND TO SEEK BIDS FOR 2001 JAMBOREE
FIREWORKS
NO:
CITY MANAGER
APPROVAL
BACKGROUND:
Staff is requesting authorization to hold a fireworks display on Saturday, June 23, 2001 in conjunction with the Lion's Club Jamboree
activities. Additionally, staff is requesting authorization to seek bids for the fireworks display. Funds in the mount of $3,000 have
been budgeted for under Account 10145050-4378. The cost of the fireworks display is $6,000. With $3,000 coming from Account
101-450504378, the remainder of the cost of the fireworks display will be sought from donations.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move to authorize fireworks on Saturday, June 23, 2000 in conjunction with the Jamboree activities and to seek bids for a $6,000
fireworks display with $3,000 appropriated from fund 10145050..4378.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Admin\CC-Fireworks00
CITY COUNCIL LEITI~R
Meeting of: April 23, 2001
AGENDASECTION: CONSENTAGENDA
NO:
ITEM: AUTHORIZE STAFF TO SEEK BDS ON
REFINISHING OF WOOD FLOOR IN MURZYN HALL
NO:
ORIGINATING DEPT.:
Recreation
DATE: April 6, 2001
CITY MANAGER
APPROVAL
BACKGROUND: The Recreation Deparnnent is requesting authorization to seek bids for the refinishing of the wood floor in the main
ball of Murzyn Hall Staff has budgeted $9,000 for this project.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to authorize staff to seek bids for the refinishing of the wood floor in the main hall of Murzyn
Hall with the funds to be approprialed from account 101-451294000.
COUNCIL ACTION:
CITY COUNCIL LE l-lt~R
Meeting of: April 23, 2001
AGENDA SECTION: Consent
NO:
ITEM: Seek bids for purchase of scoreboard to be installed
on Huset Park Ballfield #5
NO:
ORIGINATING DEPT.:
Recreation
BY: Gregg Gagnon ~
DATE: April 6, 2001
CITY MANAGER
APPROVAL
BACKGROUND:
The scoreboard located at Huset Ballfield #5 is outdated, and we have had ongoing problem with it's operation.
During the last softball season there were several times when the scoreboard was not operational, and when it
was operational it was very dim and hard to read. The recreation deparanent is requesting authorization to seek
bids for the purchase of a new scoreboard to rephce the existing scoreboard on Huset Park Ballfield #5.
$5,300.00 have been budgeted and donated from the Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters Association to pay for
this project. The funds would be taken out of account 88145001~5180, this is the same account that the money
donated by the Booster Association has been deposited.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move to authorize recreation staff to seek bids for the purchase a new scoreboard to installed on
Huset Park Ballfield #5 to be purchased from account 881-45001-5180.
COUNCIL ACTION:
CITY COUNCIL LETTER
Meeting of: April 16, 2001
AGENDA SECTION:
NO:
ORIGINATING DEPT.:
Community Development
CITY MANAGER
APPROVAL
ITEM: Declaration of Hazardous Building BY: Mel Collova
NO:
DATE: April 2, 2001
B Y:
Background:
The building on the property located at 4356 N.E. 5m Street has remained in a substandard, unsightly, and
hazardous condition for over 12 months. The Building Official has mailed notices to all entities having an
interest in the property and they have not complied with the Notice and Order and have allowed the condition to
remain deteriorated. A licensed contractor will have to terminate water and sewer services. The attached
correspondence including the Notice And Orders have been ignored by the property owner. No formal appeal has
been filed by any of the interested parties. The dwelling does not meet current Zoning Code requirements for
minimum size, hard surfaced parking, and a garage. It is a sub-standard dwelling located in the R-2 Zoning
District.
Staff has attached copies of previous Notices. Staff has delayed enforcement actions up to this date due to the
listing at Anoka County of four different entities having an interest in the property.
Funds for this action are available in the 415 PIR Fund (Abatement Fund). Costs of this action will be assessed
to the property in the form of a special assessment tax.
Recommended Motion:
Move to waive the reading of resolution 2001-34, there being ample copies available to the public.
Recommended Motion:
Move to Adopt Resolution 2001-34, Declaring the building on the property located at 4356 N.E. 5m Street as
hazardous, the Structure/Building must be razed, and the lot graded for future development.
COUNCIL ACTION:
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-34
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM THE CITY OF COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS REQUESTING REMOVAL OF HAZARDOUS STRUCTURE LOCATED
AT: 4356 N.E. 5th Street, Columbia Heights, Minnesota,
PIN # 35-30-24-21-0121, LOT 1, BLOCK 1, COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ANNEX TO MPLS, ANOKA
COUNTY, MN_
WHEREAS, there is a substandard building 4356 N.E. 5m Street which has been dilapidated,
substandard and abandoned for a period longer than 12 months, and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute 463.15 to 463.26 authorizes municipalities to address hazardous
and substandard structures and properties, and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights finds this property to be hazardous based on the
following code violations as contained in the Finds of Fact:
FINDINGS OF FACT
Dangerous Building Definitions Chapter 3 of the 1994 Uniform Code for the Abatement of
Dangerous Buildings:
302(9) Whenever, for any reason, the building or structure, or any portion thereof, is manifestly unsafe
for the purpose for which it is being used.
302( 11 ) Whenever the building or structure, exclusive of the foundation, shows 33 percent or more
damage or deterioration of its supporting members, or 50 percent damage or deterioration of its non
supporting members, enclosing or outside walls or coverings.
302(12) Whenever the building or structure has been so damaged by fire, wind, or flood, or has become
so dilapidated or deteriorated as to become (i) an attractive nuisance to children; (ii) a harbor for
vagrants, criminals, or immoral persons; or as to (iii) enable persons to resort thereto for the purpose of
committing unlawful or immoral acts.
302(17) Whenever any building or structure is in such a condition as to constitute a public nuisance
known to the common law or in equity jurisprudence.
302(18) Whenever any portion of a building or structure remains on a site after the demolition or
destruction of the building or structure or whenever any building or structure is abandoned for a period in
excess of six months so as to constitute such building or portion thereof an attractive nuisance or hazard
to the public.
Removal of Hazardous Structure
Resolution 2001-34
Page two
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED on the Building Official's conclusions that, the structures
at 3900 Northeast Central Avenue are substandard and seriously deteriorated, that they lack
minimum standards for habitable space per 1995 MN State Building Code and 1994 Uniform
Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and the Building Official is recommending the
structures be removed, and the lot be graded eliminating the need for a retaining wall.
Conclusions of Council
That all relevant parties have been duly notified of this action.
That the structure on the property at 4356 N.E. 5t" Street is hazardous and in violation of many
local, state and national code requirements.
That the structure can not be rehabilitated to bring them into compliance with local, state and
national code requirements.
Order of Council
The structure at 4356 N.E. 5th Street, Columbia Heights, Minnesota, is a hazardous
building pursuant to Minn. Stat. 463.152, 463.616.
The City Council further orders that personal property or fixtures that may unreasonably
interfere with the razing and ramoval of the structures shall be removed within thirty (30)
days, and if not so removed by the owner, the City of Columbia Heights may remove and
sell such personal property and fixtures at public auction in accordance with law.
The City Council further orders that unless such corrective action is taken or an answer is
filed in the office of the Court Administration of the District Court of Anoka County,
Minnesota, within twenty (20) days fi'om the date of the service of this order, a motion
for summary enfomement of this order will be made to the District Court of Anoka
County.
The City Council fixrther orders that if the City is compelled to take any correction action
herein, all necessary costs expended by the City will be assessed against the real estate
concerned, and collected in accordance with Minn. Stat. 463.22.
