HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 25, 2005
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL
JULY 25, 2005
The following are the minutes for the regular meeting ofthe City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 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 Nawrocki, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Ericson
Diehm, Councilmember Kelzenberg
Pastor Dan Thompson, Columbia Heights Assembly of God, gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA
Nawrocki requested that the Fall City Newsletter be placed on the agenda. Mayor Peterson indicated item
Cl, Other Business.
PROCLAMATIONS. PRESENTATIONS. RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS
Proclamations
National Night Out - August 2, 2005
Mayor Peterson read the National Night Out Proclamation. Police Chief Tom Johnson stated his pride to
participate in this even, as it allows positive contact with the public in a positive setting. He stated that
Corporal Bonesteel is working diligently on this event and he encouraged everyone to have a good time.
It is not too late to contact the Police Department for an event pennit. Johnson also invited everyone to
attend the Police Department, Fire Depaliment and Post Office Charity Softball game on Wednesday,
August 3rd at Huset Park.
Stepfamily Day - September 16, 2005
Mayor Peterson read the Stepfamily Day Proclamation.
Introduction of New Employees
Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director, introduced Deanna Saefke, Recreation Clerk Typist II, and gave
her back:ground. Saef]ce tharJeed the Cirj Council for this opportLlnity.
Nawrocki stated that on Thursday, August 4, the Moonshoe Players will present a mystery dinner
theater. Tickets are available at Murzyn Hall. He encouraged everyone to attend. This will showcase the
youth of our cOlmnunity. Windschitl stated the group is comprised of 6th, ih, and 8th graders. They have
been working very hard on this production. Tasty Pizza will donate part ofthe dinner.
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City Manager Walt Fehst took Councilmembers through the Consent Agenda.
1) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes for July 11, 2005 regular City Council meeting
Motion to approve the minutes ofthe July 11, 2005, regular City Council meeting as presented.
2) Approve Athletic Boosters Club to conduct Monday night Bar Bingo at Star Bar and Grill
Motion to direct the City Manager to forward a letter to the State ChaIitable Gambling Control
Board stating that the City of Columbia Heights has no objection to the Columbia Heights Athletic
Boosters conducting bingo events on Monday nights at the Star Bar and Grill, 4005 Central Avenue
NE, Columbia Heights, Minnesota.
City Council Minutes
July 25, 2005
Page 2 of7
Fehst stated this event would be held one night per week. Nawrocki questioned ifthis is a separate
rental agreement, whereby the owners would collect more money. Fehst stated he did not believe so.
3) Approve Transfer of$9,556.37 from off duty security worked from the General Fund to Police G.T.
budget
Motion to transfer $9,556.37 the total amount received from Unique Thrift Store, CHHS activities,
and CHHS All Night Party Committee, Valley View PT A, and the Middle School security detail for
off duty security worked, from the General Fund to the Police Department 2005 budget under line
#1020, Police oveliime.
Nawrocki stated that we should not charge for the School's All Night Party. He stated concern about
the untidiness at Unique Thrift Store. Fehst stated that our CSQ's visit frequently requesting clean up
of the area. Generally, they are attentive to our concerns, which takes care ofthe problem for a
while.
4) Approve extension of contract with Auction House to auction excess City property, unclaimed/
forfeited police evidence and found property.
Motion to authorize the City Manager and the Police Chiefto enter into a two-year contract (August
2005 to August 2007) with Auction Masters of Maple Grove for auctioning excess City property,
unclaimed/forfeited Police evidence, and found property with the cOlmnission to be set at 25 percent
of the proceeds for both years of the contract.
Fehst stated this is the second year ofthis auction process. Chief Johnson stated the return we
receive is quite a bit more than when we held our own auction, especially on the bicycles. Nawrocki
questioned the pricing. Johnson stated they would not take items resulting in less than a $35 return to
them. Fehst stated that this company has also been used to value abatement property prior to
disposal.
5) Approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for Julv 25, 2005.
Motion to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for July 25,2005.
6) Approve Business License Applications
Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for July 25, 2005 as presented.
7) Approve Payment of Bills
Motion to approve payment of the bills out of the proper funds as listed in the attached check
register coveting Check Number 113578 through 113758 in the amount of$713,144.16.
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Kelzenberg, to approve the Consent Agenda items as presented.
Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A) Close the Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 1134-34 45th Ave
Mayor Peterson closed the Public Hearing Regarding the Revocation or Suspension of the Rental
License Held by Shirley Apollo Regarding Rental Property at 1132-34 45th Avenue NE in that the
Property complies with the Residential Maintenance Code.
