HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 6, 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-heights, mn. us
Mayor
Gary £~ ?¢tcr$on
Councilmembers
Marlaine Szurek
Julienne Wyckoff
Bruce Nawrocki
Robert A. Williams
City Manager
Walt Fehst
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
is to be held in the
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
as follows:
Meeting of:
Date of Meeting:
Time of Meeting:
Location of Meeting:
Purpose of Meeting:
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 6, 2001
7:00 P.M.
CONFERENCE ROOM 1
WORK SESSION
AGENDA
Consent
1. Request from ISD #13 for funding of hardware and software for video production class.
2. Proposed Changes - City Code Chapter 6, Sect. 56, Purchases and Contracts
3. Proposed Changes - City Code Chapter 12, Sect. 112, Damage Suits
4. Proposed Changes - City Code Chapter 12, Sect. 114, City to Succeed to Rights and Obligations of
Village
5. Proposed Changes - City Code Chapter 12 Sect. 115, Village Officers to Hold Office Till When
6. Proposed Changes - City Code Chapter 12, Sect. 117, Existing Ordinances continued.
Discussion
1. 800 Megahertz System - County Commissioner Kordiak and John Tonding, Anoka County 911 Center
2. Alley access - rear of Wargo Court off41~t Ave.
3. Cross connection of sanitary sewer at Jackson Street
4. No Liaison to the Charter Commission
5. Application for weekend fire permit
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
CITY COUNCIL LETTER
Meeting of: August 13, 2001
AGENDA SECTION: CONSENT ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MkNAGER' S
NO: CITY MANAGER' S APPROVALo~ ~' !
EQUIPMENT FUNDING DATE: .~l mA~E:
NO:
At the Telecommunications Commission meeting of July 19, 2001, the commission reviewed a
request for funding to support the Video Production class at Columbia Heights High School (see
attached). Linda Ernst, District Media Coordinator, and Jeremy Sellman, teacher, made a
presentation to the commission regarding the request for funding the purchase of hardware and
software for a Video Production Class (see attached excerpt from draft minutes of
Telecommunications Commission Meeting of July 19, 2001). Monies were budgeted in the City's
2001 Cable Budget for funding of equipment at the high school.
After much discussion, the commission voted to recommend the City Council approve funding of
the School District's request for equipment in an amount not to exceed $4,500. Furthermore,
that funding is provided with the understanding that programming produced will be aired on the
educational access channel, and that receipts of the purchases made be provided to the City.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve funding of the School District's request for equipment in
an amount not to exceed $4,500, with monies coming from the cable budget. Furthermore, that
funding is provided with the understanding that programming produced will be aired on the
educational access channel, and that receipts of the purchases made be provided to the City.
COUNCIL ACTION:
~fr PUBLIC SCHOOLS~'~o~
~,o~ o~ o-o~
KATHY b KELLY
Director of Teaching and Learning
kellykL~colheights, kl~.mn.us
Memorandum
To:
From:
Date:
Re:
Dennis Stroik
Kathy Kelly, Director of Teaching and Learning
Linda Ernst, District. Media Coordinator
May 24, 2001
Proposal for Columbia Heights Public Schools Cable/Video Needs
Thank you for the opportunity to request funding through the Telecommunications Commission
to support the Video Production class at Columbia Heights High School.
A Video Production class was offered at Columbia Heights High School for the second semester
of the 2000-2001 school year. One section of the class was offered. The Video Production
class was very well received. For the 2001-2002 school year, the registrations are currently at
84 students registered in three sections. This will stretch the existing editing suite and the
suggested solution is creating "mini" editing suites using editing software called Cinestream.
Addition of this hardware and software will allow more students to work on editing their video
projects at one time.
Attached please find a proposal for the purchase of the hardware and software. The additional
hard drives, memory upgrades, and software in the proposal would be installed on existing
computers provided by Columbia Heights Public Schools. Purchase of this hardware and
software would allow for digital video editing on four additional workstations.
If you have any questions regarding this proposal, please contact Linda Ernst at 763 528-4663
or 763 528-4434.
Columbia Heights Public Schools Proposal
Cinestream Software, Installation, Training
05/24/2001
Cost per item Cost
4 Cinestmam/PC with DV Capture Card $ '599.00 $ 2,396.00
4 Additional memory (256 MB) $ 250.00 $ 1,000.00
4 Hard drive (60 GB) $ 299.00 $ 1,196.00
Installation $ 750.00
Trainin~ on Cinestream $ 500.00
Total $ 5,842.00
TELECOMnMUNICATIONS MEETING
MINUTES OF JULY 19, 2001
PAGE 2
NEW BUSINESS
Ao
Review of Request from 1SD #13 for Funding of Hardware and Soft'ware for Video
Production Class
Linda Ernst and Seremy S ellman from 1SD #13 made a presentation regarding their request
for funding the purchase of hardware and software for a Video Production Class. They
explained that last year was the first year they had offered this type of class at Columbia
Heights. They had a good response to the class with approximately 20 students taking part.
This year three sessions will be offered with 84 students currently registered. The
equipment purchase being requested would allow for four additional workstations to be
established for digital video editing, compared to the current one they presently have. The
hard drives, memory upgrades, and software in the proposal would be installed on existing
computers provided by the Columbia Heights Schools.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 19, 2001
PAGE 3
Jeremy reviewed the curriculum he covers in the production class and answered questions.
He explained that one digital editing suite was purchased with funds from the Technology
portion of the referendum monies, but there are no remaining funds for any additional
equipment. He stated that one workstation was not really adequate to handle a class of 20.
They had to work in groups and access the equipment before and after school to
accommodate everyone. Jeremy explained that Mr. Ogdie who taught the class last year,
went through a learning process with the students. They produced approximately 15-20
hours of programming, but that none of it went on the air over the educational access
channel. The Commission members ail felt with the equipment the district has, they would
like to see the programs aired. The district has better equipment than the City or the
Columbia Heights Studio and we are producing programs for public access and
government access on a regular basis. Jeremy agreed, and is hoping to produce
programming that will be suitable for airing on the educational access channel. However,
he said the goal here is to educate students for future oppommities if they have an interest
in working in the production, techuical, or broadcasting field, not necessarily to do produce
programming for the district.
There was a discussion concerning the equipment they wish to purchase such as
compatibility, prices, quality, installation and set up. Several of the commission members
felt the prices were high for the additional memory. They suggested that Linda contact
General Nano Systems and get a quote from them for the hard drive and memory
equipment. They agreed the link and set up should be done by experts, but that other bids
should be obtained. The general consensus was that all agreed putting money into
education is good and they support that effort, but they felt district personnel should be
getting more bids to ensure they get the most "bang for their buck."
Motion by Dennis Stroik, seconded by Reuben Ruen to recommend the City Council
approve funding of the School District's request for equipment in an amount not to exceed
$4,500. Furthermore, that funding is provided with the understanding that programming
produced will be aired on the educational access channel and that receipts of the
nurchasex made be vrovided to the City..dH ayes.
CITY COUNCIL LETTER
Meeting of: August 13, 2001
AGENDA SECTION: ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER' S
NO: CITY MANAGER'S APPROVAL f
PERTAINING TO PURCHASES AND CONTRACTS DATE: DATE: ~v
NO:
The Charter Commission has been reviewing various sections of the charter for some time now.
Chapter 6, Section 56, Purchases and Contracts has been discussed numerous times.
In discussions with the City Attorney, the Charter Commission members decided that in Chapter
6, Section 56 of the City Charter, the amount of $3,000 could be amended by a simple majority
of the council (by resolution). Also, it was decided that further clarification on conveyance
of real estate contracts was needed no matter what the amount of the transaction.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to waive the reading of the ordinance, there being ample copies
available to the public.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to schedule the
A~th 17:~uo~ at approximately 7 p.m.
second readin9 of the ordinance for
COUNCIL ACTION:
ORDINANCE NO.
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6, SECTION 56
OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
PERTAINING TO PURCHASES AND CONTRACTS
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Section 1: Chapter 6, Section 56 of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights which currently
reads as follows, to wit:
PURCHASES AND CONTRACTS. The city manager shall be chief purchasing
agent &the City. All purchases and contracts on behalf of the City shall be made by
the City Manager, but subject to the approval of the City Council whenever the
amounts of such purchases or contracts exceeds $3,000. All contracts of any kind to
which the city is a party exceeding $3,000.00 and instruments for the conveyance of
any real estate by the city shall be signed by the Mayor and the City Manager on
behalf of the City and shall be executed in the name of the city.
IS HEREWITH AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
PURCHASES AND CONTRACTS. The city manager shall be chief purchasing
agent of the City. All purchases and contracts on behalf of the City shall be made by
the City Manager, but subject to the approval of the City Council whenever the
amounts of such purchases or contracts exceeds $3,000. Said amount may be
amended by a simple majority of the Council by resolution. All contracts he ....
~.:_~ , .... ~.:~x. ,~.~ ~..,..: ............. ~:-- ~ ~'~^ '~ and inatruments for the
conveyance of any real estate by the city shall be signed by the Mayor and the City
Manager on behalf of the City and shall be executed in the name of the city.
Section 2: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after ninety (90) days after its
passage.
First Reading:
Second Reading:.
Date of Passage:
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Gary L. Peterson, Mayor
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL LETTER
Meeting of: August 13, 2001
AGENDA SECTION: ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER'S
NO: CITY MANAGER'S APPROVAL--
PERTAINING TO DAMAGE SUITS DATE: .
NO:
The Charter Commission has been reviewing various sections of the charter for some time now.
In discussions with the City Attorney, the Charter Commission members decided that Chapter 12,
Section 112 of the City Charter did not need to be in the charter any longer. Therefore, it
is recommended that this section be deleted.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to waive the reading of the ordinance,
available to the public.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to schedule the second reading
~-c~%~ ~. ~ at approximately 7 p.m.
there being ample copies
of the ordinance for
COUNCIL ACTION:
ORDINANCE NO.
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 which
currently reads as follows, to wit:
DAMAGE SUITS. No action shall be maintained against the city on account of any
injuries or damages to persons or property, unless such action shall be commenced
within one year from the occurrence of such injury or damage, nor unless notice shall
have been given in writing to the city clerk within thirty days of the occurrence of
such injury or damage, stating the time when and the specific place where, and the
circumstances under which the same occurred, and that the person injured or
damaged will claim damages of the city therefore.
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:
Second Reading:
Date of Passage:
Offered by:
Seconded by:.
Roll Call:
Gary L. Peterson, Mayor
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL LETTER
Meeting of: August 13, 2001
AGENDA SECTION: ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER'S
NO: CITY MANAGER'S APPROVAL
PERTAINING TO CITY TO SUCCEED TO RIGHTS DATE: E
AND OBLIGATIONS OF VILLAGE
NO:
The Charter Commission has been reviewing various sections of the charter for some time now.
In discussions with the City Attorney, the Charter Commission members decided that Chapter 12,
Section 114 of the City Charter did not need to be in the charter any longer. Therefore, it
is recommended that this section be deleted.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to waive the reading of the ordinance,
available to the public.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to schedule the
~u %~1~i ~ , at approximately 7 p.m.
second reading
there being ample copies
of the ordinance for
COUNCIL ACTION:
ORDINANCE NO.
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 which
currently reads as follows, to wit:
CITY TO SUCCEED TO RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF VILLAGE. The City
of Columbia Heights shall succeed to all the property, rights, and privileges, and
shall be subject to all the legal obligations, and of the village 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:
Second Reading:
Date of Passage:
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Patficia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
Gary L. Peterson, Mayor
CITY COUNCIL LETTER
Meeting of: August 13, 2001
AGENDA SECTION: ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER'S
NO: CITY MA/~AGER'S APPROVAL
ITEM: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. ~3~, BY: CHARTER COMMISSION BY: z~J
PERTAINING TO VILLAGE OFFICERS TO HOLD DATE: DATE:
OFFICE TILL WHEN
NO:
The Charter Commission has been reviewing various sections of the charter for some time now.
