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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 9, 2005 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 9, 2005 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 9,2005 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL/INVOCATION Father Al Backmann, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, gave the invocation. Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Nawrocki, COlmcilmember Ericson Diehm, Councilmember Kelzenberg PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - recited ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA - none PROCLAMATIONS. PRESENTATIONS. RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS A) Proclamations 1) Mayor Peterson read the Buckle Up, Columbia Heights - Click it or Ticket Proclamation and presented it to Police Chief Tom Johnson. Johnson indicated the Department's pride to participate in this program from May 23rd to June 5th, which reinforces the use of seat belts and child restraint systems. Officers will work additional hours during this period, paid for through a grant. 2) Councilmember Williams read a Proclamation for the 53rd Wedding Anniversary of Bruce and Gerry Nawrocki. Nawrocki thanked the City Councilmembers. CONSENT AGENDA City Manager Walt F ehst took Councilmembers through the consent agenda. 1) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes a) Minutes for April 25, 2005 regular City Council meeting Motion to approve the minutes of the April 25, 2005, regular City Council meeting as presented. b) Minutes for the May 2, 2005 Board of Review Motion to approve the minutes ofthe May 2,2005 Board of Review as presented. 2) Accept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes a) Motion to accept the Housing and Redevelopment Authority minutes of January 25,2005. b) Motion to accept the Economic Development Authority minutes of February 15,2005. c) Motion to accept the Housing and Redevelopment Authority minutes of the March 7,2005. d) Motion to accept the Telecommunications Commission minutes of April 21, 2005. e) Motion to accept the Charter Commission minutes of April 21, 2005. 1) Motion to accept the Traffic Commission minutes of May 2,2005. g) Motion to accept the Planning and Zoning Commission minutes of May 3,2005. 3) Establish Work Session meeting date for Tuesday, May 17,2005, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1. Motion to establish a Work Session meeting date for Tuesday, May 17,2005 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Council chambers. City Council Minutes May 9, 2005 Page 2 of6 Fehst indicated the primary topic would be community center information. The firm of Krause Anderson will be present to give possible alternatives for a community center. Also for review would be the Junk Vehicle and Landscaped Parking Ordinance, allowing the ability to tow such vehicles after 96 hours, from private or public areas. Other items to be presented as informational are City Attorney Contract Survey information, Liquor Store report (as our lease is coming due and there is an area of land to discuss for a possible liquor store), and duplex rezoning. This work session will be held in the Council Chambers. TIlls will begin the general public input process. 4) Adopt Resolution No. 2005-23, being a Resolution accepting bids and awarding a contract for City Proiect #0500: 2005 Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and Installation Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2005-23 there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2005-23, accepting bids and awarding the 2005 Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and Installations, Municipal Project #0500, to Quality Restoration of Little Canada, Minnesota, based upon their low, qualified, responsible total bid in the amount of $16,836.00 with funds to be appropriated from Fund 401-50400-4000; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. Fehst indicated the background ofthe company. Nawrocki stated that there were five bids received. RESOLUTION NO. 2005-23 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND A WARDING CONTRACT FOR THE 2005 MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE REPAIRS AND INST ALLA TIONS, CITY PROJECT No. 0500 TO QUALITY RESTORATION WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids for City Project No. 0500, Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and Installations, bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were received complying with the advertisement: Bidder TOTAL Quality Restoration Services Inc. $16,836.00 Ron Kassa Construction $17,123.00 BCG $22,143.00 Bailey Construction $22,238.00 Gunderson Brothers $45,384.00 WHEREAS, it appears that Quality Restoration Services, Inc., 3066 Spruce Street, Little Canada, MN 55117 is the lowest responsible bidder. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA: 1. The Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with Quality Restoration Services, Inc. in the name of the City of Columbia Heights, for the 2005 Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and Installations, City Project No. 0500, according to plans and specifications therefore approved by the Council. 2. The City Engineer is hereby authorized and directed to return, forthwith, to all bidders, the deposits made with their bids except the deposit of the successful bidder and the next lowest bidder shall be retained until the contract has been signed. 3. City Project #0500 shall be funded with State Aid Maintenance Fund, General Fund, Park Fund, Street Fund, Sewer and Water Fund and PIR funds. 5) Authorize installation of a "yield sign" for north and southbound traffic on 6th St. at 48th Ave. Motion to recommend the City Council authorize installation of a yield sign for north and south bound traffic on 6th Street at 48th Avenue based on a recommendation of the Traffic Commission. Fehst stated that the initial request was for a stop sign, but the area did not meet State guidelines for a stop sign. The Traffic Commission has recommended a yield sign. City Council Minutes May 9, 2005 Page 3 of6 6) Adopt Resolution No. 2005-22 being a Resolution authorizing the Columbia Heights Fire Department to enter into contracts to conduct hotel and public school inspections Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2005-22, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2005-22, being a Resolution authorizing the Columbia Heights Fire Department to enter into contracts with the State Fire Marshal Division of the Department of Public Safety to conduct inspections of all Hotels and Public Schools within our jurisdiction. Nawrocki questioned the number of hotels in town. Fehst stated there is one in Columbia Heights and two or three in Hilltop. Inspections would include Hilltop. Nawrocki asked if this included the Salvation Army housing. Fehst stated it did not. Nawrocki questioned the hours of schooling necessary, the cost, and what the charges would be. Fire Chief Gary Gorman stated the Department has done the school inspections for many years and in recent years has had to sign a contract with the State Fire Marshals Office. The State must inspect schools every three years, but we can do a yearly inspection for better coverage. Gorman stated that the current full time staff has all the necessary training, and additional training is very reasonable through the State Fire Marshals Office. Gorman stated that we could charge for inspections, but would need to pass a resolution to do so. RESOLUTION NO. 2005-22 BEING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS TO CONDUCT HOTEL AND PUBLIC SCHOOL INSPECTIONS WHEREAS, the State Fire Marshal Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety has the responsibility to conduct fIre inspections of all hotels and public schools per State Statute 299F.O 11. WHEREAS, the State Fire Marshals Division may contract with local jurisdictions to conduct these inspections. WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights Fire Department has contracted with the State Fire Marshal's offIce in the past to conduct hotel and public school inspections within our jurisdiction. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Columbia Heights Fire Department may enter into contracts with the State Fire Marshal Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to conduct fIre inspections of all hotels and public schools within our jurisdiction in accordance with standards stated in the contracts. 7) Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for May 9, 2005 as presented. 8) 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 112620 through 112789 in the amount of$561,051.11. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS - none ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Other Business 1) Liquor License application for Star Bar . Chief Johnson stated he conducted the background investigation on the Star Bar liquor license request. Discrepancies were found in the information given, such as they did not know the City Council Minutes May 9, 2005 Page 4 of6 current owner, but staff found there had been previous meetings with the owner in another city, and in pronunciation of the surname. Mrs. Yang indicated that she had lied at their first meeting. Peterson asked Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, ifhe was comfortable with this recommendation. Hoeft stated that Mr. Yang was the fonner owner of the Palace Bar in Hilltop, which had significant problems resulting in the loss of their license. They indicated that the current manager would continue, but the manager stated he would not remain. Hoeft indicated he was comfortable with the rational for the license denial. Williams commended the Chief on his tenacity in this investigation. Johnson stated that Mr. and Mrs. Yang were advised that the recommended license denial would be on the agenda tonight. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to deny the application for and On-Sale Liquor and Sunday Liquor License for Mr. Stephen Yang and Associates dba Star Bar. Nawrocki referred to the history ofthe establishment going from a restaurant, to a bar, to the "entertainment concept", which gets loud and causes problems for the seniors next door. The applicants also applied for a State license to remain open until 2:00 a.m. He stated that license requirements need to be tightened up. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager . Met with League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) representatives on the damage claim from demolition of the NEI building. Asked the contractor to look at the property again and to outline their information more accurately to the owner. . Spoke to Tony Pistilli, District #2 Metropolitan Council, regarding reductions to the 801 bus route. Pistilli had indicated the route map relative to senior housing was very helpful and the route to Roseville may be saved, depending on State funds. The final meeting on this by Metro Transit will be May 25. Final results could be delayed until funding infonnation is received. . There will be a downtown plmming process public information meeting at the Library on May 19th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. . Spoke to the Cheery Lane resident with fence and earth erosion problems next to the Nedegaard development. The developer has been sent information to repair the retaining wall. . Consideration of a redevelopment site on Central between 49th and 50th Avenues includes three buildings to consider for acquisition. . A resident on Fillmore between 45th and 46th Avenue has requested a meeting regarding activities around the double bungalows. Contact has been made with Anoka County Family Services regarding custodial neglect in this area. Neighbors will meet with the Fire Chief, Police Chief, and Corporal Okerstrom to begin a neighborhood watch program to address the Issues. . Handed out information on Don's Galaxy Auto request to allow sales of rental or loaner vehicles. Our planner indicated this would have to be approved outside of the present moratorium. . The Salvation Army Services, 1004-1006 Gould Avenue, works with the Veteran's Association to provide two temporary housing units for Veterans, with a two year limit. They may not pass inspection as rental units, but are permitted as duplexes. . Participated and met with Legislators of Crystal and New Hope regarding inner ring suburbs City Council Minutes May 9, 2005 Page 5 of6 loss of government aid and LGA. The LMC and Metropolitan Municipalities also represent us, but can not do justice representing us as inner ring suburbs. . Meetings are planned for the overall downtown planning process from 37th to 42nd. Business and property owners in this area have been invited to meet on May 16 at the Library. The general public will be invited to the Library on May 19 to discuss the planning process. . Staff has received training on the City Watch Notification system. Peterson suggested notifying the Fillmore residents of the neighborhood meeting with this system. Peterson questioned the pedestrian traffic light timing on 39th and Stinson. Fehst indicated that the Public Works Director stated the pedestrian signal time would be increased by four or five seconds. Ericson Diehm questioned if the School Board Representative to the City Council would attend City Council meetings. Peterson stated that the School Board meets the same night as the City Council. Williams suggested discussion on the community center be televised. Nawrocki asked that School Board members also be invited to that meeting. Fehst stated that the EDA has been invited, and he will also invite the Planning and Zoning Commission. Nawrocki stated the importance to act on the Galaxy Auto request, as it seems there are used car lots showing up everywhere, like the old Bona station. He would like to receive more information on the proposed Library revenue enhancements. Kelzenberg, Library Board Liaison, stated the Board would look at options to raise money because of the tight budget. Nawrocki stated that revenue enhancement ends up being tax increases. He asked that the Kennedy and Graven letter regarding the SRA be distributed to all Councilmembers. Nawrocki agreed that we should localize the needs of the inner ring suburbs to voice our concerns on revenue sharing. Nawrocki thanked the City Manager for his monthly update and asked Council to consider escrowing two to three percent of each department's budget as a nest egg. B) Report of the Cit y Attorney - none CITIZENS FORUM Jerry Foss, 4412 2nd Street, commended the Police and Fire Departments for the excellent job they do. Even though they are spread thin, they use compassion despite the chaos. Officers handle everyone with the utmost respect. In these times of negatives, it is necessary to hear the positive. Peterson asked that this message be passed on to the departments. Fehst restated information from the green sheet on the vehicle accident requiring extraction that was completed within the 26 minute "golden hour", saving the life of the occupant. Johnson stated that Officer Markham located the "bad guy" hiding in a dog house. COUNCIL CORNER Ericson Diehm . The Crest View open house will be May 20 and 21. . Springtime events are now being held at our schools. Encouraged residents to support our schools by attending these events. Kelzenberg . There was some difficulty mailing the Heights Happenings newsletter. If residents did not receive one, they can call the Park Department to receive one. . Encouraged residents to use the automated postal center at the Post Office. Nawrocki . Minneapolis newspaper article "Then and Now" refers to renovation of old buildings, like the Red Wings High School. It is sad that we lost the old Columbia Heights High School building. City Council Minutes May 9, 2005 Page 6 of6 . Memorial Day - Veterans groups at Anoka County will hold their annual service on Saturday, May 28, 10:00 a.m., at Memorial Gardens and at 11 :30 a.m. at Bunker Hills Park. In Columbia Heights, VFW Post 230 will hold a memorial service on Monday, May 30, at 11 :30 a.m. by the City Hall flagpole. . Public purpose expenditure policy establishes benefits without the normal bargaining process. Received additional information on the State Auditors investigative report on Brooklyn Park. This information should have been considered prior to setting the policy. Bill Elrite, Finance Director, is good at responding to questions regarding expenditures. We don't have the accountability at the top that we should have on expenditures. The report indicates that certain meals should be reported as income, including withholdings. Hope to have more discussion on this. . Thanked Councilmembers for comments on their anniversary and the flowers sent to him and his wife. Williams . Suggested a freewill offering to pay for meals; as a City, we are frugal. . Will attempt start the youth commission this Friday night at Auto World. . Referred to the fatal car accident of two youths in Mora. He lmew the parents. . The Community Prayer Breakfast is Wednesday morning. The head of our local Islamic Center will give the introduction. Everyone is welcome. Peterson stated that the guest speaker would be Andrew Wyatt. . Complimented the Mayor on his article in the Heights Happenings newsletter. . Pray for the peace and health of our citizens. Peterson . Thanked Mr. Foss for his positive remarks regarding our Police and Fire Departments. With Memorial Day coming up, it makes you appreciate those that take care of you. . Pray that the war comes to a close and our people come back home safely. . Don't take ourselves too seriously and do a random act of kindness. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Patricia Muscovitz, CMC Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretary