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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 28, 2005OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CiTY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 28, 2005 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 28, 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. Pastor Paul Widen, Oak Hill Baptist Church, gave the Invocation. Peterson expressed his pleasure with the ministerial association for supplying invocations at these meetings. Present: Mayor Peterson, Councihnember Nawrocki, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Ericson, Councilmember Kelzenberg PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - recited ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA - none PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS~ RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS - none CONSENT AGENDA City Manager Walt Fehst took the Councihnembers through the Consent Agenda items. 1) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes for March 14, 2005 regular City_ Council meeting Motion to approve the minutes of the March 14, 2005, regular City Council meeting as presented. Nawrocld stated that everything on the last meeting agenda was on the Consent Agenda, which should only be for routine items. There should be more discussion so residents are informal. He indicated that Chief Johnson did an excellent job describing the reverse calling system. The Huset Parkway could be a $3,000,000 project, with an additional $3,000,000 for the park, which has not been approved. The aerial truck should have been discussed at a work session, but was not. The park grant application should not have been allowed, as the project is not approved. He stated that we should not commit State Aid monies for this project that would take away monies from general maintenance. Fehst indicated that Zone 7B street rehabilitation could be set back a year to acconnnodate the road project. He stated that the authorization to sell bonds was recommended by the auditors for administrative chores. The maximum park grant would be $250,000 with a match required. We feel the park could easily use that amount of improvement. Peterson indicated that we should not deplete our State Aid, as many streets need improvement. 2) Accept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes Motion to accept the Traffic Commission meeting minutes of March 7, 2005 3) Establish Work Session meeting date for Monday, April 4, 2005, begimaing at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1. Motion to establish a Work Session meeting date for Monday, April 4, 2005 begilming at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1. Upcoming Work Session Items: update on Huset parkway design with SEH and State Aid road designation. Legal services contracts will be discussed at the April 18th work session. City Council Minutes March 28, 2005 Page 2 of 6 4) Approve 2005 Board and Commission reappointments Motion to re-appoint Tom Greenhalgh to the Park and Recreation Commission for a five year terms; Mitch DeMars to the Police and Fire Civil Service Commission for a three year term; Dennis Stroik, Rueben Ruen, and David Mal~oney to the Telecommunications Commission for two year terms; and Kenneth Stumpfto the Traffic Commission for a four year term effective April 1, 2005. Nawrocki stated that the Council had not discussed these reappointments or considered other applicants for the positions. Peterson asked if Councilmembers would like to table reappointments for further consideration. He indicated that he had no problem with these specific reappointments. Kelzenberg agreed. Willimns stated he would like to see other interested persons be considered. Peterson stated they have all indicated they wish to be reappointed. Ericson agreed with Nawrocki, that we need not make blanket reappointments. Peterson confirmed these reappointments with the understanding reappointments are not automatic. 5) Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for March 28, 2005 as presented. 6) 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 112108 through 112274 in the mount of $786,377.47. Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Williams, to approve the Consent Agenda items. Upon vote: Ail ayes. Motion carried. '*UBLIC HEARINGS - none ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Other Ordinances and Resolutions Second reading of Ordinance 1482 to prohibit certain exhibitions and conduct on any premises holding any type of liquor license in the City of Colmnbia Heights Police Chief Tom Johnson stated this was brought to his attention by articles in the Star Tribune and through fighting matches talcing place in Fridley. Fridley passed this type of ordinance to stop these events in establisl~nents that serve alcohol. It was agreed, with the City of Fridley, that both cities adopt an ordinance to prevent such incidences from happening. The ordinance would be in place in 30 days. Peterson stated his pleasm'e that we are proactive on this, rather than reactive. Nawrocki stated he heard the Star Bat' had an event like this. Johnson stated he had no such knowledge. Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, stated this Ordinance would only prohibit such events at facilities where alcohol is served; they can still be held where there is no alcohol served. Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to waive the reading of Ordinance 1482, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to adopt 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. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Nawrocki stated concern about activities in the pool hall on Central Avenue. Peterson indicated that our Police Officers stop in frequently and have a good working relationship with the owner. If there is a problem, something will be done. They rrm an organized business and do not allow loitering. City Council Minutes March 28, 2005 Page 3 of 6 ORDINANCE NO. 1482 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 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 The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does hereby ordain: Chapter 5, A~ticle I, Section 1, of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby mnended to include: Subsection 5.501 (12) (J) 3.2% Malt Liquor (Beer) No licensee shall permit in any licensed establishment, or any adjoining property owned or leased by the licensee, any boxing, wrestling, or any other form of entertainment whose primary purpose is physical contact by striking or touching an opponent with hands, head, feet, or body. Team sports, in which physical contact is incidental to the primary purpose of the game such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, football, baseball, hockey, and softball, are not included among activities prohibited by this section. Chapter 5, Article I, Section 2, of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby mnended to include: Subsection 5.502(7) (E) On Sale Club Liquor No licensee shall permit in any licensed establishment, or any adjoining property owned or leased by the licensee, any boxing, wrestling, or any other form of entertaimnent whose primary purpose is physical contact by striking or touching an opponent with hands, head, feet, or body. Team sports, in which physical contact is incidental to the primary purpose of the game such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, football, baseball, hockey, and softball, are not included among activities prohibited by this section. Chapter 5, Article I, Section 3, of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to include: Subsection 5.503(12) (J) Intoxicating Liquor No licensee shall permit in any licensed establishment, or any adjoining property owned or leased by the licensee, any boxing, wrestling, or any other form of entertainment whose primary purpose is physical contact by striking or touching an opponent with hands, head, feet, or body. Team sports, in which physical contact is incidental to the primary purpose of the game such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, football, baseball, hockey, and softball, are not included among activities prohibited by this section. Chapter 5, Article I, Section 4, of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to include: Subsection 5.504(14) (J) On-Sale Wine Licenses No licensee shall permit in any licensed establishment, or any adjoining property owned or leased by the licensee, any boxing, wrestling, or any other form of entertainment whose prhnary purpose is physical contact by striking or touching an opponent with hands, head, feet, or body. Teton sports, in which physical contact is incidental to the prhnary purpose of the game such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, football, baseball, hockey, and softball, are not included among activities prohibited by this section. Chapter 5, Article I, Section 10, of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to include: Subsection 5.510(7) (F) On-Sale Temporary Liquor Licenses No licensee shall permit in any licensed establishment, or any adjoining property owned or leased by the licensee, any boxing, wrestling, or any other form of entertainment whose primary purpose is physical contact by striking or touching an opponent with hands, head, feet, or body. Team sports, in which physical contact is incidental to the primary purpose of the gmne such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, football, baseball, hockey, and softball, are not included among activities prohibited by this section. B) Bid Considerations -none C) Oth er Business Appointments to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Library Board to fill vacant terms. Peterson indicated that City Council members conducted about ten Board and commission interviews last Tuesday. Some applicants are young and energetic. It would be an asset to have that energy working for our community. There is consideration to expand one of our commissions. Peterson stated that any one of the applicants could be appointed to a commission and would do a good job. This is why the Council will more closely consider reappointments. If someone is inactive, they would be replaced with someone that wishes to be involved. Applicants not selected will be kept on a list mhd consulted when a vacancy occurs. City Council Minutes March 28, 2005 Page 4 of 6 Motion by Nawroclci, second by Kelzenberg, to appoint David Thompson to the Planning and Zoning Commission for the vacant term to expire April 2008. Williams stated that in his four years on the Council, this group of applicants was the most energetic. He stated that Mr. Thompson applied for this commission four years ago. Ericson agreed, stating the Council was pleasantly surprised at the enthusiasm to participate in our community. Peterson thanked Phil Baker for his service on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Upon vote: Ail ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ericson, to appoint Lynette Thomson to the Library Board for the vacant term to expire April 2008. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Peterson requested the Deputy City Clerk prepare the appropriate letters for the applicants. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager · Indicated that staff is looking to revamp our web site, possibly similar to the Anoka County web site. He suggested templates for organization and timely information. Will attend the LMC legislative meeting on Thursday, in St. Paul with key Representatives and Senators, to discuss issues of this session. There is a bill introduced to remove all cities state wide from the liquor business. Fortunately, it is not going anywhere; either is the bill to sell beer and wine in grocery stores. As we are in the business, it is important to contact our Legislators to let them know our stand on these issues. Letters on various issues have been sent to our Legislators by the City Manager, Police Chief and Public Works Director. Met with the City of Minneapolis regarding water line cleaning and water meter replacement along Stinson. We continue to look at the complaint on Tyler for abatement of cleanup. With Spring beginning, we will receive complaints on yards that need clean up. Notices will be sent to all homes in the area where a complaint is received, requesting proactive