In discussions with the City Attorney, the Charter Commission members decided that Chapter 12,
Section 115 of the City Charter did not need to be in the charter any longer. Therefore, it
is recommended that this section be deleted.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to waive the reading of the ordinance,
available to the public.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to schedule the second reading
~I~1~4~)~_ , at approximately 7 p.m.
there being ample copies
of the ordinance for
COUNCIL ACTION:
ORDINANCE NO.
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 which
currently reads as follows, to wit:
VILLAGE OFFICERS TO HOLD OFFICE TILL WHEN_The officers of the present
village of Columbia Heights shall continue in their respective offices and functions,
and shall continue to govern the village in the usual manner until the first Monday in
July, A.D. 1921. They shall make such financial and other provisions for the fiscal
year 1921 as will serve to carry on the government until a city government has been
set up under this charter, and they shall make provision for the election of the first
city council as provided for in Chapter 4 of this charter.
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:
Second Reading:
Date of Passage:
Offeredby:_
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
Gary L. Peterson, Mayor
CITY COUNCIL LETTER
Meeting of: August 13, 2001
AGENDA SECTION: ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER'S
NO: CITY MANAGER'S APPROVAL
ITEM: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. ~[ ~ ~ BY: CHARTER COMMISSION BY:
PERTAINING TO EXISTING ORDINANCES DATE: DATE:
CONTINUED
NO:
The Charter Commission has been reviewing various sections of the charter for some time now.
In discussions with the City Attorney, the Charter Commission members decided that Chapter 12,
Section 117 of the City Charter did not need to be in the charter any longer. Therefore, it
is recommended that this section be deleted.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to waive the reading of the ordinance,
available to the public.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to schedule the
A~t~ ~ ~, )_00~ , at approximately 7 p.m.
second reading
there being ample copies
of the ordinance for
COUNCIL ACTION:
ORDINANCE NO.
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 which
currently reads as follows, to wit:
EXISTING ORDINANCES CONTINUED. All ordinances and regulations of the
village of Columbia Heights in force when this charter takes effect, and not
inconsistent with the provisions thereof, are hereby continued in full force and effect
until amended or repealed.
IS HEREWITH AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
EXISTING ORDINANCES CONTINUED. Deleted.
Section 2: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after ninety (90) days after its
passage.
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Date of Passage:
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Gary L. Peterson, Mayor
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk
332
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT
TO:
FROM:
Walt Fehst, City Manager
Thomas M. Johnson, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: 800 Radio System for Police and Fire
DATE: June 4, 2001
BACKGROUND:
The Communications Committee of the Joint Law Enforcement Council has been meeting on an
upgrade to the 800 MHz Police and Fire radio system for a little more than a year now. Consultant
Ron Vegemast was hired, who after reviewing the needs of the county and each of the cities, and
after looking at the systems available to us--including upgrading the analog system we currently
use--put together a proposal to show us the costs involved and suggested a path for us to follow.
The Chief of Police attended a meeting on May 23, 2001, reference the 800 MHz proposal. At this
meeting we were shown three proposals, which I have attached to this memo.
The first proposal is for maintaining the existing radio system by doing some upgrades to it. The
cost of this is $2,362,854. The annual operating cost would be $357,600. The problem with this is
that we would be throwing good money after bad in that the radios used in the system are obsolete
and are not going to be produced in the near future.
The second proposal is an enhanced VHF radio system that would cost $6,633,000. We were
advised this would be a temporary fix--the same as the first proposal--and eventually we would be
fomed to go to the 800 MHz system, with an annual operating cost of $66,150.
The third proposal was for an 800 MHz tmnked digital system. The cost on this would be
$8,476,433. This does not include the cost of the new radios, mobiles, desk base stations, and
portables, which countywide is estimated at $2,222,600, or the enhanced ftre paging system, which
is estimated at $1,810,000. Total cost is $12,508,033, with an annual operating cost of $526,240.
Also attached to this document is the Anoka County 2002 Capital Budget Plan for paying for this
system. In the plan it is suggested that we go with the new 800 MHz system. It was also the feeling
of the Joint Law Enforcement Council that we should go with this plan. It proposes the following to
pay for the system:
$2,051,258
$2,051,258
$4,102,516
City participation (21 cities in Anoka County)
G.O. capital note
State grant
Total $8,205,033
It has not been decided how to split up the cost for each city reference the $2,051,258. Some of the
suggestions that have been made are by population or by calls for service averaged over the last five
years. It was also suggested that the County should pay for it, we should set up a special taxing
district through the Joint Law Enfomement Council, local funding, and/or a surcharge on 9-1-1-
calls.
This will only pay for the backbone, towers, and dispatch center equipment. It will not pay for the
mobiles, portables, or office stations that would have to be purchased. In the past the County has
paid for police department mobiles and portables, and cities have paid for fire department mobiles
and radios. Our current analog radios will not work on an 800 MHz system. That would mean we
would have to replace 18 mobile units, five desktop base station units, and 36 portable units in the
Police Department. In the Fire Department, it would be necessary to replace seven mobile units,
three desktop base station units, and 18 portable units. In the year 2005-2006 the mobile units are
estimated to cost $1,800 each, desktop base stations are estimated to cost $2,500 each, and portable
units are estimated to cost $1,500 each.
ANALYSIS/CONCLUSION:
In the past, Anoka County has paid for the upgrades and maintenance of the county public safety
radio system. This would include police and fire. What the county is proposing would be a change
in how we do business. It should also be noted that mobile and portable radios have been purchased
for all of the county police departments by the county since the countywide system went into effect.
It is the feeling ofstaffthat the county should continue to fund or tax for the county radio system. It
is also staff's feeling that the county should set up a special taxing district that would help pay for
this system not only now, but in the future when the system needs to be upgraded again.
If the city is required to participate financially to this system, I looked at what I believe to be best-
case and worst-case scenarios. Best case with a state grant we would have to put away
approximately $31,250 per year to have $125,000 in the year 2005 in order to pay our share of the
system. This would not include the purchase cost of mobiles, desk base stations, or portables.
Worst-case scenario is no state grant--we would have to put away approximately $90,000 per year
to have $360,000 in the year 2005 in order to pay our share of the system. It should be noted that a
financing bill for Polk County to assist paying for this type of system was presented to the State
Legislature this past session. Its future or success is unknown at this time due the Legislature not
completing its funding package.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: None at this time for consideration, and discussion only at this
time.
TMJ:mld
01-095
Attachments
CiW of Columbia Heights
Public Works Department
Work Session Discussion Item
Work Session Date: August 6, 2001 r~~
Prepared by: Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director/City Enginee
Item: Wargo Court Retaining Wall
Background:
As part of the Transition Block Redevelopment, the alley between 41st and 42na Avenues, east of
NEI, will be constructed on the north end. The construction of the Crestview Senior Building
requires realigning the alley with two ninety degree tums and then accessing directly south of Van
Buren on 42nd Avenue.
Analysis and Conclusions:
During the review process, staff had contact with the management company for the strip center at
4110 Central Avenue. Ron Clark Companies indicated that the lower level businesses utilized large
van and semi-trailers for deliveries. At the City Council meeting where final plans were approved,
staff was directed to work with developer to modify the two ninety degree turns to accommodate the
turning movements of a tractor-trailer. The bends have been modified to accommodate a tractor-
trailer of 55 total feet.
Recently staff has been contacted by lower level business owners indicating the new alignment
would be acceptable for one-way traffic, but larger delivery vans and tractor-trailers cannot access
to south alley access at 41st Avenue. Currently, all larger vehicle deliveries turn into the alley north
of 42na Avenue and back down the alley to make deliveries. Their concern relates in attempting to
reverse or back out of the realigned alley. The owners indicated that garbage tracks do not even use
the 41st alley access.
The Transition Block Project did not alter the alignment nor paved width of the alley at 41 st Avenue.
Discussions with the property manager focused only on the north alley access. After recent
discussions with the business owners, staff determined that modifications to the retaining wall at
Wargo Court would provide the width and tuming radius for the same 55-foot tractor trailer (see
attached plan). The alley width would be widened to a maximum of 24 feet behind Wargo Court
with a larger radius at 41st Avenue to accommodate the turning movement. Staff has contacted the
contractor for the Jefferson wall project and he is willing to extend the low bid unit bid prices for
the Wargo Project. Public Works would replace the bituminous surface and the City's
Miscellaneous Concrete Contractor would provide removal and replacement of the concrete curb
and gutter. The low bid unit pricing results in a cost of $18,320. The State Aid Maintenance Fund
is recommended by staff to pay for the Wargo retaining wall project..
Requested Action:
Authorize Change Order No. 1 to Suuram Constrcution, Inc. in an amount not-to-exceed $18,320
for the Wargo Court Retaining Wall.
Attachment: Drawing
WARGO COURT
(5?¢ S.r.)
WARGO COURT I
CITY of COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
City of Columbia Heights
Public Works Department
Work Session Discussion Item
Work Session Date: August 6, 2001
Prepared by: Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Item: Cross Connection of Sanitary Sewer at Jackson Pon~
Background:
As part of the Zone 5 Street Rehabilitation Project, staff had inchidcd the removal of an overflow
connection from the trunk sanitary sewer on 43~ Avenue into Jackson Pond. At the contract award
meeting, the City Council requested additional information prior to proceeding with this portion of
the work.
Analysis and Conclusions:
In the Zone 5 work area, staff performed testing and analysis on the sanitary sewer system that
serves the area south of 43~ Avenue between Central and Quincy Avenues. Past history has shown a
pattern of sewer backups in this area, flooding out basement homes. Staff also inspected the entire
trunk sanitary sewer lines that serve this area fi.om Central to University Avenues. Deficiencies
were found in the trunk lines ranging from constrictions in the pipe (43ra and Quincy), to significant
tree root infiltration, to settlement in the lines (45* - University to 5* Street). An additional concern
staffhas in the overall system operation is the straight connection fi.om a sanitary manhole on 43ra
Avenue into Jackson Pond. While originally intended for sewage to overflow into Jackson Pond, I
believe that the reverse may be happening. Many discussions with the residents in the flood prone
area indicate that the sewage backup occur only during intense rainstorm events, where Jackson
Pond has risen. Two check valves were put in this overflow line to the pond, but are unreliable.
Public Works continues to recommend the removal of this cross connection and with improvements
to the trunk piping system in the Zone 5 area, should minimize the potential for the effects of storm
events to flood these areas of homes.
Additional information is attached from the Federal Register relating to the EPA requirements to
eliminate sanitary sewer cross connections and the potential for sewer overflows. Sanitary sewer
overflows that discharge to public waters have been prohibited since 1972 under the Clean Water
Act. In 1999, the EPA drafted additional regulation that would further reduce the occurrence of
sanitary sewer overflows. This rule was out for final comment early in 2001 and should be
considered for final adoption shortly by the end of this year. Under the 1972 plan, I believe the City
of Columbia Heights provided an action plan with the MNPCA that allowed the connection to
remain in place. My initial review of the current legislation is that the City would be required to
remove it, if passed.
Requested Action:
Authorize the elimination of the sanitary sewer cross connection to Jackson Pond as originally
proposed in the Zone 5 construction plans.
Attachment: EPA information (4 sheets)
&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
A,qency
Office of Water (4201)
Washington, DC 20460
http:llwww.eDa.oovlwater
EPA 833-01-F-001
January 2001
Proposed Rule To Protect Communities From
Overflowing Sewers
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to clarify and expand permit
requirements under the Clean Water Act for 19,000 municipal sanitary sewer collection systems
in order to reduce sanitary sewer overflows. The proposed requirements will help communities
improve some of our Nation's most valuable infrastructure --our wastewater collection
systems-by requiring facilities to develop and implement new capacity, management, operation,
and maintenance programs and public notification programs. The l9,0OO systems covered by
this rule include 4,800 municipal satellite collection systems which will be directly regulated
under the Clean Water Act for the first time· The proposed requirements will result in fewer
sewer overflows, leading to healthier communities, fewer beach closures, and fish and shellfish
that are safer to eat.
Background
Sanitary sewer collection systems perform the critical task of collecting sewage and other
wastewater from places where people live, work, and recreate, and transport it to the treatment
facility for proper treatment and disposal. These systems are essential for protecting public health
and the environment.
A combination of factors has resulted in releases of untreated sewage from some parts of the
collection systems before it reaches treatment facilities, known as sanitary sewer overflows. Most
cities and towns started building sewer collection systems over 100 years ago and many of these
systems have not received adequate upgrades, maintenance and repair over time. Cities have used
a wide variety of materials, designs, and installation practices. Even well-operated systems may
be subject to occasional blockages or structural, mechanical, or electrical failures. Problems with
sewer overflows can be particularly severe where portions of a system have fallen into disrepair
or where an older system is inferior to more modem systems.
EPA estimates that there are at least 40,000 overflows of sanitary sewers each year. The
untreated sewage from these overflows can contaminate our waters, causing serious water quality
problems and threatening drinking water supplies and fish and shellfish. It can also back up into
basements, causing property damage and creating threats to public health for those who come in
contact with the untreated sewage.
Sanitaxy sewer overflows that discharge to surface waters have been prohibited under the Clean
Water Act since 1972. Municipal wastewater treatment plants that discharge are currently
required to comply with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits,
which require record-keeping and reporting of overflows and maintenance of their collection
system. Most satellite sewage collection systems do not current have NPDES pe~aits.
Proposed Rule to Reduce Sewer Overflows
EPA is proposing revisions to the NPDES permit regulations to improve the operation of
municipal sanitary sewer collection systems, reduce the frequency and occurrence of sewer
overflows, and provide more effective public notification when overflows do occur. This
proposal will provide communities with a framework for reducing health and environmental risks
associated with overflowing sewers. The result will be fewer overflows, better information for
local communities, and extended lifetime for the Nation's infrastructure. This nde primarily
addresses sanitary sewer overflows, not combined sewer overflows.
Capacity Assurance, Management, Operation, and Maintenance Programs. These programs will
help communities ensure they have adequate wastewater collection and treatment capacity and
incorporate many standard operation and maintenance activities for good system performance.
When implemented, these programs will provide for efficient operation of sanitary sewer
collection systems.
Notifying the Public and Health Authorities. Municipalities and other local interests will
establish a locally-tailored program that notifies the public of overflows according to the risk
associated with specific overflow events. EPA is also proposing that annual summaries of sewer
overflows be made available to the public. The proposal also clarifies existing record-keeping
requirements and requirements to report to the state.
Prohibition of Overflows. The existing Clean Water Act prohibition of sanitary sewer overflows
that discharge to surface waters is clarified to provide communities with limited protection from
enforcement in cases where overflows are caused by factors beyond their reasonable control or
severe natural conditions, provided there are no feasible alternatives.
Expanding Permit Coverage to Satellite Systems. Satellite municipal collection systems are those
collection systems where the owner or operator is different than the owner or operator of the
treatment facility. Some 4,800 satellite collection systems will be required to obtain NPDES
permit coverage to include the requirements under this proposal.
Cost
· EPA estimates that this role would impose an additional total cost for municipalities of $93.5
million to $126.5 million each year, including costs associated with both planning and
permitting. A collection system serving 7,500 may need to spend an average of $6,000 each year
to comply with this rule.
Additional Information
For additional information about EPA's proposed sanitaw sewer overflow regulation, contact
Kevin Weiss at weiss.kevin@epa.gov or visit http://www.epa.gov/owm/sso.htm on the Internet.