B) Close the Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 1000 Peters Place
Mayor Peterson closed the public hearing regarding the revocation or suspension of the rental license
held by Peters Place Apmiments, LLC regarding rental property at 1000 Peters Place NE in that the
propeliy owner has complied with the request.
City Council Minutes
July 25, 2005
Page 3 of?
Fire Chief Gary Gorman stated compliance included paper work for their license and smoke detectors in
the building, which have been completed. The second process of violation COlTection has begun. The
owner is working with the Inspection Department on these issues. Upon notification of renters, we
received seven of eleven notices back as vacant. Nawrocki referred to concerns brought to the Council
by residents several months ago. Gonnan stated that the complaint items have been corrected. Window
violations are included in the next process of 50 violations on the building. Nawrocki requested a follow
up report on re-inspection findings.
C) Continue the Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of the Rental Housing License at 1026 40th A venue
Peterson stated he spoke to the owner prior to the meeting, indicating this item would be continued for
two weeks. Gorn1an stated the proper people were notified of the hearing, but did not received the
Statement of Cause, therefore the continuation of this hearing until August 8, 2005.
Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Williams, to continue the public hearing regarding the revocation or
suspension of the rental license held by Shahdi Hosain regarding rental property at 1026 40th Avenue
until the City Council meeting of August 8, 2005 so that all interested parties can be properly notified.
Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Bid Considerations
1) Accept bids and award contract for Huset Parkway Area Improvements
Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, stated that five bids were opened on July 20. He indicated the
bids included two alternatives: luminous rings for overhead streetlights and substihltion ofHDP
pipe. The low bid for rings was $9,000. Substituting HDP pipe would not result in a savings and will
not be recommended. Frattalone Companies is the low qualified bidder. Their bid is 16.6 percent
below the engineeling estimate. Financing for the project will be less than approved at the June 16
Improvement Healing. Hansen did recOlmnend adding the luminous lings. The total contract would
be with Alternate #2.
Nawrocki questioned which of these items were part of the Livable COlmnunities Grant (LCG)
approved for submission at the last Council meeting. Hansen stated that the Grant would be for
streetscape and ponds around Huset Park West. Those improvements would not be made in 2005.
Nawrocki asked what impact contract approval would have on Met Council grant funding. Hansen
indicated there would be no way to know ifthere would be any impact. Nawrocki stated that ifthis
contract were awarded Met Council would feel we do not need the grant funds. He stated the project
is being over done, and urged that the bids not be accepted.
Williams stated that we should know the impact this contract approval would have on the Met
Council. Hansen stated that the grant would be considered in early September. This contract has
improvements not included in the grant application. Hansen stated his opinion that this would not
impact the Met Council grant application.
Motion by Elicson Diehm, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2005-41,
there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Ericson Diehm, second by Williams, to approve and adopt Resolution No. 2005-41,
accepting bids and awarding a contract for Huset Parkway Area Improvements, City Project #0404,
to Frattalone Companies Inc. of St. Paul, Minnesota, based on their low qualified bid in the amount
of$2,562,803.92 including Alternate 1 of$9,000 for the addition ofluminous rings on the street
lights, and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same.
City Council Minutes
July 25, 2005
Page 4 of7
Motion to amend by Nawrocki that the amount approved be reduced, for the time being, by the
items also covered in the LCG application to the Met Council.
Nawrocki stated that he does not want to jeopardize grant funding.
Ericson Diehm, stated that our other applications have been handled in the same way, with bids
accepted prior to receiving funding from the Met Council. She stated that we do not want this to
jeopardize the completion of this project, and would vote for this even without possible grant
funding, as we are committed to this project. She questioned if it would even be allowed to accept a
partial bid. Hansen stated that the base bid would need to be accepted. Jim Hoeft, City Attorney,
stated there were 26 items tied to the grant, which would constitute a substantial change of the bid.
Nawrocki stated this question could be explored over the 60 days available to accept the bid, or over
the two weeks. $250,000 is a big portion ofthe bid. Nawrocki and Ericson Diehm discussed past bid
and grant crossovers.
Hansen stated that the grant application also included items outside ofthe current plan such as a
pedestrian bridge and gazebo. Trails and plantings were part of the plan and the MLC grant
application.
Williams asked the City Attorney if waiting would affect the grant results. Hoeft stated that it is only
a speculation by Council that bid approval would affect the grant process. Fehst questioned project
delay if the bid were not approved. Hansen stated it would take three weeks to get the contracts in
order. This project has a phased time frame tied into Ryland's redevelopment for Phase I, which has
a completion date of this year.
Fehst attempted to telephone the Community Development Director, but was unable to reach him.
Peterson stated this would result in a six week construction delay. We would have no further
assurance in two weeks than we have now. Peterson stated that we are involved in this project and
that Met Council would not punish us for moving forward.
Ericson Dielnn asked for the original Engineer's estimate. Hansen stated $3,750,000.
Peterson called for a second to the motion. Motion to amend died for lack of a second.
Motion to amend by Nawrocki, that this item be tabled for two weeks for further research. Second
by Kelzenberg.
Williams stated that research could be done and the City Council could meet again in three days.
Kelzenberg questioned the ramifications ofthe wait and stated he would feel better hearing from the
Community Development Director on this. Fehst stated the project could be done without the grant,
and that the bridge and gazebo would not be completed if we do not receive the grant. Fehst stated
that the grant portion for landscaping would be a reimbursement.
Nawrocki felt that delaying this bid award for two weeks would not cause any great problems.
Fehst read from the approved City Council Minutes and Resolution of July 11,2005 regarding the
Livable Communities Grant application.
City Council Minutes
July 25, 2005
Page 5 of 7
Ericson Diehm stated that if we would not do this project because of Met Council funding, it would
show that we are not cOlmnitted to this project.
Peterson stated that if the Community Development Department knew the grant would jeopardize
the project, they would not have come forward with their request. Hansen stated that this project
was short by $250,000 and the intent of the grant was to find funding for the shortfall. With these
bids, we are no longer short for the project.
Upon the vote to amend: Kelzenberg, nay; Williams, nay; Ericson Diehm, nay; Nawrocki, aye;
Peterson, nay. 1 aye - 4 nays. Motion to amend failed.
Upon vote of the original motion: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, aye; Ericson Diehm, aye; Nawrocki,
nay; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes - 1 nay. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-41
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE
2005 HUSET P ARKW A Y AREA IMPROVEMENTS CITY PROJECT #0404
WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids for City Project No. 0404, Huset Parkway Area Improvements,
bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were received complying with the
advertisement:
Total Bid
$2,553,803.92
$3,140,870.51 *
$3,166,435.75*
$3,185,388.85
$3,756,086.40*
* Denotes corrected bid
WHEREAS, it appears that Frattalone Companies Inc., 3025 Spruce Street, Little Canada, MN 55117, is the lowest
responsible bidder.
Add
Alternate 1
$9,000
$9,150
$9,000
$8,235
$8,775
Add /(Deduct)
Alternate 2
12,000
180
16,200
(1,432.80)
2,295
Frattalone Companies
Veit & Company
Forest Lake Contracting Inc.
Park Construction
Midwest Asphalt
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
Frattalone Companies Inc., in the name of the City of Columbia Heights, for the 2005 Huset Parkway Area
Improvements, City Project 0404, 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.
City Project 0404 shall be funded with Developer Assessments, Municipal State Aid, Utility Construction funds, and
Park Development funds.
Other Business
Heights Happening Newsletter
Nawrocki stated that the fall newsletter would not include any inf011l1ation on the 2006 budget, as he had
requested. Last fall budget infonnation was a front-page item. Residents would then not receive budget
information until the middle of November. Fehst stated that Council has not been presented with budget
infonnation. Nawrocki stated that budget infonnation is required by City Charter to be presented in
August. Nawrocki indicated changes just made by the Legislature on State Aid and homestead credits.
Fehst stated that brief information could be included, but the newsletter must go to the printer by Friday.
We are attempting to stay with in the three year budget plan. Fehst reminded Council of the add-backs
last year and the anticipation that those items would be included again this year. Nawrocki indicated that
with the state aid loss decrease and the $800,000 in reserve funds, the tax increase could be zero. Fehst
City Council Minutes
July 25, 2005
Page 6 of?
stated that last year Council approved a higher amount than staff recOlmnended. He stated the EDA levy
would be in line with redevelopment requests for Heritage Heights and other areas.
Williams stated this infonnation should be in the newsletter to infonn residents.
Peterson asked if Council was comfortable with Fehst putting budget infonnation in the fall newsletter.
Williams asked that Councilmember Nawrocki be allowed to review the article.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Manager
. August 1 st work session will be with the Auditor.
. Spending a lot of time on the budget.
