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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 14, 2005OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 14, 2005 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 14, 2005 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL/INVOCATION Mayor Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Ericson, and Councilmember Kelzenberg. Excused: Councilmember Nawrocki, as he is representing the City of Columbia Heights at the National League of Cities Conference Pastor Theresa Taylor, Oak Hill Baptist Church, gave the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - recited ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA - none Peterson indicated that Councilmember Williams is present this evening after undergoing hip surgery only eleven days ago, and he was also at the work session only five days after surgery. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS Introduction of New Employees Acting Fire Chief Gary Gorman, described the hiring process for the new firefighter. He introduced Tom Mattson, indicating that Tom was a paid-on-call firefighter for the past six years. Tom Mattson stated that he is thrilled and excited to receive this opportunity and thanked the City Council. Peterson answered a question from the audience, stating that our Fire Department now also covers the City of Hilltop for fire and rescue services. Gorman stated that we have had this contract for a year now. This is a win-win situation. CONSENT AGENDA City Manager Walt Fehst took Councilmembers through the Consent Agenda. 1) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes for February 28, 2005 regular City Council meeting Motion to approve the minutes of the February 28, 2005, regular City Council meeting as presented. 2) Accept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes a) Motion to accept the EDA minutes of January 25, 2005 b) Motion to accept the Planning and Zoning Commission minutes of March 1, 2005 3) Establish Commission Interview Session beginning at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2005, in Conference Room 1. Fehst indicated there are no items at this time that require a work session. The evening will be limited to Board and Commission interviews. Motion to establish a commission interview session beginning at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2005, in Conference Room 1. City Council Minutes March 14, 2005 Page 2 of 9 4) Approve the purchase of a reverse calling system from City Watch of AVTEX Incorporated Removed for discussion. 5) Approve request to allow use of Police Department name and logo for a training video Fehst stated that Mr. Kwong, Dragon House owner, has requested to fihu a Columbia Heights Police Squad for a training video. Motion to allow Mr. Peter Kwong to film for a training video for law enforcement a Columbia Heights Police squad car while it is moving with lights and siren on and while displaying the Columbia Heights name and logo. 6) First reading of Ordinance 1482, being an ordinance amending Ordinance 853 City Code of 1977, to prohibit "certain exhibitions and conduct" on any premises holding any type of liquor license in the City of Columbia Heights Williams stated that the City of Fridley has this same ordinance. The premise is that these events will not be allowed at facilities with a liquor license. Fehst indicated this would include events such as kickboxing. Motion to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1482 there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to schedule the second reading of Ordinance No. 1482 being an ordinance amending Ordinance 853 City Code of 1977, to prohibit "certain exhibitions and conduct" on any premises holding any type of liquor license in the City of Columbia Heights for Monday, March 28, 2005 at approximately 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. 7) Authorization to seek bids - 2005 Miscellaneous Concrete Replacement and Installation Project Fehst indicated the projection this year is between $20,000 and $40,000 to replace damaged concrete. Motion to authorize staff to seek bids for the 2005 Miscellaneous Concrete Replacement and Installation Project. 8) Adopt Resolution 2005-13 to award crack sealing and Adopt Resolution 2005-14 to award street striping Fehst stated this request is part of the joint powers agreement for crack sealing and street striping. Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2005-13, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2005-13 being a Resolution awarding the Joint Powers Agreement contract with the City of Coon Rapids for the 2005 Crack Sealing project to Allied Blacktop of Maple Grove, Minnesota, based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the mnount of $0.65 per lineal foot with an estimated cost of $15,967.90 to be appropriated from Fund 212-43190-5130. Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2005-14, their being ample copies available to the public. City Council Minutes March 14, 2005 Page 3 of 9 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2005-14, being a Resolution awarding the Joint Powers Agreement contract with the City of Coon Rapids for the 2005 Street Striping Project to United Rental Highway Technologies of Rogers, Minnesota, based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $17.17 per gallon, with an estimated cost of $3,148.24 with $2,767.39 to be appropriated from Fund 212-43190-4000 and $380.85 to be appropriated from Fund 101-43170-4000. RESOLUTION NO. 2005-14 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR 2005-2006 STREET MAINTENANCE, STREET STRIPING TO UNITED RENTAL HIGHWAY TECHNOLOGIES WHEREAS, the City Council of Columbia Heights entered into a joint powers agreement with the City of Coon Rapids to administer the public bidding process including entering into a contract with the low, qualified, responsible bidder, and WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids for 2005-2006 Street Maintenance, including Columbia Heights Street Striping Project, bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were received complying with the advertisement: Bidder United Rentals Highway Technologies, Inc. Traffic Marking Services AAA Striping Service Company Base Bid $57,333.00 $61,074.00 $65,664.00 WHEREAS, it appears that United Rentals Highway Technologies, Inc., 14280 James Road, Rogers, MN is the lowest responsible bidder. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA: 1. The City of Coon Rapids is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with United Rentals Highway Technologies, Inc. on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights for 2005-2006 Street Maintenance Materials, according to the specifications for said project and accepting Traffic Markings Base Bid. 2. The City Manager of Columbia Heights is authorized to expend funds in accordance with the terms of the Joint Powers Agreement and the Bid Documents. 3. City Street Striping Project shall be funded with 85% State Aid maintenance funds and 15% general funds. RESOLUTION NO. 2005-13 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR 2005-2006 STREET MAINTENANCE, AND CRACK SEALING TO ALLIED BLACKTOP COMPANY WHEREAS, the City Council of Columbia Heights entered into a joint powers agreement with the City of Coon Rapids to administer the public bidding process including entering into a contract with the low, qualified, responsible bidder, and WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids for 2005-2006 Street Maintenance, including Columbia Heights Crack Sealing Project, bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were received complying with the advertisement: Bidder Allied Blacktop Company Astech Asphalt Surface Technologies Base Bid $15,967.90 $17,933.18 WHEREAS, it appears that Allied Blacktop, 10503 89th Ave. No., Maple Grove, MN is the lowest responsible bidder. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA: 1. The City of Coon Rapids is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Allied Blacktop Company on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights for 2005-2006 Street Maintenance Materials, according to the specifications for said project and accepting Crack Filling Base Bid. City Council Minutes March 14, 2005 Page 4 of 9 2. The City Manager of Columbia Heights is authorized to expend funds in accordance with the terms of the Joint Powers Agreement and the Bid Documents. 3. City Crack Sealing Project shall be funded with 100% State Aid maintenance funds. 9) Adopt Resolution 2005-09, being a Resolution authorizing application(s) to the MNDNR for an outdoor recreation grant for Huset Park Improvements. Fehst stated that the Huset Park plan has not been formally adopted, but we apply for these grants every year. We have not been successful in the past. The maximum amount available is $250,000 and would require a 50/50 match. Fehst felt that even with a scaled down version of the plan we would still be able to use any grant funds received. Staffwill also seek Livable Communities Grant monies for this park. The first phase improvement estimate is $1.5 million. Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No.2005-09, there being mrtple copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2005-09 being a Resolution authorizing the Public Works Director to submit an application to the Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Grant Program for grant eligible work for Huset Park improvements, Phase One, and designating the Director of Public Works as the primary contact for the program. RESOLUTION No. 2005-09 BEING A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AN APPLICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT PROGRAM FOR ELIGIBLE FUNDS FOR HUSET PARK IMPROVEMENTS AND DESIGNATING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS AS THE CITY'S PRIMARY CONTACT WITH THE DNR WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights desires to work towards improving its Neighborhood Parks by facility replacements and new amenities; and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights is in the process of completing and adopting a Parks Comprehensive Plan as a part of the City's overall Comprehensive Plan; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA that: the City Council supports the application of the Outdoor Recreation Grants for parks improvements as recommended by the City Park and Recreations Commission and that the Director of Public Works is hereby authorized to apply to the Department of Natural Resources for funding of identified projects on behalf of the City. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights has the institutional, managerial, and financial capability to ensure adequate construction, operation, maintenance and replacement of the proposed projects for their design life. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights has not incurred any costs for the proposed projects and owns the land for which the proposed projects will take place on. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Columbia Heights has not willfully violated any Federal, State, or Local laws pertaining to fraud, bribery, graft, kickbacks, collusion, conflict of interest or other unlawful or corrupt practice. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon approval of its application by the state, Columbia Heights may enter into an agreement with the State of Minnesota for the identified projects and that Columbia Heights certifies that it will comply with all applicable laws and regulations as stated in the grant agreement. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Director of Public Works is hereby authorized to execute such agreements as are necessary to implement those projects receiving DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Funding on behalf of the City. City Council Minutes March 14, 2005 Page 5 of 9 10) Adot)t Resolution 2005-10, bein~ a Resolution declarin~ the intent to bond for Zone 7B Street Rehabilitation Project, City Project 2005-02. Fehst stated that despite consideration to postpone Zone 7B street repairs, the State Auditor indicates that if a resolution has been passed you can still bond for the improvements. This is a protection device. Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2005-10, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2005-10, approving the declaration for the official intent of the City of Columbia Heights to Bond for Zone 7B Street Rehabilitation Project, City Project 2005- 02. RESOLUTION NO. 2005-10 DECLARING THE OFFICIAL INTENT OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TO REIMBURSE CERTAIN EXPENDITUKES FROM THE PROCEEDS OF BONDS TO BE ISSUED BY THE CITY WHEREAS, Internal Revenue Service has issued Tres. Reg. 1.140-2 providing that proceeds of tax exempt bond used to reimburse prior expenditures will be not be deemed spent unless certain requirements are met; and, WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights (the "City") expects to incur certain expenditures which may be financed temporarily from sources other than bonds, and reimbursed from the proceeds of a bond; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. The City reasonably intends to make expenditures for Project #0502 consisting of Zone 7B Street Rehabilitation and reasonably intends to reimburse itself for such expenditures from the proceeds of debt to be issued by the City in one or more series in the maximum principal amount of $1,500,000. 2. This resolution is intended to constitute a declaration of official intent for purposes of Tres. Reg. 1.150-2 and any successor law, regulating or ruling. 11) Adopt Resolution 2005-11, being a Resolution declaring the intent to bond for Huset Parkway - City Proiect 2004-04. Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2005-11, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2005-11, approving the declaration for the official intent of the City of Columbia Heights to Bond for the Huset Parkway, City Project 2004-04. RESOLUTION NO. 2005-11 DECLARING THE OFFICIAL INTENT OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TO REIMBURSE CERTAIN EXPENDITURESFROM THE PROCEEDS OF BONDS TO BE ISSUED BY THE CITY WHEREAS, Internal Revenue Service has issued Tres. Reg. 1.140-2 providing that proceeds of tax exempt bond used to reimburse prior expenditures will be not be deemed spent unless certain requirements are met; and, WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights (the "City") expects to incur certain expenditures which may be f'manced temporarily from sources other than bonds, and reimbursed from the proceeds of a bond; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. The City reasonably intends to make expenditures for Project #0404 consisting of Huset Parkway and reasonably intends to reimburse itself for such expenditures from the proceeds of debt to be issued by the City in one or more series in the maximum principal amount of $1,400,000. 2. This resolution is intended to constitute a declaration of official intent for purposes of Tres. Reg. 1.150-2 and any successor law, regulating or ruling. City Council Minutes March 14, 2005 Page 6 of 9 12) Authorize the Capital Equipment Replacement of Unit #20, 1984 Ford F700 Aerial Lift Truck Fehst stated that the aerial truck was discussed in last year's and this year's budget, for chassis replacement. The condition is so poor that tree trimming is now being done from a dump truck. Rental would be approximately $3,000 per month. Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, stated there are only a couple such units available for rent in the metro area. Fehst stated that replacenaent of the chassis would be $45,000. Hansen stated there was consideration to use the current lift on a different used chassis. Excluding purchase, to remount the chassis would be about $12,000. If a unit was leased, it would be required in the summer and the winter for necessary operations. A new unit would be approximately $92,000. Hansen stated that Steve Synowczynski, Shop Supervisor, has found a demonstration vehicle for sale. There is an established budget of $45,000. The demo vehicle meets our specifications, has 31,000 miles, and comes with a warranty. The current unit would be traded or sold at auction for approximately $5,000 to $7,500. Steve Synowczynski, Shop Foreman, indicated the in-house and outside repair record of the current vehicle. Continued use of this vehicle would require a new engine and chassis replacement. He stated this unit is three years past its 15 year life span. Williams indicated his appreciation to the Shop Forman for his strong service maintenance of our equipment. Motion to authorize the replacement of Unit #20, with one used 1998 Ford F-800 chassis equipped with 8.3L diesel engine, and 59 foot aerial lift from Steffen Truck& Equipment, Sioux City, Iowa in a maximum amount of $45,700, plus sales tax. Funding shall be from the Tree Care and Maintenance Capital Equipment Replacement Fund. 13) Adopt Resolution No. 2005-16, bein~ a resolution supporting the Outdoor Recreation Grant Application of Anoka County for Kordiak County Park. Fehst stated that the County has requested a resolution of support for improvements at Kordiak Park. Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2005-16, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2005-16, being a Resolution supporting the Outdoor Recreation Grant Application of Anoka County for Kordiak County Park, Anoka County, Minnesota. RESOLUTION NO. 2005-16 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT APPLICATION OF ANOKA COUNTY FOR KORDIAK COUNTY PARK, ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA WHEREAS, Anoka County is applying for an Outdoor Recreation Grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for Improvements to Kordiak County Park; and WHEREAS, Anoka County is committed to improving the quality of recreation facilities and enhancing natural resources within the county; and WHEREAS, Kordiak County Park, located witlfin the City of Columbia Heights is in need of physical improvements; and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights recognizes the recreational benefits of these improvements; and City Council Minutes March 14, 2005 Page 7 of 9 WHEREAS, protecting natural resources and providing open space is of high priority to the area residents and the City of Columbia Heights, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City of Columbia Heights that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources accepts and approves this application to fund improvements at Kordiak County Park. 14) Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for March 14, 2005 as presented. 15) Approve Payment of Bills Motion to approve payment of the bills out of the proper funds as listed in the attached check register covering Check Number 111941 through 112107 in the amount of $808,567.63. Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to approve the Consent Agenda items except for item g4 as follows: Upon vote: Ayes - Peterson, Williams, Ericson, Kelzenberg. Absent - Nawrocki. Motion carried. #4 Reverse calling system Police Chief Tom Johnson indicated a Homeland Security Grant of $186,000, requiring no matching dollars, was received. $36,000 would fund a reverse calling system and the remainder to radios for the CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Team) for three area cities. A staff committee reviewed the options of Quest Reverse Calling System, Reverse 911 Calling system and City Watch. The Quest system is a rental system and the most expensive. The 911 System is only a four-port system and has a large annual fee, annual maintenance cost and upgrade charges. The City Watch system is a local company from Bloomington with systems being operated in the City of Fridley and Ramsey County. The eight-port system is $24,290, with no annual fee. The annual maintenance fee would be ten percent of the system and will include upgrades to the system. Johnson stated that the City Watch system does outbound and inbound messaging, GIS street mapping, and can place about 600 calls in one hour, with the eight-port system. The calling system can be used to inform specific areas of lost children, business alerts, to mobilize personnel, health checks, road closings, water main breaks, local crime information, meeting notification, and conduct surveys. The system will call escalate; meaning each location can have multiple call numbers. Databases will be established for Police Officers, Firefighters, CERT personnel, and Crime Watch Captains. Fehst asked when residents would be notified of a rash of crimes. Johnson stated notification would error on' the side of caution and safety. If residents do not want to be called, they can request to be removed from the database, and residents can notify us if they want to be added to the database. Williams reiterate this would be purchased with grant funds. Johnson stated that the Homeland Security Grant is from the Federal government and cost us nothing. Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Williams, to approve the purchase of a reverse calling system from City Watch of AVTEX Incorporated in the amount of $24,290 plus tax and annual maintenance fee, and to allow the City Manager and Police Chief to enter into a contract for the same. Upon vote: Ayes - Peterson, Williams, Ericson, Kelzenberg. Absent- Nawrocki. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 600 51 st Ave Mayor Peterson closed the Public Hearing Regarding the Revocation or Suspension of the Rental City Council Minutes March 14, 2005 Page 8 of 9 License Held by Anthony Chester regarding rental property at 600 51 st Avenue in that the Property complies with the Residential Maintenance Code. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION - none ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager Fehst recommended Wednesday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m. for City Councilmembers to tour the Minneapolis Membrane Water Filtration Plant. He suggested inviting the Planning Commission members. Hansen stated that the contractor would require everyone to sign a security waiver. Fehst stated that the City of Minneapolis is replacing the master meter inside the gate off of Stinson Boulevard, which may take up to six weeks. Fehst indicated that the new SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, which controls our pumps and lift stations, is now in full operation. The false notices have been eliminated and staff is delighted with the system. Fehst stated that April 3rd at the High School would be the Fire Explorer's pancake breakfast and the Rising to New Heights Housing Fair. Also to be held on April 3rd is the Taste of Heights Diversity Fair at Murzyn Hall from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with eight different restaurants and wine tasting. Larry Scott, Liquor Manager, is arranging this event. Report of the City Attorney - none CITIZENS FORUM - none COUNCIL CORNER Kelzenberg Congratulated his son's ball teton. Congratulated the Police Chief on receiving the Homeland Security grant. The City has recently received between $3 to $4 million in grants. · Reminded residents there is no parking on the street from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Williams · Addressed the issue of poor water brought forth at the last meeting. The City spends a lot of money on water lines, and will continue working on these problems. · Referred to sump pump inspections taking place throughout the City, and read the statistics from the green sheet. Reassured citizens that our water system is very important to them. Fehst stated that we have applied to the League of MN Cities and have about six items to answer to obtain insurance against sewer backups. · Referred to a letter requesting a stop sign. This will be forwarded to the Traffic Commission. Johnson stated he sent a copy to Engineer Kathy Young and the Police Department would do the background work on the request. · Referred to a letter regarding the neighborhood revitalization program in St. Louis Park. Requested that Fehst follow up on this. · The Sister Cities spaghetti dinner fundraiser went very well. · Wished everyone a nice Easter. · Read a card sent to him in the hospital from Don and Joann Student. · It is important to learn to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We should reach out to our fellow neighbors. City Council Minutes March 14, 2005 Page 9 of 9 Ericson · March is MN Food Share month. · Attended the Empty Bowls event for our local food shelf. Read the statistics of food provided through this facility. During March, look for creative ways to support our food shelf. · On April 3rd our Firefighter Explores will host a pancake breakfast, along with the Rising to New Heights Housing Fair at the Columbia Heights High School. The Taste of Heights, featuring eight restaurants, will be at Murzyn Hall the same day. · Support our Police and Fire Departments at their appreciation event on April 1st. · Congratulated the 7th grade Boys Basketball team for winning the State championship. They were undefeated. Thanked the coaches. · The Th-City Girls Hockey players also won their state tournament. Peterson stated thatpride in Cohtmbia Heights is coming back. Peterson · The Sister Cities Cormnittee raised about $3,500 this year and now have well over the amount needed to purchase a container of wheelchairs that will be donated to Lomianki Poland. Our community should be proud of our Sister Cities group. · At the last meeting, a'gentleman expressed displeasure in the audio of the televised City Council meeting at his home. Has watched the meeting several times, everyone spoke clearly and into the microphones. The criticism was unfounded. Indicated that Councilmember Nawrocki leans back in his chair because for health reasons. · We are still aware and proud of our troops - they are doing a great job for us. Thank them. · Do not take ourselves too seriously, be kind to one another, and do a random act of kindness. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 7:58 p.m. ~;t~uC~ C~; C~lveit ZrkJcCo uMnCcil S e er !t ary