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpres...b0e8e0852569¢b005 f0551 ?OpenDocument
,EPA
United States
Environmental Protection Agency
Headquarters Press Release
Washington, DC
Date
Published:
Title:
01/05/2001
EPA TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT THE NATION'S BEACHES
FROM HEALTH THREATS POSED BY RAW SEWAGE OVERFLOWS
FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2001
EPA TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT THE NATION'S BEACHES FROM HEALTH
THREATS POSED BY RAW SEWAGE OVERFLOWS
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today took action to protect public health and
the nation's beaches and waterways from disease-causing organisms and contamination
that occurs from 40,000 raw sewage overflows each year. EPA specifically is taking action
to reduce the sewer overflows that can lead to beach closures by proposing significant
improvements in the operation and maintenance of the nation's sewer systems.
EPA Assistant Administrator J. Charles Fox, said, "Each year, too many beaches in
America must be closed due to contamination by raw sewage that threatens public health.
Overflowing sewers are the major contributors to this problem. Today's action is a step
toward ensuring that sewer systems across America will be improved to help keep our
beaches safe for swimming."
Today's proposal comes in response to President Clinton's May 1999 executive
action to improve water quality and public health by developing stronger measures
to prevent sewage spills, the major cause of beach closures.
In 1999, nearly 1500 of the nation's beach closures and health advisories were due
to sewage overflows, threatening public health, family vacations, recreational use
of waterways and billions of tourist dollars.
As part of EPA's commitment to the public's right-to-know, today's proposed rule
would require that the general public, health and other community officials be
notified immediately of a health-threatening raw sewage overflow.
Overflowing untreated sewage can contaminate rivers, lakes, and coastal waters
1 of 2 5/22/01 2:35 PM
hilp://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpres...b0e8e0852569cb005 f0551 ?OpenDocument
and threaten drinking water supplies, as well as back up into homes, resulting in
expensive property damage to homeowners and communities.
A sanitary sewer overflow is a release of sewage from a collection system,
including pipes, before it reaches a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Sewer
overflows are a chronic and growing problem. Many of the nation's urban sewage
collection systems are aging; some sewers are 100 years old. Many systems have
not received the essential maintenance and repair necessary to keep them
working properly.
The proposed rule would require improved management of capacity and
maintenance programs to reduce sewer overflows by strengthening current Clean
Water Act permit conditions for over 19,000 sewage treatment plants around the
country. The proposal would require 4,800 "satellite" sewage collection systems to
get permits for the first time. Cities would be required to develop and implement
plans to improve plant performance, encourage new investments in infrastructure,
as well as perform a number of technical upgrades. EPA would clarify that
communities have limited protection from enforcement in very rare circumstances.
EPA estimates that this rule would impose an additional total cost for all municipalities of
$93.5 million to $126.5 million each year, including costs associated with both planning
and permitting. A collection system serving 7,500 people may need to spend an average of
$6,000 each year to comply with this rule.
EPA will take public comment for 120 days on the proposal. Additional information
including fact sheets and the Federal Register notice will be available at:
http://www.eDa.o_ov/water under "What's New."
EPA ~ Email A
Home Page Comment
2 of 2 5/22/01 2:35 PM
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FRO M:
RE:
MAYOR PETERSON
COUNCILMEMBER SZUREK
COUNCILMEMBER WYCKOFF
COUNCILMEMBER NAWROCKI
COUNCILMEMBER WILLIAMS
WALT FEHST, CITY MANAGERL~f
RECREATIONAL FIRE PERMIT
Councilmember Nawrocki asked to have this item placed on the agenda for
consideration.
Basically, we allow people to come and request a recreational fire permit on a
daily basis. The concern is appropriate weather conditions, which change from
day to day. We are reluctant to allow a two-day permit because of this.
Every spring, this is a major item of debate for the Fire Department. I believe
Dana Alexon indicated the Fire Department issued 1,700 permits last year,
between approximately 100 to 200 different people.
Conceivably, a weekend permit could be granted with the clear understanding that
the applicant must call and request specific approval for the next day, granted
upon consideration of the weather.
I have not yet spoken to the Fire Chief for his concerns or recommendations on
this item.
RECOMMENDATION: Discussion