The mayor, the clerk, city attorney and other officers and employees of the City are
authorized and directed to take such action, prepare, sign and serve such papers as are
necessary to comply with this order, and to assess the cost thereof against the real estate
described above for collection, along with taxes.
Removal of Hazardous Structure
Resolution 2001-34
Page three
Passed this
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
day of
,2001.
Gary Peterson, Mayor
Patty Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
Duckworth/resolution
cotr cI C -
Council Meeting of: April 23, 2001
AGENDA SECTION: CONSENT
NO:
ITEM: CHANGING SUPPORT COMPANY FOR
DOCUMENT IMAGING SYSTEM
ORIGINATING DEPT:
FINANCE
BY: WILLIAM ELRITE
DATE: 04/12/2001
CITY MANAGER
APPROVAL
BY: l,///~'L/
DATE:
The City uses a document imaging system LaserFiche to store electronic copies of documents. The
system provides City employees with fast access to documents, as well as long-term storage in
accordance with retention schedule. This system ofarchiving documents in an optical image format
rather than on microfilm was adopted several years ago and has proven to be very efficient.
To provide smooth operation of the LaserFiche system, it is necessary to keep up-to-date with
software upgrades, patches, and technical support. The annual maintenance agreements for
LaserFiche products currently cost $3,825, and must be purchased through local LaserFiche resellers.
In 1998 the City Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to purchase maintenance
agreement through Software Tailors, a local LaserFiche reseller. However, in 2000 the Software
Tailors was unable to provide high-quality support and customer service.
By the end of 2000 the City started using on a ~ial basis another local LaserFiche reseller, the
Enterprise Network Systems (ENS), to provide LaserFiche support. The results are very satisfactory.
Therefore, we recommend purchasing the annual LaserFiche maintenance through the Enterprise
Network Systems instead of Software Tailors.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to purchase annual
LaserFiche maintenance agreements through Enterprise Network Systems at a current cost of $3,825
plus sales tax, and to continue purchasing annual maintenance agreements through ENS as long as
ENS service is acceptable.
WE:aec
COUNCIL ACTION:
CITY COUNCIL LETTER
Meeting of: APRIL 23, 2001
AGENDA SECTION: CONSENT
NO:
ITEM:
NO:
INSURANCE COVERAGE FROM
05/09/2001 TO 05/09/2002
ORIGINATING DEPT:
FINANCE
BY: WILLIAM ELRITE
DATE: 04/11/2001
CITY MANAGER
The City's insurance policy is up for renewal on May 9, 2001. Attached is a worksheet
showing our premium costs for 1999 and 2000. It is anticipated that we may have a 10%
premium increase for the year 2001. This would bring the 2001 premium to $231,925.
Currently there are only two entities writing municipal insurance contracts in this area.
They are St. Paul Companies and The League of Minnesota Cities Self-Insurance Trust
Fund.
In recent years the cost of insurance through the League of Minnesota Cities has been in
excess of $100,000 more than securing insurance through St. Paul Companies. Again,
this year, our agent has requested a quote from the League of Minnesota Cities.
However, it is anticipated that once again their premium will be much higher. At the
present time the only information that is available is the estimate of the premium
increase from St. Paul Companies. It is anticipated that by the council meeting of
April 23rd we will have the exact cost of the renewal through St. Paul Companies and
possibly a premium quote from the League of Minnesota Cities, although in the past the
League of Minnesota Cities has indicated reluctance to quote a premium for the City of
Columbia Heights as they knew they would be higher than St. Paul Companies and they
basically have indicated that with that knowledge, they did not want to spend the time
preparing a quote.
Last year the City Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an
agreement with Youngdahl Companies to become our Agent of Record for the City's
insurance package. Since that time Youngdahl has been bought out by A.J. Gallagher &
Co. The following motion recognizes the change of agent name for the City's insurance
package.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to
enter into an agreement with A.J. Gallagher & Co. to be recognized as our Agent of
Record for the City's insurance package.
0104112COUNCIL
COUNCIL ACTION:
April 9, 2001
William Elrite
City of Columbia Heights
590-40th Avenue NE
Columbia Heights, MN 55439-2433
RE: St. Paul Co.- 2001 Insurance Renewal
Dear Bill:
The St. Paul Underwriter is working on your insurance renewal, and expects to have the
renewal premiums to us by April 16~h. The best estimate I can provide as to the renewal
premiums is:
1) The renewal rates average a 10% increase. The insurance industry average rate
increase is 10 to 20% this year. Your current issued policy premiums (excluding
Workers' Compensation) are $210,841 per the attached summary. A 10% increase
will generate a $231,925 total premium.
2) The St. Paul Co. will use your 5 years historical loss experience to determine the final
rates by type of coverage. You might want to add on 5 to 10% to your premium
estimate for loss experience rating.
1 have reviewed the enclosed Loss SummarS,, and managed to get the current reserves on
one General Liability claim reduced from $9,160 to $1 since it is about to close. I have
notified the Underwriter of this change, and to make sure the claims are classified
correctly by line of coverage.
Please let me know if you need any additional information at this time.
Carl A. Bennetsen
PREMIUM SUMMARY
1999
PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT 42,429
GENERAL LIABILITY 27,624
LAW ENFORCEMENT LIABILITY lncl
PUBLIC ENTITY MGMT LIABILITY Incl
]VIEDICAL PROFESSIONAL (EMT'S) Incl
AUTOMOBILE** 89,388
MOBILE EQUIP, COMPUTERS, TRANSIT Incl
CRIME lncl
2OOO
34,882
54,161
19,793
13,158
Incl
51,540
10,673
1,186
ESTIMATED TOTAL
ANNUAL PREMIUM
159,441 185,393
LIQUOR LEGAL LIABILITY
25,551 25,448
184,992 210,841
** The 2000 Automobile premium includes $4,048 for Comprehensive Coverage.
No Collision Coverage is included.
INSURED: CITY OF COLUMBIA EIGHTS
DATE: 9/5/00
PREMIUM SUMMARY
DUE DATE PACKAGE
5/9/00 37,079
6/9/00 18,539
7/9/00 18,539
8/9/00 18,539
9/9/00 18,539
10/9/00 18,539
11/9/00 18,539
12/9/00 18,539
1/9/01 18,541
2/9/01
3/9/01
4/9/01
LIOUOR
5,090
2,545
2,545
2,545
2,545
2,545
2,545
2,545
2,543
TOTAL
42,169
21,084
21,084
21,084
21,084
21,084
21,084
21,084
21,084
TOTALS 185,393 25,448 210,841
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT
DATE:
FROM:
April 10, 2001
Thomas M. Johnson, Chief of Policd~
TO:
Walt Fehst, City Manager
SUBJECT:
SCHOOL BASED PARTNERSHIP GRANT EVALUATION CONTRACT
WITH MR. RICHARD LAWRENCE Ph.D. FOR APRIL 16, 2001 WORK
SESSION
Background:
In the year 2000 the Columbia Heights Police Department was granted a $92,000 Federal
School Based Partnership Grant to study assaultive behavior at our High School. Over the past
year we have hired a Research Analyst, Michelle Steichen, who has surveyed students and
teachers and has been tracking all assaultive behavior at the High School. Michelle and her
committee made up of School Liaison Officer Mike McGee, a student from the High School
and a teacher from the High School have been reviewing all the assaultive behavior that has
taken place and reviewing the results of the surveys. From this information they have
developed several action plan alternatives on how to combat and prevent the assaultive
behavior that has taken place over the past year. As part of the final review of this data we are
required by the grant to hire a credentialed individual to review all of our data, conclusions, and
our altematives to find out if the data and conclusions are useful and valid.
Analysis/Conclusion:
Our initial attempt to satisfy this part of the grant was with an individual from the University of
Minnesota. Before the grant was finalized we advised this individual how much money we had
in our budget to pay for this analysis. Initially the individual was agreeable to the terms that we
had set out and then after the grant was appmved advised that we had not funded enough for
him to take on the project. At this time we started researching alternative individuals and
Michelle Steichen advised of a former college professor of hers from St Cloud State that may
be interested. The Police Department had Sergeant John Rogers and Michelle Steichen meet
with Professor Richard Lawrence to discuss the project. Professor Lawrence gave us some
background information on himself including the report for a similar project that he completed
for the City of Woodbury Police Department. Professor Lawrence was agreeable to
completing the project for the dollars that we had available in our grant and we are
recommending that the council allow the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement
with Professor Lawrence to complete the review and validation of our grant project. It should
also be noted that City Attorney James Hoeft has reviewed and approved this contract.
Recommended Motion:
Move to approve the attached contract between the City of Columbia Heights and Professor
Richard Lawrence for the review and validation of the data collected in our Federal School
Based Partnership Grant and to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract
for the same.
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AND RICHARD LAWRENCE Ph.D,
ST CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY
The Columbia Heights Police Department and Richard Lawrence Ph.D. of St. Cloud State University agree
upon the following with regards to the 2000-2001 School Based Partnership grant project;
Richard Lawrence shall be hired to assess the effectiveness of the School Based Partnership grant project
per the grant requirements as set forth in section 3(b) of the Grant Application and in the School Based
Partnership '99 Grant Owners Manual.
Richard Lawrence shall be compensated in the amount of $6,000 gross pay for doing the assessment, and
shall receive payment upon receipt and final approval of said assessment by Chief Thomas M. Johnson by
no later than six weeks from the date of receipt by Richard Lawrence of the grant project summary
information packet. (See date of receipt noted below.)
It is agreed that Richard Lawrence shall need between 40-60 hours to complete the assessment,
Richard Lawrence will be provided with a complete grant project summary information packet that will
include all of the data, charts, graphs and other miscellaneous information that was used to develop the
grant conclusions. This summary will also include a detailed description of the analysis process used by
the Crime Analyst and Grant Project Committee in reaching those conclusions. Richard Lawrence can
expect to receive this grant project summary information packet on approximately June 25th, 2001 from
Michelle Stoichen-Crime Analyst. (Actual date of receipt by Richard Lawrence to be noted within this
contract. All other dates within this contract are to be calculated from this date.)
Date of Receipt:
Using this grant project summary information packet Richard Lawrence shall evaluate the validity of the
grant projects methods, analysis, and conclusions and shall determine the overall effectiveness of the
project using the following measures (as specified in the grant application);
-reduced number of incidents of target crime problem
-reduced number of calls for service
-reduced repeat victimizations
-reduced student fear
-increased satisfaction with handling of the problem.
Richard Lawrence shall include any suggestions with regard to alternative action plans, and also areas
where further research could be considered in the written assessment, as well as a brief executive
summary.
Richard Lawrence shall then submit a written assessment of the grant project to include the aforementioned
items for review by Chief Thomas M. Johnson and Sergeant John Rogers by no later than three weeks from
the date of his receipt of the grant project summary information packet. (Actual date for submission to the
Chief of Police for approval to be calculated from the date of receipt above and noted on this contract.} Date
for submission:
Chief Johnson and Sergeant Rogers shall review the written assessment and shall notify Richard Lawrence
of any changes that will be requested by no later than two weeks from their receipt of said assessment.
Richard Lawrence shall submit the final edited version of the assessment with the necessary changes
made to Chief Johnson by no later than one week from the date of his receipt of the requested changes.
Upon Chief Johnson's final approval and receipt of the final version of the written assessment, Richard
Lawrence shall receive compensation in the amount of $6,000 gross pay by no later than six weeks from
the date of his receipt of the grant project summary information packet. (See date of receipt noted above.)
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
BY:
MAYOR
BY:
CITYMANAGER
DATE:
DATE:
RICHARD LAWRENCE PhD
BY:
DATE:
C-q
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT
DATE: April 11, 2001
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT: PURCHASE OF SPEED TRAILER FROM FEDERAL EQUIPMENT
BLOCK GRANT, FOR APRIL 16, 2001 WORK SESSION
Background:
On September 18, 2000 the City Council approved acceptance of our 2001 Federal
Equipment Block Grant. On November 13, 2000 the City Council held a public hearing where
we reviewed what we planned to purchase with the $21,578 from the grant. Part of what was
approved was up to $14,000 for a speed trailer. A speed trailer is a piece of equipment used
to monitor and track traffic on a city street. This is a very valuable tool to determine how to
best use our resources to combat speeding in our city. The Police Department and Public
Works department also use the speed trailer for traffic counts which can cause a perception of
higher speeds on our road ways. We currently have 1/3rd ownership in a speed trailer that
was donated to the cities of St Anthony, New Brighton and ourselves by the Tri city American
Legion. We have found that we have a need to have a speed trailer available to us for more
time than this trailer can fulfill. We still plan to use the trailer we currently own with the other
cities when it is available to us.
Analysis/Conclusion:
The Police Department has been looking at and researching three different models of speed
trailers in order to find the best speed trailer for our money. We have had demonstrations of
the following speed trailers; Kustom Signals Smart Model I at a cost of $13,840 + Tax, MPH
Speed Monitor Trailer at a cost of $13,155 + Tax, and The Stalker Speed Trailer at a cost of
$15,365 + Tax. I have attached a breakdown of the costs of each of the trailers to this letter.
The Police Department is recommending that we go with the Kustom Signals Smart Trailer
Model 1. This is the same trailer that we currently have. We have had very low maintenance
with this trailer and the reports are very user friendly and give us the information that we need to
make good decisions not only for the department but also for the Traffic Commission. It gives
us a true picture of what is happening in a specific area. We also have our internal computer
system set up to accept the reports from the Kustom Trailer. If we go with another brand we
will have to reformat this system to accept ¢ifferent software, Our City Mechanics have
worked on the Kustom Trailer and find it user friendly and relatively easy to repair on the very
few times it has broken down. Most if not all of the repairs have involved the battery system
which al~er time and use needs to be replaced.
Recommended Motion:
Move to authorize the purchase of a Kustom Signal Smart Model 1 Speed Trailer in the
amount of $13,840.00 plus tax, with funding to come from the 2001 Federal Equipment Block
Grant 276-42113, and that the mayor and City Manager are authorized to enter into a contract
for same.
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT
SPEED TRAILER PRICE COMPARISONS
Kustom Signals Inc.
Smart Model 1
Solar Charger
Freight/Shipping
Red LED Violator Alert
Smart Traffic Stats Package
Axle Lock
Speed Sign Rack
Tamper Alarm
$9645.00
Included N/C
795.00
Included N/C
3000.00
85.00
90.00
225.00
$13,8,$0.00 Plus Tax
MPH Speed Monitor Trailer
Speed Monitor
Solar Charger
Freight/Shipping
Over-speed Alert
Time Mark Traffic Data Collector
Hitch Lock
Speed Sign Rack
Tamper Alarm
$8195.00
825.00
500.00
Included N/C
3300.00
60.00
Not Available
275.00
$13,155.00 Plus Tax
Stalker Speed Trailer
Speed Guard (Model SGPD-Dual
Solar Charger
Freight/Shipping
Violation Strobe Alert
Vehicle Classi~er System/Traffic Stats
Wheel immobilizer
Speed Sign Rack
Security System
$9985.00
1275.00
850.00
790.00
1995.00
125.00
Not Av~lable
300.00
$15,365.00 Plus Tax
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT
DATE:
FROM:
TO:
April 10, 2001
Thomas M. Johnson, Chief of Police0~
Walt Fehst, City Manager
SUBJECT:
TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM GENERAL FUND TO POLICE DEPARTMENT
2001 BUDGET OVERTIME LINE #1020
Background:
During The year 2000 -2001 the Police Department took part in the County Wide Transport
program where we would transport prisoners from any of the five agencies that partake in this
program. This is done in order to keep officers on the streets and not tied up with prisoner
transports. Also, as part of this program we would transport people that are found to be
inebriated from any city in the county to detox. In return for this the five agencies that take part
in this program split the funds that are given to the County by the State of Minnesota for this
transport. This year the amount of our share of the State funds is $2,873.36.
Analysis/Conclusion:
Since the overtime used to do these transports is paid by for out of our Police Budget the
Police Department would like to see these funds placed back into our 2001 Police Department
Budget line #1020. This will assist us in paying for the overtime used during 2001 to staff this
important function..
Recommended Motion: Move to transfer $2,873.36, the total amount of money received
from the State of Minnesota via Anoka County for our efforts in transporting inebriated
individuals to detox from the General Fund to the Police Department 2001 Budget line #1020
overtime. This would be done to assist in covering the costs of overtime to staff this function.
ANOKA COUNTY
L, MI=L~i~ I',IU. D I 0 U 0 0 ,/
THIS CHECK
OATS 3/27/Z001 's-I~
IS VOID 3 MONTHS FROM DATE OF ISSUE
THE EXACT SUM OF
PAY TO THE ORDER
DOLLARS AND 36 CENTS
AMOUNT
~*****Zt 873° 36
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS POLICE OEPT
559 MILL STREET NE
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS MN 55421-3882
BANK ANOKA. ANOKA. MINNESOTA
u' ? ~ 58B 2"' m:Oq ~OOOO 22m: ~ ~i~ 58 ~ 20
COUNTY OF ANOKA
3/27/200I
REMETTANCE ADVICE
CHSS-COUNTY
CHECK NO,
INVCICE NUMBER RECEIVE DATE
DESCRIPTION
]/1~/2001
DETOX TRANSPORTATION
CLIENT NAME
DATE OF SERVICE
7/OZ/Zggg- 6/30/2000
B735882
-3 735882
A MO UN T
2f873o36
/O/. co.
· e.~ TOTAL
RETAIN THIS STATEMENT FOR YOUR RECORDS
COUNTY OF ANOKA, MINNESOTA
2t373,36
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT
DATE:
FROM:
April 10, 2001
Thomas M. Johnson, Chief of Poli~X~
TO:
Walt Fehst, City Manager
SUBJECT: TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM GENERAL FUND TO POLICE DEPARTMENT
BUDGET TO RE~ PAY OVERTIME FUND. APRIL 16, 2001 WORK SESSION.
Background:
During the past 3 months the Police Department has been involved in an off duty employment
details that are handled through the department. This detail was for security for at Unique Thrift
Store.
Since this type of off duty employment is handled through the department officers have signed
up and worked these details since the first of the year and we have received a check from
Unique Thrift Store in the mount of $1,873.32. Because, according to the City Finance
Director, this money is considered revenue it had to be placed in the City General Fund.
Analysis/Conclusion:
The Police Department is requesting that the City Council pass a motion requiring the
$1.873.32 dollars received from Unique Thrift Store to cover the costs of off duty officers
working security at these locations be returned to the 2001 Police Department Budget Line
#1020.
Recommendled Motion: Move to transfer $1,873.32, the total amount received from
Unique Thrift Store for off duty security worked, from the General Fund to the Police
Department 2001 Budget under line #1020, Police Overtime.
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
59B-4eTn AVE NE
COLUMBIA HEiGNTS? MN 55421
TR; !14 REGN 0I Qp~ 1 84/04/2001
04.84/200I 16:S5:45
Misc Revenue
ACCOUNTS: 1BI.GB.3~201
FINANCE Receiot~: 91749
REFUND FOR OVERTIME
UNIQUE TBIRFT STORE
PAYOR: NASh SALES, iNC.
AMT:
CHECK: 4582
i~873.32
CHANGE:
TOTAL:
-- THANK YOU --
HAVE A NICE DAY!
CITY COUNCIL LETTER
AGENDA SECTION:
NO:
ITEM:
NO:
Authorize Application for Federal FiRE Act
Grant Funding
Meeting of April 16, 2001
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT:
Fire
BY: Dana Alexon
DATE: April I 1, 2001
CITY MANAGER
APPROVAL
BY://J/~'/'
DATE:
Background
Con.gress authorized and appropriated funds for a Federal grant program for Fire Departments during its last
sessmn (Public Law 106-398). The funds appropriated total $100 million nationwide. This program is
called the FIRE Act. The funds appropriated must be awarded not later than the end of the current Federal
fiscal year which ends September 30,2001; the application period for grant funding runs from April 2,2001
to May 2,2001. Grants are being awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in
six categories relating to firefighting. The categories are training; wellness and fitness programs; vehicles;
firefighting equipment; personal protective equipment; and fire prevention programs. Each Fire Department
in the nation is eligible to apply for funding in up to two of these categories. Fire Departments that protect a
population under 50,000 must provide a 10% hard match with this program; a 30% hard match is required in
cities protecting more than 50,000 people.
Analysis
Fire Department members created a list of over 20 potential FIRE Act grant proposals for consideration,
including several in each of the six grant categories. Once the final rules for the grant process were
published in the Federal Register, these proposals were ranked according to probability of success in being
awarded funding. All firefighters had the opportunity to choose between six finalist proposals; their vote
produced a virtual tie between three of the proposals. The Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief made the final
selection. The proposal judged to have the best chance of success falls in the category of personal protective
equipment purchases; our proposal would provide a variety of personal safety equipment to all of our
firefighters. Primarily due to the lack of time available to prepare grant proposals, our proposal applies for
funding in only one of the six categories allowed. We are in the process ofprepaxing the grant application
.forms at this time in anticipation of City Council approval to apply for grant funding. The Fire Department
is prepared to provide the required hard match funds from its budget; total expenditure based on ourproposal
would be approximately $2,300.00.
Recommended Action
The Fire Department is requesting that the City Council direct staff to prepare a grant proposal for personal
protective equipment for 34 firefighting personnel in the amount of approximately $23,000.00.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
GOGGLES
Goggles to be mounted to helmets. This would give us NFPA eye protection, and
the current shields on the helmets would be removed. Cost per helmet $48.
HOODS
Each fire fighter would be issued two hoods so that you would not have to reenter
a hot area with a wet hood. This could decrease the amount of steam bums. The
cost per hood $18.
GLOVES
Each fire fighter would be issued two pair of gloves so that if one pair was wet a
dry pair could be used. This would possibly prevent hand injuries from steam
related bums and frostbite. The cost for a pair of gloves would $32.
FLASHLITES
Each fire fighter would be issued a ~ashlite to be attached to the turn-out gear.
The flashlite would be in the on position while in hazardous areas this would be
used to better be able to see hazards, and if a fire fighter did go down they may be
more visible. Cost per light $130.