. Met with Heritage Heights residents for the third time, with Council making a cOlmnitment to improve
the area. Listed the Police Officer contacts in the area, which have been very successful. Contacted
COlmnissioner Kordiak, who is involved with ACAP, and set a meeting with the two ACAP units on
47th.
. August 1 st work session agenda will include a request by the Charter Commission to allow refinancing
bond sales by resolution rather than ordinance. Hoeft stated that Consultant Mark Rziff explained the
process to the Charter Commission, indicating the ordinance amendment time line to refinance a bond
was cumbersome.
. The Charter Commission would like to hold a joint meeting with the City Council to discuss voting
wards versus districts. Suggested this meeting be held in October.
. Listed agenda items for the joint School Board/City Council meeting on August 29.
Report of the City Attomey - nothing to report
CITIZENS FORUM
Jacque Block, 4241 Tyler Street, suggested an off the record conversation with Met Council staff on the
Grant.
COUNCIL CORNER
Kelzenberg
. 3rd annual Police/Fire/Post Office Charity softball game will be held Wednesday, August 3, Huset Park
field #5. Please bring a monetary donation for SACA.
. Read from the last Green Sheet regarding a call answered by our Officers. He cOlmnended the Officers
for their good judgment.
Williams
. Excited about planning for the Heritage Heights area, and trusts we will do the job right. NawrocA:i
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and preventing violence.
. Rising to New Heights is working on a brochure for our city.
. Excited about meeting with the School Board, and getting the message out about the referendum. He
will discuss the referendum at the National Night Out activities.
. Continue to pray for the health and peace of our citizens.
Ericson Diehm
. The Library has exciting smmner programs for youth.
. National Night Out - most Councilmembers will visit neighborhoods. It is not to late to organize a pmiy.
Just fill out a block pmiy pennit and get to know your neighbors.
City Council Minutes
July 25,2005
Page 7 of7
. Encouraged everyone to get to know and check on their neighbors, especially during this extreme heat.
Fehst stated an email he received suggested we use the reverse calling system to call those most
susceptible to the heat. The system cannot determine age. The county has a program whereby people
can receive a daily call to make sure they are doing fine.
Nawrocki
. The county program to keep tabs on seniors is a good program.
. Regarding the Chmier Commission request to change the ordinance process - the ordinance process
gives the public time to find out about the proposal. Concerned that ACAP not bring in more low
income housing. Wards versus districts is not a new discussion.
. SRA meeting this week pursued rate matters with the state, and worked the on Centerpoint rate case.
There was not much success limiting the requirement to map out utility lines after the first of the year.
The coming year SRA budget was adopted.
. Appointed to Association of Metro COlmnunities Financial Conunittee - if anyone has COlmnents on
theLeague's policies contact him.
. 1055 Peters Place - how m'e we doing with this?
. What is the work being done at the library. Hansen stated it is cleanup landscaping and leveling the sod
ridge.
. There will be a WWII 60th Anniversary memorial plaque dedication on Sunday, August 14, at 2 p.m. at
Kordiak Park. This effort is attributed to Anoka County, VFW Post 230, and Gil Mros.
. At the last meeting, the owner of the 500 Club made inappropriate comments about staff. They did two
projects without permits. Fehst stated the canopy has been removed and replaced with aflowerbed. The
deck is unattached and under 30 inches, and does not require a permit. Peterson stated that the owner
complied with the State Building Code. If there was extra seating, it has been removed. It is time to let
this owner get on with his business. The questions were in response to resident concerns.
. Asked again for copies ofthe EDA or HRA minutes on TIF and the debt in the new Heritage Heights
area from when the debt was initiated. Fehst stated that law now requires interest be paid if fimds are
borrowed internally.
. Gave infonnation on donations for the Crest View Gala.
Peterson
~ COITespondence has been received froIn many residents on Stinson traffic concerns. TIle letters have
been answered and forward to the Traffic Commission.
. Heritage Heights - we are in the process of revitalization for tIns area. We can solve problems by
persistently working on them.
. Received a letter from the MN Housing Finance Agency regarding the Salvation Anny turning their two
room housing into eight room housing. We are not against this program, but in that area would be a set
back. We have spoken to them and directed them to another area of the community that would be more
beneficial for everyone. Asked anyone with COlmnents to call City Hall. Fehst indicated the information
could be placed on cable T V
. Attitude is everything. Asked citizens to talk positively about our City.
. Don't take ourselves too seriously and do a random act of kindness.
ADJOURNMENT
Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9: 1 0 p.m.
(Patncia Muscovitz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretmy