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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 25, 2005 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 25, 2005 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 25, 2005 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL/INVOCATION Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Nawrocki, Councilmember Ericson Diehm, Councilmember Kelzenberg Pastor Dave Briley, Oak Hill Baptist Church, gave the Invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - recited ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA PROCLAMATIONS. PRESENTATIONS. RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS Proclamations 2005 Arbor Day Proclamation Mayor Peterson read the 2005 Arbor Day Proclamation and presented it to Lauren McClanahan, Public Works Supervisor. McClanahan stated this is the thirteenth year we have received this award and he displayed the Tree City USA flag giving to the City. He thanked the City Council for their continued support of the program. The Arbor Day cdebration will be held at Prestemon Park this Friday, April 29th. The Mayor thanked McClanahan for his work to keep us a Tree City USA. Nawrocki referred to the extreme tree trimming allowed this year on Main Street and 5th Street. Williams and Peterson stated we would do something about that. 2005 Prayer Breakfast Proclamation Mayor Peterson read the 2005 Prayer Breakfast Proclamation. He thanked staff and citizens that have helped with this for the past six years. He stated everyone was welcome at the event. Presentations and Recognition New Columbia Heights Fire Chief Walt Fehst, City Manager, introduced Assistant Fire Chief Gary Gorman as our new Fire Chief. He listed Gonnan's his background with our Depariment and the community. Gorman thanked everyone for their support and indicated that our firefighters are a great group of people to work with, making the job easier. Fehst stated that we would soon test for the Assistant Chief position, believing the position would be filled from within our Department. Fehst pointed out that the entire Fire Department was present to show their support of the new Fire Chief. He also pointed out our new full time member, Tom Mattson. Fire Prevention Poster Contest - Local, Regional, & State winner Claire Hinrichs Gonnan indicated that each year our 4th and 5th graders are invited to participate in the Fire Prevention Poster contest. The Library staff chose the 2004 local winner, Claire Hinrichs. Her poster then went on to win the 34 department regional contest. It then went on to the State contest, where she won first place. Gorman stated the Department's and cOlmnunity's pride to have Ms. Hinrichs attain this award. The poster is on the front page of the current Minnesota State Fire Chiefs magazine. Her parents, Eric and Jody Hinrichs, were also present. Gorman presented her with a plaque and $75 cash gift. Claire thanked the City Council. City Council Minutes April 25, 2005 Page 2 of8 CER T Team Certificates Peterson turned the meeting over to Councilmember Williams for presentation of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Certificates. Williams stated the goal is to train ten percent of our population. Corporal Lee Okerstrom described the program as "citizens helping citizens". Okerstrom and Williams presented the certificates. Mayor Peterson, Councihnember Nawrocki, and City Manager Walt Fehst were among the CERT members receiving their certificates. The Mayor congratulated everyone. There will be a large scale disaster training program held when sufficient members are trained. Introduction of New Employees Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director, introduced Beth Sarna, as the new Clerk Typist II in the Recreation Department. CONSENT AGENDA Walt Fehst, City Manager took Councilmembers through the Consent Agenda items. 1) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes for April 11, 2005 regular City Council meeting Motion to approve the minutes of the April 11 , 2005 regular City Council meeting as presented. 2) Accept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes a) Motion to accept the January 26,2005 minutes ofthe Park and Recreation Commission b) Motion to accept the February 23,2005 minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission c) Motion to accept the AprilS, 2005 minutes ofthe Library Board Nawrocki objected to the delay on the Park and Recreation Commission minutes. Fehst stated it was relative to the loss of staff. Nawrocki stated that names should be recorded on a split vote. Nawrocki stated he did not find the infonnation received on revenue enhancement very informative, and asked for specifics on items proposed. 3) Approve transfer of funds from General Fund to Police Department Budget to reimburse Overtime Fund Motion to approve transfer of $2,224.64 received from Unique Thrift Stores, $376.00 received from Columbia Heights High School activities, and $2,796.50 collected from Independent School District #13 from the General Fund to Police Department 2005 budget under line #1020, Police Overtime. 4) Authorize to seek proposals for professional services for miscellaneous repairs to the City's Water Tower Removed 5) Authorize to seek bids for new High Pressure Water Jetter truck to replace Unit 3190A Removed 6) Adopt Resolution No. 2005-21, being a Resolution establishing a public purpose expenditure policy. Removed 7) Approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for April 25, 2005 Motion to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for April 25, 2005. 8) Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for April 25, 2005 as presented. 9) 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 112435 through 112619 in the amount of$1,081,743.34. City Council Minutes April 25, 2005 Page 3 of8 Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to approve the Consent Agenda, except for items 4,5, and 6. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. 4) Authorize to seek proposals for professional services for miscellaneous repairs to the City's Water Tower Kevin Hansen, Public Works Superintendent, indicated this is for basic maintenance repairs to the water tower, and should add 15 years oflife to the tower. The process takes about 15 (Plus) months. Estimated engineering service fees are $8,000. Repairs costs will be $40,000 to 50,000. Nawrocki asked if the engineering services would cover the specifications and construction aspects of the process. Hansen stated yes. Motion by Williams, second by Nawrocki, to authorize staff to seek proposals for design and inspection services for miscellaneous repairs to the City's Water Tower. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. 5) Authorize to seek bids for new High Pressure Water Jetter truck to replace Unit 3190A Hansen stated the current unit is mechanical and requires extensive yearly repairs and is a safety issue. Our citywide sewer line cleaning has gone from a six year cycle to a three year cycle. Due to Federal and State mandates, we are now required to treat our sanitary sewer lines. The proposed unit is a high pressure water jetter. The cost estimate is $130,000. Nawrocki stated this is one oftwo pieces of equipment we use for cleaning sewer lines. Williams stated the three year cleaning cycle is a requirement of the insurance company to obtain no fault insurance for sewer line backups. We spent $12,000 last year to repair the current equipment. Motion by Ericson Diehm, second by Kelzenberg, to authorize staffto seek bids for (1) one new High Pressure Water Jetter truck mounted, to replace Unit #109A: 1987 Sereco Truck Mounted Sewer Rodding Machine. Nawrocki stated that staff wants to keep the existing huck, but the specifications should include trade-in of the current unit or we should advertise it for sale. Motion Amendment by Nawrocki for an alternate bid specification to reduction the bid based on value of the current piece of equipment. Hansen stated that staffhad anticipated other uses for the chassis, but it can be included as an option with the Council's decision upon bid approval. Williams stated this is a 1996 truck that the department has a use for with other equipment. Nawrocki stated we just keep adding and adding equipment to the point where there is no more room for storage. Motion Amendment seconded by Williams. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion amendment carried. Original Motion: Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. 6) Adopt Resolution No. 2005-21, being a Resolution establishing a public purpose expenditure policy. Nawrocki stated that the work session packet did not include the conclusion and this packet did not include the page from the auditor, which indicated this was one ofthree concerns. He questioned where the recommendations for the other two items were. Nawrocki indicated concern that this would add to employment benefits. Annual employee and Board/Commission recognition events City Council Minutes April 25, 2005 Page 4 of 8 are part of the budget. This resolution would give staff control in these areas, and the League of Minnesota Cities information gives no specific recommendations. He asked for more information on the problems in Brooklyn Park. We should be concerned that this would be included in the monetary package for PERA or part of the process for bargaining units. Each cost should be a budget line item. Ericson Diehm read the last line of the resolution, indicating that Council setting the budget would control expenditures. Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, stated that the Auditor's request has driven this policy. Ifthe auditor finds an issue not in compliance with the public purpose policy, Council would then have to deal with it. Williams stated it is not a big item and includes things like retirement cake and Council coffee. Hoeft indicated that other cities he represents have similar resolutions. Nawrocki stated this references the State Auditor's political comments. Nawrocki referred to the January and February minutes ofthe Park Board and certain groups getting different rates for hall rental, and asked their authority to give such things away. Brooklyn Park gave away free golf time and were therefore questioned. The Murzyn Hall policy would be questioned. F ehst stated that any Murzyn Hall discount for residents would be a Council decision. Nawrocki stated he strongly believes in the resident discount, and disagreed with the Park Commission making the decision. Fehst stated that the City Council approved the rates. Ke1zenberg questioned if this would cover the Auditor's requirement. Elrite stated this brings us in compliance with our Auditor and the State Auditor. Motion by Ericson Diehm, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution No. -2005-21, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Ericson Diehm, second by Kelzenberg, to adopt Resolution No. 2005-21, being a Resolution establishing a public purpose expenditure policy. Upon vote: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, aye; Ericson Diehm, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes - 1 nay. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2005 - 21 BEING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC PURPOSE EXPENDITURE POLICY WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights recognizes that in the current work environment employee job satisfaction and productivity depends on more than just the salary an employee receives; and WHEREAS, all employee benefits are basically a form of employee compensation that like all other forms are designed to attract, retain and motivate employees; and WHEREAS, the City concludes that expenditures for employee events, including food at employee meetings, in reality, have as their primary purpose, the creation of a more productive work force that better serves the needs of the citizens of Columbia Heights; and WHEREAS, the City has determined that monies spent on such events are additional forms of compensation to all employees; and WHEREAS, employees have a reasonable understanding and expectation that if they are performing their job, they are earning the right to attend the employee events. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights has determined that expenditures for meals, beverages and employee events shall be considered a compensation benefit that meets public purpose expenditure guidelines. City Council Minutes April 25, 2005 Page 5 of 8 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that those expenditures for memberships and dues for professional and community organizations, when the purpose is to promote or improve the City's interests, are public purpose expenditures. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that employee and volunteer recognition program expenses that promote increased productivity, motivate employees, or acknowledge employees and volunteers for their service to the citizens of Columbia Heights are public purpose expenditures. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council believes it is important to provide recognition of traumatic or celebratory occasions that occur in the lives of employees, appointees, and elected officials, and as such, expenditures for these events meet public purpose expenditure guidelines. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council in the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota authorizes the City Manager to expend budgeted funds for the above-referenced public purpose events. PUBLIC HEARINGS Close the Public Hearing for Rental Housing License Revocation at 4247 2nd Street NE. Mayor Peterson closed the public hearing regarding the revocation or suspension of the rental license held by Jude Akassap regarding rental property at 4247-49 2nd Street N.E. in that the violations have been corrected. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Other Ordinances and Resolutions Second reading of Ordinance 1484, being an Ordinance amending Ordinance #1428: pertaining to Zoning and Development Ordinance, rezoning of certain property at 4045 Van Buren Street. Fehst stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing was held on AprilS, 2005, with unanimously approval to recommend rezoning of 4045 Van Buren from Central Business District to Residential. This is the only remaining address in the area that needs to be rezoned. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Ordinance No.1484, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to adopt Ordinance 1484, being an Ordinance amending Ordinance #1428; pertaining to Zoning and Development Ordinance, rezoning of certain property at 4045 Van Buren Street. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 1484 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1428 (ZONING ORDINANCE) OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BY REZONING CERTAIN REAL ESTATE WITHIN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS FROM CENTRAL BUSINESS (CBD) TO MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL R3 Section 1: That certain property legally described as: Lot 27, Block 61, Columbia Heights Annex, Anoka County, Minnesota; PIN # (35-30-24-41- 0057); and Section 2: To authorize and direct staff to amend the official zoning map to reflect the change in zoning from Central Business (CBD) to Multi-Family Residential (R3), upon the effective date of said ordinance. Section 3: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after 30 days after its passage. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager . Inspected Ms. Shommer's claim of foundation damage from the NEI demolition. The cracks were not what was expected, but indicated we would resubmit the claim to the insurance company. There was prior water leakage in this home. . Galaxy Auto requests an exception to the auto sales moratorium, allowing the sale ofloaner cars. There would be no signage at the site. He met with the City Attorney and City Planner and they all felt exception could be made. This would be similar to the Community Bank auto sales. Nawrocki requested to lrnow the number of parking spaces. City Council Minutes April 25, 2005 Page 6 of 8 . Complaint addresses on Circle Terrace were inspected and were found to be clean. Referenced an email, indicating the Police routinely patrol the area. . Increased rental inspection fees will be on the agenda at the end of Mayor beginning of June. Fire Chief Gorman has worked with the owner's association on this. Staff is also working on a speedier resolution to complaints, for example: abandoned cars and yard clean up. This will be discussed at the second work session in June. . Received a complaint from an ACAP apartment resident regarding maintenance issues. We will try to intercede, asking ACAP to work with residents and clean up more, and try a mediation process through our Police Department. Nawroclci questioned access to Juda Care. Hoeft stated this is Anoka County legal assistance for those unable to obtain their own legal council. There are income limits, but it does include resident/tenant issues. Nawrocld indicated a conflict of interest with Hoeft's firm representing A CAP. Hoeft stated that if Juda Care has issues with representation they have alternative provisions. . Staff is also looking to speed up the complaint process for commercial property maintenance enforcement. . Met with School District representatives and our Police Chief and Assistant Chief regarding the School District policy on removing students with disruptive behavior. The School District's policy conflicted with our Police Officer's requirement to handle the situation. At the meeting, Nancy Kaldor, Superintendent, indicated there could not be preferential treatment. We indicated that we could not tie the hands of Officers in their duty. Kaldor contacted him with a kind message regarding the School District's future bond issue and what support we could count on regarding a community center. Nawrocki stated there would be a joint meeting with the School District on Monday, June 6. He asked that the meeting be changed from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. He indicated information was passed out at a local school play stating that Columbia Heights is developing gym space, asking that residents request to include a stage for plays and concerts. The document is in error indicating proposed construction of a community center, as there is nothing such as this on the table. He requested that this fact be corrected. Nawrocki stated he received averages for what homeowners pay for the sump pump program, and requested specific sum totals that residents pay. Regarding purchase of park benches and tables, each item should be in the budget with a line item, and in an emergency should be brought to the City Council with a proposed amendment. Report of the City Attorney . Hoeft stated there would be a code enforcement meeting this Wednesday to review the junk vehicle ordinance, citations and removing vehicles from properties in a shorter time. Staff is exploring an Ordinance for enforcement. Peterson questioned Fehst on the status ofthe 801 bus service. The local hearing was held the same night as a Council work session, so members were unable to attend. Nawrocki stated there has been information on their budget problems, and he does not expect them to make changes in their proposal. Fehst stated that letters have been sent to our State Representatives, Metropolitan Council representative, and Transit representative requesting reconsideration for partial service. Letters indicated senior units along this bus line that need to use public transit. Staff will check to see where we stand. CITIZENS FORUM Marilyn Wenz, 1000 Peters Place, indicated necessary repairs to the apartment building where she lives and the tenant's inability to receive a response from the management company since November 2004. Fehst stated that the building is inspected every year and the apmiments are inspected every two years, but the City is also having trouble communicating with the management group. Fehst indicated the consequences to residents if the rental license was revoked. Wenz indicated she is looking for other housing. City Council Minutes April 25, 2005 Page 7 of 8 Chief Gonnan confinned difficulties in reaching the owner. The license and application fee have now been received and revocation proceedings will be brought to one of the next two City Council meetings. Kelzenberg asked that it be on the next Council agenda. Nawrocki questioned the process for tenants to escrow rent through a mediator. Hoeft indicated that would