SPANNER WRENCH
Each fire fighter would be issued a spanner wrench so that they would be able to
have the ability to shut-off gas meters and tighten couplings as needed. The cost
for a wrench that could be stored in the turn-out pocket would be $25.
CENTER PUNCH
]Each fire fighter would be issued a center punch to quickly gain access to patients
in vehicles that have been involved in crashes. The cost would be $5 per Turn-
out.
MICRO-SHIELD
Each fire fighter would be issued two Microshields. One would be placed in the
fire fighters turn-out gear, and the other would be on a key chain so that when the
fire fighter was off-duty he would have the same protection. Cost $8 each.
SAFETY STRAP
Each fire fighter would be issued a safety strap and locking carabiner. This item
could be used to safety remove yourself from a second or third floor, and could be
used to secure ladders and other equipment. The cost for the strap and carabiner
would be $50.
JUMPSUIT
Each fire fighter would be issued ajumpsuit that had #9910 and #8930 dayglow
reflective striping. The jumpsuit would be long sleeve and would provide some
splash protection as well as more visibility to the public. The cost per jumpsuit
would be $158.
JACKETS
Each of the paid on call fire fighters would be issued a jacket that would provide
for some splash protection. In addition reflective stripes would provide added
safety and visibility as well as distinguishing them as members of the fire
department. The jackets would cost $228.
COST
37-Goggles Total cost $1776
37-Hoods Total cost $666
37-Gloves Total cost $1184
37-Flashlites Total cost $4810
37-Spanners Total cost $925
37-Center punches Total cost $185
74-Micro shields Total cost $592
37-Safety strap Total cost $1850
33-Jumpsuits Total cost $5214
25-Jackets Total cost $5700
Total amount $22,902
C- 3
City of Columbia Heights
Public Works Department
Work Session Discussion Item
Work session date: April 16, 2001 rk~
Item: Replacement of Unit #223, Toro Grounds Master, 580-D Lawnmower
Background:
Unit # 223 is a Toro Grounds Master, 580-D Lawnmower that was purchased in 1996 for
$65,000. It is a self-propelled riding lawnmower equipped with three rotary mowing/mulching
decks. The mower is capable of mowing a 16' width and will trim less than an 18" circle around
trees.
Unit #223 has 1,636 recorded hours of operation. To date, $8,000 has been spent on labor and
repairs. Ninety percent of time Unit #223 has been driven and maintained daily by the same full
time operator. The public works mechanic has completed major service work as per
manufacturers recommendations. The 2001 Public Works budget allocated $75,000 for
equipment replacement.
Analysis/Conclusion:
The shop foreman has rated the mechanical condition as fair and the appearance as good. The
engine will need to be rebuilt or replaced in the near future as it is using 2 quarts of oil in 8 hours
of operation. The local Toro dealer has provided an estimate of engine replacement at $10,000.
The hydraulic, transmission and electrical systems are specialized and highly sophisticated.
They have been working well, but will be very expensive to repair when the time comes.
The operator reports that the 580-D safely maneuvers on steep hills, produces a high quality cut
and performs well trader adverse conditions, such as tall wet grass and steep slopes. Routine
maintenance items such as greasing, blade sharpening, and deck cleaning are operator friendly.
Since 1996, when the Toro 580-D was added to the Parks Maintenance Equipment, turf quality
has greatly improved and mowing time has been significantly reduced. The 580-D mulches
grass clippings and leaves, returning nutrients to the soil. The 16-foot cutting width minimizes
soil compaction, caused by mower traffic. Prior to 1996, during periods of heavy growth, crews
were unable to keep up with mowing demand and consequently would have to spend nnmemus
hours of unproductive time raking, and disposing of huge piles of clippings. Bulk mowing time
has been reduced from approximately 54 hours per week to 25 hrs per week. Some ballfields are
now mowed twice a week at the request of the Recreation Department. Time that had been used
for mowing is now used for park maintenance or rehabilitation projects such as playground and
pathway construction.
Capital Equipment Replacement of Unit #223
Toro Grounds Master 580-D Lawnmower
Page 2
The Toro Grounds Master 580-D is available for purchase from the Minnesota State Purchasing
Contract from MTI Distributing of Plymouth, MN.
Minnesota State Contract Pricing: New Toro Grounds master 580-D with cab:
Less trade value on 1996 Toro Grounds master 580-D with cab
Total:
$69,606.00
($16,500.00)
$53,106.00
This quote includes delivery, setup, and service. All new Toro units have a 2-year warranty.
In keeping with the goals improving the overall appearance of city parks, avoiding costly
equipment repairs and minimizing down time, staff recommends the purchase of one new Toro
Grounds master 580-D with cab.
Requested Action:
Authorize the purchase of one (1) new Toro Grounds Master 580-D Lawnmower, from the
Minnesota State Purchasing Contract price of $69,606 less the trade-in of ($16,500) for a total
purchase price of $53,106, plus sales tax, from MTI Distributing, Plymouth MN, with funding
allocated from Parks Capital Equipment.
City of Columbia Heights
Public Works Department
Work Session Discussion Item
Work Session date: April 16, 2001
Item: Capital Equipment Replacement of Unit #200: Ford F350 4x4 One Ton Dump
Truck, and Unit #200A: A 8'-6" Western Snow Plow
Background:
Unit #200: A Ford F350 4x4 One Ton Dump Truck and Unit #200A, a 8'6" Westem Snow Plow
were purchased in1986 for $21,900, with aprojected life expectancy of 15years. This vehicle
is powered by a gas ~ngine and has recorded mileage of 50,690. It is used primarily for snow
plowing alleys, cul-de-sacs, parking lots, and dead end streets. Other uses include towing
equipment trailers, hauling construction materials and debris.
Computerized vehicle maintenance and repair records date back only to 1992, due to computer
program failures. The computer records indicate $6,564 has been spent on maintenance and
repair. The Shop Foreman has hard copy records that verify that $7,412 has been spent on major
repairs alone.
Unit #200 has a history of problems with poor braking and loose steering. The automatic
transmission and transfer case have been rebuilt. The head gasket is leaking. The Shop Foreman
has rated the mechanical condition as poor to fair and the body condition as fair to good. The
snow plow matched to unit 200 has been repaired numerous times, with the major repair
providing the A-firame replacement in 1999. The Shop Foreman has rated the mechanical
condition as poor.
The 2001 budget has allocated $50,000 for the replacement of Unit #200 and Unit #200A
Analysis/Conclusions:
Public Works staff has carefully reviewed past, current and projected use of Unit #200. A
summary of those findings is as follows:
The gas engine lacks sufficient power to plow heavy snow. Existing Unit #200 has a
GVW of only 11,000 lbs. When the vehicle is loaded or towing a loaded trailer the
springs bottom out and stopping distances are dramatically increased. The breaking
system has been repeatedly investigated and reconditioned by the Shop Foreman and the
dealer. The conclusion reached was that the braking system was not properly designed
for this vehicle, particula~ly when fully loaded. The steering system has been
reconditioned, but the driver lacks feel for the road, especially when the truck is loaded.
Work Session: April 16, 2001
Replacement of Unit(s) #200 & #200A
Page 2
Staff recommends replacement of Unit #200 with a Ford Super Duty 450 4x4 chassis equipped
with 7.3L diesel engine and 9-foot construction box. This vehicle has a GVW of 15,000 lbs. and
would be better suited for our current and projected needs.
This vehicle is available for purchase under Hennepin County Joint Purchasing Contract (expires
April 15) or the State of Minnesota Purchasing Contract.
Superior Ford (Hennepin County) $30,592, plus sales tax
Lakeville Ford (MN State Purchasing) $
We have received two quotes for the dump box and snow plow package.
Truck Utilities $16,310, plus sales tax
Crysteel $16,605, plus sales tax
Estimated trade-in or auction value of Unit #200 with the snow plow: $5,000 - $7,500. Staff
recommends disposing of Unit 200 and 200A by auction to obtain the highest replacement value.
Requested Action:
Authorization for the replacement of unit #200 with one (1) new Ford Super Duty 450 4x4
chassis under the Heunepin County Joint Purchasing Contract from Superior Ford, 9700 56m Ave
No. Plymouth, MN in the amount of $30,592, plus sales tax. Funding shall be divided equally
from the Sewer and Water Capital Equipment Replacement Funds.
Authorization to purchase dump box and snow plow package from Truck Utilities MFG., Co.,
2370 English St., St. Paul, MN., in the amount of $16,310, plus sales tax. Funding shall be
divided equally from the Sewer and Water Capital Equipment Replacement Funds.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
RE:
MAYOR PETERSON
COUNCILMEMBER SZUREK
COUNCILMEMBER WYCKOFF
COUNCILMEMBER NAWROCKI
COUNCILMEMBER WILLIAMS
WALT FEHST, CITY MANAGER
CONSIDER PURCHASE OF LOTS
The attached parcels have become available to us, if we are interested in
purchasing them. I have put them on the agenda for discussion and direction
regarding possible purchase.
city co cn, 33
AGENDA SECTION: CONSENT
NO:
ITEM: PHONE SYSTEM UPGRADE FOR
CALLER ID
Council Meeting of: April 23, 2001
ORIGINATING DEPT:
FINANCE
BY: WILLIAM ELRITE
DATE: 04/12/2001
CITY MANAGER
Currently, the City's phone system does not support Caller ID for incoming or outgoing calls. This
has caused the City several problems. Outgoing calls from the City appear as "Not Identified" to
residents and other parties. Many residents and employees of Columbia Heights subscribe to call
blocking services that do not allow "Not Identified" numbers through to their residence, thus
preventing anyone from any City of Columbia Heights office from reaching these individuals by
telephone. Also, many people without any call blocking service simply do not answer calls that
appear as unidentified. Additionally, with incoming calls being identified, City employees can
assure an even higher level of service to Columbia Heights residents.
To enable Caller ID for the City of Columbia Heights we would have to upgrade our existing ISDN
DSS (Integrated Switched Digital Network, Digital Switched Service) line to an ISDN PRS
(Integrated Switched Digital Network, Primary Rate Service) line for an additional monthly expense
of approximately $220 or $7.25 per day. The City would also need to upgrade equipment in its PBX
(Private Branch Exchange) from an ISDN DSS card to an ISDN PRS card at a one-time charge not
to exceed $3064.57 for pans and labor.
In 1999 when the City Council approved upgrading our entire phone system to our current Mitel
system they approved both the ISDN PRS line from Qwest and the ISDN PRS card from Mitel. At
that time the equipment cost was $3922.00 and the monthly service was $292 additional per month.
However, after approval it was discovered that the Qwest central office had not been upgraded to
support ISDN PRS service. As a result, we have been paying a lower monthly rate to Qwest and
where credited the cost of equipment from Mitel.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a
contract with Qwest to provide an ISDN PRS line and to enter into a contract with Mitel to upgrade
equipment in our phone system.
WE:pig
COUNCIL ACTION:
CITY COUNCIL LEI'I ER
Meeting of: APRIL 23, 2001
AGENDA SECTION: CONSENT
NO:
ITEM: WIRELESS NETWORKCONNECTION
BETWEEN CITY HALL, PARKVIEW
VILLA AND TOP VALU LIQUOR
NO:
ORIGINATING DEPT:
FINANCE
BY: WILLIAM ELRITE
DATE: 04/11/2001
CITY MANAGER
By:~~Z''
Over the past several years the city staff has reviewed various software programs to be utilized at
Parkview Villa to facilitate the management of that operation. Several months ago the EDA Board
authorized purchasing software to be utilized in the management of Parkview Villa. The plan is to host
the software on the network file server at City Hall and utilize a wireless connection to Parkview Villa so
that the software can be utilized at both Parkview Villa and by staff at City Hall. To facilitate this, the last
phase of the plan is to install a wireless connection between Parkview Villa and City Hall.
Attached herewith is a report from Aleksandr Chemin, IS Director, explaining the research that he
has done for the recommendation that he is making for this wireless connection. In addition to
setting up the connection to Parkview Villa we are recommending to also connect Top Valu Liquor.
The additional cost to do this at the same time that we're doing Parkview Villa is approximately
$3,000 and it is included as part of the total estimated cost of $13,000. If we were to include Top Valu
Liquor at a later date the cost would be far more extensive.
In addition to providing the basic software application to Parkview Villa, this wireless hookup will
provide both Top Valu and Parkview Villa full access to the city network, access to financial
information, and access to the Internet through the city connection. Although $13,000 may appear to
be a significant amount of money, it is a one-time charge that will provide very extensive services to
both the high-rise and the liquor operation. The proposal that we have from Marco is estimated at
$10,360 for this installation. However, the labor portion is a time and materials quote and could
exceed their estimate. Subsequently, Aleksandr is recommending that the City Council authorize up
to $13,000 for this project.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an
agreement with Marco for the installation of a wireless network connection between City Hall,
Parkview Villa and Top Valu Liquor based on their proposal at a cost not to exceed $13,000.
VV'E:sms
0104]]3COUNCIL
Attachment
COUNCIL ACTION:
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
APRIL 11, 2001
BILL ELRITE, FINANCE DIRECTOR
ALEKSANDR CHERNIN
IS DIRECTOR
WIRELESS NETWORK CONNECTIONS BETWEEN CITY HALL,
PARKVIEW VILLA, AND TOP VALU
All City employees at the City Hall, Public Works, Murzyn Hall, and Library have access
to the City Information System. It increases employees' productivity by providing them
with different applications and shared data, and enabling collaboration. However, users at
the ParkView Villa and the City liquor stores don't yet have access to the IS.
The most cost-effective way to provide access to the City Information System for users at
the ParkView Villa and the Top Vahi liquor store is to use a wireless network technology.
All three locations are rather close to each other, and both TopValu and City Hall are in the
direct line of sight from ParkView Villa, which means that the high-speed wireless
connections are feasible. The same connections will allow transmission of images from
security cameras at the liquor store and high-rise to the Police Department.
The wireless equipment operates in a non-licensed 2.4 GHz range; maximum data
transmission speed would be 2-5 Mbit/s. The required equipment at each location includes:
· Antenna: omnidirectional antenna at the high-rise and directional "Yagi" antennas
at the TopValu and the City Hall pointing to the high-rise.
· Access point: nanslates radio signal from antenna into network signal over twisted
pair, installed close to antenna
· Two media converters and fiber-optic cable to transmit network signal from access
point to the network hub (required at the ParkView Villa and the City Hall) - we
will m-use old lOMbitJs media converters.
We have contacted four vendors of wireless solutions:
1. Kent Datacomm
2. Marco
3. Compar
4. WaveRider
The comparison of quotes from Kent, Compar, and Marco is enclosed (WaveRider didn't
send a quote). I recommend working with Marco for the following reasons:
1. Kent and Marco suggested using Cisco equipmere, Compar offered equipment from
Enterasys (Cabletron spin-off), and xxraveRider offered solution based on their own
equipment. I believe it will be much easier to get support and upgrades if we use Cisco
equipment - it is widely used and Cisco has many resellers and integrators. With Cabletron
and, especially, WaveRider we'll have less choice of support partners.
2. Kent and Marco provide both equipment and installation services, while Compar and
WaveRider would use other companies for installation. Certainly, it is better to receive the
complete solution from a single contractor.
3. Between Kent and Marco, I prefer working with Marco. Kent is a very large
organization, and therefore tends to be sluggish and overly expensive. The fst quote from
Kent was about two times more than the quote from Marco, and it took about a month to
receive another quote. In the meantime I received e-mails from four different contact
persons from Kent. Their second quote is closer to Marco, but still more expensive. On the
other hand, we have so far two contact persons at Marco (sales and technical), and their
response time is good).
Although the Marco quote is about $10,000, I would reserve another 20% for contingencies
in case extra antenna installation hardware and/or installation labor are required. Therefore
the total cost of the project if we select Marco is about $12,000 plus sales tax. The project
can be accomplished in 4 weeks. After the initial investment the City wouldn't pay any
monthly or annual fees, unless we select to purchase an annual equipment support and
maintenance contract (about $200 per antenna).
The other possible solutions for connecting Top Valu and ParkView Villa with the City IS
are either to run network cables to the City Hall (with much higher initial investment) or to
rent communication lines (with high monthly payments and slower connections). We've
discussed renting communication lines with our consultant from TelePro, and he believes
that the wireless solution is the best option, given direct line of sight.
The next stage of the City IS development, scheduled for the 2002, would be connecting
liquor stores at 37m and University. It would require the feasibility study, since none of
those locations are in direct line of sight from City Hall or high-rise. The IS Depaament
will research whether the City water tower can eventually be used to provide wireless
connections with remote liquor stores.
Wireles quotes comparison
Item
Outdoor equipment
3 Access Points
2 Directional Yagi Antennas
10mni Antenna
Miscellaneous hardware
Outdoor equipment - total
Outdoor labor
Outdoor 1-year maintenance contract
Equipment, labor, maintenance - total
Cornpar
$
$
$
$
Marco
$
$
$
$
3,979 $
Kent
4,800
950
750
300
6,800 $ 10,500
3,000 $ 2,960 $ 3,000
341 $ 600 $
7,320 $ 10,360 $ 13,500
City of Columbia Heights
Public Works Dept.
Work Session Discussion Item
Item: Bus Bench Issues in the Public Right-of-Way
Background:
Earlier this year, the Public Works Department received a letter from a Business Owner
regarding safety and nuisance concerns for the bus bench located at 37~ and Central Avenue.
The letter noted the existing bus bench was placed 130 feet north of 37m Avenue and on a
sidewalk that is only 5 feet wide, only 3 feet away from on-coming traffic. It was also noted that
the existing bus bench is not maintained for snow removal and the debris from the two paper gets
scattered all over the area. The City is not responsible for snow or trash removal at bus bench
locations.
After reviewing the safety and nuisance concems raised in that letter and the planned
streetscaping improvements to Central Avenue, the Public Works Department is recommending a
review of the existing ordinance that regulates the location of bus benches within the public
right-of-way, and adding language that regulates the placement of employment paper stands
Issues and Analysis
On February 8, 2001, a revised draft of the Courtesy Bench ordinance was presented at the City's
Codes and Compliance meeting. City staff members discussed whether or not a revised
ordinance would be beneficial to regulate the placement and maintenance of Metro Transit
courtesy benches throughout the City. The City of Columbia Heights currently has 22 sites that
are designated for courtesy benches (see attachment). At this time, all of the courtesy benches
located on the 22 sites are owned by the US Bench Company. The proposed ordinance would
concentrate on the following seven areas and mandate that all bus bench owners comply with
these regulations:
1. Courtesy Bench owners may not place a bus bench within the public right-of-way or on
private property without first obtaining a permit from the City of Columbia Heights;
2. A separate permit is required for each Courtesy Bench;
3. Permits for benches will be granted only on existing and approved Metro Transit bus
routes within the City;
4. The City Manager has the authority to revoke or deny any permit for failure to comply
with the provision of this ordinance, for misrepresentation of material facts in the original
application, failure to maintain the Courtesy Bench, denial because the bench is
considered a safety hazard or the bench location is no longer served by the public
transportation system, or because the transit route on which the bench is located has
Work Session: April 16, 2001
Bus Bench Issues in the Public Right-of-Way
Page 2
will be included in a street renovation project, and for any reason which would be
grounds for denial of the original application;
5. Place bus bench restrictions on Central Avenue in order to maximize the benefits of the
proposed streetscape improvements;
6. Place restrictions that minimize the location of paper boxes at courtesy bench locations.
A Courtesy Bench placed in the public right-of-way in the City may be summarily
removed by the City Manager if the provisions of this ordinance are not followed or if the
bench does not meet the standards set forth by Minnesota Statues, Section 160.27,
subdivision 6.
Requested Action:
No action is requested by staff at this time. Presented for informational and discussion purposes.
Staff suggests further review by the Code Enforcement Committee and License Committee or
other advisory bodies as directed by the City Council.
Attachment: Revised Bus/Bench Ordinance
Draft Courtesy Bench Ordinance
ORDiNANCE #
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COURTESY BENCH SECTION OF THE
CITY CODE (section 6.303) AND ESTABLISHING AN EMPLOYMENT ADVERTISiNG
PAPER STAND ORDiNANCE
The City of Columbia Heights does hereby amend City Code Section 6.303 to read as follows:
Purpose.
The purpose of this ordinance is to regulate the placement and maintenance of Courtesy
Benches for public transit in public-fights-of-way and on private property if the bench is
within three (3) feet of the public right-of-way. Benches without advertising signs that are
located on private property and more than three (3) feet from the public fight-of-way are
exempt from the provisions set forth in the advertisement restriction section of this
ordinance, but are subject to all other applicable sections of this code.
Permit Required.
It is unlawful for a person to place a Courtesy Bench in a public right-of-way or on private
property within three (3) feet of the public right-of-way without first obtaining a permit as
provided in this section.
(1) This section shall apply to all existing and future Courtesy Benches installed
within said City. The Courtesy Bench owner shall renew the permit once
issued annually.
(2) The permit period shall be from April 1 to March 31 annually.
(3) Permits for courtesy benches will be granted only on existing and approved
Metro Transit bus routes within the City, on the condition that the bench
locations satisfies the location requirements set forth by the City.
Permits and Applications.
Application for permits shall be made to the License/Permit Clerk or designee of the City
Manager. The application shall contain the following information:
(1) Scale drawing showing the size and location of the Courtesy Bench relative to
all other objects on the property including the layout of applicable adjacent
roadways, intersections, traffic signage, sidewalks, trails, utility poles, fences
and other objects within the vicinity;
(2) Name, address and phone number of applicant;
(3) Detailed plans and specifications of each proposed bench including the
general nature of advertising matter, if any, to be posted thereon and total
surface area intended as signage not to exceed square feet using the front,
Printed: 4/11/01
Draft Courtesy Bench Ordinance
or seating side surface only of the bench back. Advertising material may not
exceed the length of the bench.
(4)
A current general liability Certificate of Insurance from an insurance company
that is rated "A" or better by A.M. Best Company and authorized to conduct
business in the State of Minnesota, naming the City as additional insured in
the minimum mounts as follows:
# of Bench Permits Limit of Liability
i. 1-10 Benches $250,000
ii. 11-50 Benches $500,000
iii. 50 or more $1,000,000
for any and all claims arising out of the use or existence of the Courtesy
Bench(s) and approved by the City Manager. The certificate shall provide for
automatic notification of the City with a minimum 30 days advance notice in
the event of cancellation.
(5)
A graphic showing the public transportation bus service that serves the
proposed Courtesy Bench and the specific bus stop location and number, if
applicable.
(6)
An executed hold harmless agreement from the permittee. Approved by the
City Manager, protecting the City from any and all claims arising out of the
use and existence of the Courtesy Bench;
(7)
Written consent from the abutting property owner for placement of any bench
on private property within three (3) feet of the public right-of-way. The
abutting property owners shall be deemed to be the person or entity shown as
such on the Anoka County tax records.
(s)
The application shall be forwarded to the City Engineer for review and
recommendation.
(9) Such other information that the City Manager may require
Conditions Governinll Issuance of Permits.
This section govems the issuance of a permit for a Courtesy Bench.
(D
(2)
Permit for Each Bench. A separate permit is required for each Courtesy
Bench, but renewals may be granted for more than one location on the basis of
a single application - provided that the City Manager is satisfied that all the
information required by this section has been supplied for each proposed
Courtesy Bench.
Transfer: New Permit. If a Courtesy Bench for which a permit has been issued
is sold or title or control thereof is transferred or assigned, a new permit shall
be required.
2 Printed: 4/11/01
Draft Courtesy Bench Ordinance
(3) Location. No permit may be issued for the installation of Courtesy Benches,
on approved transit routes in the following places:
(A) on a transit route upon which the City has constructed or has let a contract to
construct a public street beautification (streetscaping) project.
(B) on a public sidewalk where the right-of-way is less than nine (9) feet in width or
on any private sidewalk or trail without the written consent of the abutting
property owner;
(C) in an alley;
(D) at any location more than 50 feet from the nearest point of intersections with a
street, unless the City Manager so authorizes;
(E) within 15 feet of any intersection or other locations as the City Manager may
determine which impedes safety by obstructing the vision of pedestrians or
motorists;
(F) other locations, which the City Manager determines would potentially restrict
pedes~ans' traffic, pose a snow and ice control problem, obstruct vehicular
traffic or otherwise be detrimental to the public safety, convenience or welfare.
Permit Fees.
Fees for Courtesy Benches shall be as set forth in the City of Columbia Heights Licensing
Fee section.
Insurance Reauirements.
Permit holders shall deliver to and keep on file with the City's Finance Department a current
general liability Certificate of Insurance meeting the requirements of this ordinance. The
insurance shall be maintained in its original amount by the permit holder at his or her
expense at all times during the period for which the permit is in effect. When two or more
permits are issued to one person one insurance policy may be furnished to cover two or more
Courtesy Benches, and the policy shall be of a type which coverage is automatically restore
upon occurrence or any accident or loss from which liability may hereaRer accrue.
Permits: Approval and Issuance.
If the City Manager is satisfied that all of the conditions stated in this section have been met
and that the creation and maintenance of the Courtesy Bench at the proposed location will
not restrict pedestrian traffic or otherwise be detrimental to public safety, he shall approve
the application. The License/Permit Clerk shall not issue a permit until the insurance and
hold harmless agreement are provided and approved by the City.
3 Primed: 4/11/01
Draft Courtesy Bench Ordinance
Revocation of Permit.
The City Manager may revoke or deny renewal of any permit for failure to comply with the
provision of this ordinance, the Zoning Code, for misrepresentation of material facts in the
original application, for failure to maintain the Courtesy Bench, because the bench is
considered a safety hazard, because the bench location is no longer served by the public
transportation, because the transit route on which the bench is located has or will be included
in a streetscaping project or for any reason which would have been grotmds for denial of the
original application.
Installation and Maintenance.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Location. Courtesy Bench shall be installed parallel with the curb, sidewalk or trail,
and set back at least three (3) feet from the back of the curb. Further, there shall be a
minimum clearance of six (6) feet from the back of the bench to any structure or
landscaping along or near any sidewalk to provide for sidewalk snowplow clearance.
Any bench installed on a sidewalk or trail nine (9) feet or more in width must also
provide a minimum clearance of six (6) feet between the back of the curb and front of
the bench.
Size. Size limitations on Courtesy Benches are as follows:
(A). height- 42 inches maximum
(B). width- 30 inches maximum
(C) length- 7 feet maximum
Construction. A Courtesy Bench shall be installed and maintained on a durable level
surface including, but not limited to, concrete, bomanite or decorative brick. The
durable surface shall extend six inches on both ends and in back of the bench.
Further, the durable surface in front of the bench must extend to the back of the curb.
The Courtesy Bench shall be of sufficient weight or shall be secured in a manner to
minimize the potential of accidental tipping or vandalism. No Courtesy Bench shall
be fastened, secured, or anchored to City property.
Materials. A Courtesy Bench shall be constructed of durable materials including but
not limited to concrete, wood, steel, plastic, or combination thereof, with colors
limited to whites, earth tones of subdued greens, grays, browns, reddish-browns, and
golds.
Permit Display. Each Courtesy Bench shall display the permit number in a
conspicuous place.
Conditions. It is the responsibility of the permittee to maintain each bench in a safe
condition and to keep benches neat, clean and in usable condition. The permittee
shall keep the Courtesy Bench and bench base free of ice and snow and accessible.
4 Primed: 4/11/01
Draft Courtesy Bench Ordinance
(7)
Advertisin~ Matter. Advertising matter may be displayed only on the front (roadway
side) surface of the backrest of a Courtesy Bench and shall not exceed square feet
in surface area. Advertisement of obscene, immoral, indecent or illegal matter is
prohibited on all Courtesy Benches. No advertising matter on any Courtesy Bench
may display the words "Stop", "Look", "Drive In", "Danger", or any other word,
phrase or symbol, reflective material or illumination device which might interfere
with, mislead or distract traffic. Any political advertising displayed on a Courtesy
Bench shall be subject to the time restriction for such advertising or political signs as
set forth elsewhere in the City Code.
Removal of Benches.
(1)
Notice. Upon the revocation or expiration of any permit without renewal, the
permitee shall remove the Courtesy Bench promptly. The permittee shall also be
required to remove the concrete slab and reseed the slab area at its cost if so directed
by the City Manager. The City Manager may remove the bench after ten days mailed
notice to the permittee and the cost of removal, including removal of the slab and
resodding of the slab area, shall be paid by the permittee. If the permittee fails to pay
the cost within 60 days after receiving notice from the City Manager, the bench shall
become the property of the City, but the permittee will remain liable for the cost of
removal, restoration and storage of the bench. No permit or renewal shall be granted
to the permittee until all such costs are paid in full.
(2)
Summarc Removal. A Courtesy Bench placed in the public right-of-way in the City,
contrary to the provisions of this Section, may be summarily removed by the City
Manager, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 160.27, subdivision 6.
Registration of permits Obtained from Other Road Authorities.
(1) When a Courtesy Bench is placed in the City within the limits of a street or roadway
subject to the control of a road authority other than the City as defined in Minnesota
Statues, Section 160.02, the person placing the bench shall file proof of permission
from the other road authority with the City Manager.
EMPLOYMENT ADVERTISING NEWSPAPER STANDS
Newsstands used for the purpose of employment advertising are subject to same location
restrictions found in section 3, subsections A4F, page 3 of this ordinance. Employment
Advertising Newsstands may not be attached in any way to Courtesy Benches permitted by
the City of Columbia Heights. Furthermore, employment advertising newsstands may only
be placed in enclosed spaces, such as private building corridors or bus shelters, provided
trash receptacles are available.
5 Printed: 4/11/01