cleanup, to avoid issuing tickets. Nawrocki indicated the Governor's proposal regarding dissatisfaction with property tax statements. A form can be filled out and sent in. If 20 percent of the population is not satisfied, the matter could be placed on a referendum. Nawrocki stated that the City Manager did not report at the last meeting items he is working on, and his hope that the Manager would report this information at the first meeting next month. · The Green Sheet incorrectly indicated the CERT meeting was Thursday, but will be on Wednesday. Nawrocki stated he would miss the next CERT meeting. The Green Sheet references the sump pump program, but does not indicate the total cost to the resident or the cost to the City. Nawrocki referred to the recent backup in the Police training room. Chief Johnson described the reason for the backup. Nawrocki indicated the need to not give up on reimbursement for residential backups during the last four years. He asked if there have been any backups since last spring. Fehst indicated backups are reported in the Green Sheet, and indicated his pride in the employees working on the infiltration program and line cleanup. With this program we will soon have more complete insurance coverage. If the City Council wants to look at reimbursement for previous backups, it would come from City funds. City Council Minutes March 28, 2005 Page 5 of 6 Nawrocki questioned the Frattalone bill from the last meeting of $115~000 for work in the Huset area and the Kennedy Graven bill for $5,900 for condemnation. He stated that the developer was to pay the demolition and costs involved, receive his money back fi'om tax increment, and be responsible for any losses if the project did not go through. Fehst stated that some funds have been escrowed and some costs are covered by grants. These funds were approved by resolution last year. Nawa'ocki questioned what portion of the Honeywell demolition was covered by a grant. Fehst indicated this would be relayed thi'ough the Green Sheet. Report of the City Attorney - none CITIZENS FORUM Williams invited Roger Strom to come forward and describe his fishing trip to Red Lake, which Mr. Strom did. COUNCIL CORNER Nawrocki · Anoka County delinquent tax list has been published. They climb every year, which is a reflection on the taxes we levy. · There is a notice of utility rate increase being sent to residents, which is deceptive, stating the increase is on all bills after January 2005 and this is only the second increase since 1999. The rates increased last year and this year, and will increase for the next three years resulting in a fifty percent increase in utility rates. · Attended the Comcast meeting, showing the new things they have. Packet information is available for review. · Attended the National League of Cities Congressional Conference in Washington D.C. participating in discussion for federal legislation to provide long range federal money for transportation services. There are 3,500 special projects as part of the legislation. Congressman Oberstar addressed Community Development block grant monies. Senator Coleman introduced a bill to insure continuation of CDBG ftmding. Other information gathered is available for review. · Presented information on a leadership training institute called "Guarding the Public Checkbook". · Wishes to send a follow up letter to our Legislatures acknowledging their support for grant funds, which allowed the purchase of our aerial fire truck. · This is the third month of the new cotmcil. It continues to be a pleasant experience working with this Ericson · · · group. CERT Fundraiser, Friday April 1 st at Murzyn Hall, with a free will donation. Satarday morning, April 3rd will be the Fire Explorer Pancake Breakfast at the High School. Saturday morning and afternoon will be the Rising to New Heights Housing Fair, at the High School. Pleased to see people cleaning up their yard and garages. Very thankful for our good garbage contract. · · Williams · · Kelzenberg · With the nice weather, be aware of motorcycles on the roads. Will attend the CERT fundraiser. Hopes everyone had a nice Easter. Referred to a call on neighborhood cleanup and possible funds available to help. There will be a DARE program graduation on April 12. This is drug abuse resistance education. City Council Minutes March 28, 2005 Page 6 of 6 Council members received a letter from a concerned citizen on the sale of drug paraphernalia sold in town and requested legislation to ban this. Chief Johnson stated this referred to glass pipes, which are not illegal to sell, only if they are used to smoke illegal items, kVe can not stop the sale of ?FC pipe or copper tubing, which can also be used for the same purpose. There will be a luncheon with the Sport Commissioner, at the National Sport Center, to discuss placement of the NFL center in Anoka County. He listed meeting information. · Street sweeping operations have begun around lakes and ponds to keep debris out of them. · Regarding utility rate increase: we have serious infrastructure problems in our piping that may cost millions. Fehst stated that we spent hundreds of thousands of dollars each year on the problem and continue to look at lining more pipes. · Pray for the peace and health of our fi'iends and neighbors. Peterson · The Prayer Breakfast will be May 11"~; beginning at 7:00 a.m. Tickets are available at City Hall, by calling ltis home, and fi'om AutoWorld. The speaker will be Mr. Wyatt. · Councilmember Williams and he will visiting om' Sister City in Lomianki, Poland on September 13 tb2'ough September 20 for the commerative service for the downed American Pilots. The trip will also extend to Warsaw. Eleven people have committed to this trip. He invited everyone interested to travel with them. Everyone is paying their own way. It is long over due to send a delegation to attend this service. It is hoped to deliver the container of wheelchairs to Lominald on September 17th. Dolores Strand and Wally Logacz will act as tour guides. · Don't take ourselves to seriously - do a random act of kindness. ,DJOURNMENT Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 8:17 p.m. ; tricia Muscovitz, CMC Sec~retary puty City Clerk/Council