have to be initiated by Judi Care. COUNCIL CORNER Williams . The Citizens Watch Group held their first meeting. Citizens were encourage to contact the City, the Police Chief, or himself to look into enforcement of things such as stump removal, or junk car removal. . Received a letter regarding vandalism and small theft not being taken seriously. We need to enforce our ordinance. . Received a letter of a retaining wall that has been neglected for 20 years. . Spring clean up is being done - and it is encouraging. Fehst encouraged anyone to call BFI or the City on obvious junk appliances. . Williams congratulated Councilmember Ericson Diehm on her marriage. . Acknowledged and thanked the Mayor and another gentleman for building a batting cage storage building at Huset Park. Acknowledged that the Mayor, John Hunter and Councilmember Nawrocki built the Gateway Park monument. . Pray for the peace and health of our neighbors. . Remember the Community Prayer Breakfast on May 11 th. Kelzenberg . Congratulated Ericson Diehm on her marriage. . 500 Club will host their 3rd Annual Golf Tournament on June 12,2005 to benefit the Fire Explores. . Toured the Lofts condominium model this weekend and was very impressed. Hardwood floors are an option on the main level. Nawrocki . Has not seen the information concerning Cheery Heights loss of skyline sight. . Noted the passing of Lyle Estrem, former Tasty Pizza owner. He was very involved with the Boosters and Lions Club. . Regarding the Mayor's Report considering a Point of Sale Ordinance. He is against the City doing the inspections because of the technicality. There should be private contractors used, only requiring that an inspection be made. . Regarding the Huset Parkway, it will ultimately be the taxpayer paying for it, not the developer. There will be no funds to cover City services. . Regarding bidding for Attorney services, there is more than one competent firm. Look at how much service you are buying and if you need it all. Look at the necessity and alternatives. . Regarding City and County magazine article on financial management, learn to share services. With computers there can be consolidation to provide service. . Did not attend the SRA meeting because of a conflict, but the SRA is following the pipeline safety regulations being promoted for cities to locate private sewer laterals. This would be difficult and costly. It appears that we are not winning the battle. There are also Minnegasco hearings regarding increases. Xcel has withdrawn the proposal to drop the purchase and maintenance of street lighting. . Received his Property Tax Statement. His proposed City tax increase is 17.5 percent. Others who have indicated increases are 18.8 percent and 22.3 percent for city purposes. We have one of the lowest income levels and these tax rates hit hard. City Council Minutes April 25, 2005 Page 8 of8 . Attended the Telecommunications COlmnission meeting, which included discussion on Comcast policies. The membership has talented people. We should use their background and knowledge for areas such as the new emergency service radio system. He offered a copy of the annual Comcast report for review. The Anoka County Consortium will discuss wireless communities bid on May 4th. The City of Minneapolis is also discussing a wireless system for their city. Maybe we should look to tie into their system. Fehst stated that we are. . Congratulated Ericson Diehm. Ericson Diehm . The Community Development Department received a $1,000 grant to cover the cost oftheir intern. This is a great example of City Staff finding ways to find money for the things we want. . Reported that in March our local food shelf served 443 families, of which 254 families were from Columbia Heights. Encouraged everyone to donate as food shelf needs exist every month. . Values First values for April are self-control and self-discipline. Peterson . Express sympathy to the Lyle Estrem family. He was very active in the community. . Received a call from a resident regarding the 4100 block of Jefferson, where one house has seven or eight cars in the street/driveway. Asked people to be good neighbors and to realize what they do impacts their neighbor. Tickets will be issued if necessary. Chief Johnson stated that the property referenced has been tagged and the process is in court regarding parking, junk vehicles, and unlicensed home business. Residents are asking that we enforce our ordinances. We would rather have people clean up without enforcement, but if not, we will have to get tough. . Tomorrow night there is an HRAlEDA meeting at Parkview Villa. There will be a proposal from Walker Legacy to build a 66 unit senior building on the NEI site. This will allow residents to indicate what their interest is for the area. The more infonnation given to the City Council, the better decision we can make. We should have all the public input possible. . Don't take ourselves too seriously, do a random act of kindness, and don't forget our troops around the world. ADJOURNMENT Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9:24 p.m. Olt;;;:~ M Patricia Muscovitz, CMC Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretary