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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. rY\N~~NT A~~NnA '-"'-I.l."IU..L.J.L"I'" .t.....'-J..L.J.L'.....,.LlL 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 <:tntpd thnt nnt nll nrnhlpn7s rnn hp snh)pd H~mnv with nolir.p. W01"k- in Griil R Polir.p. 1'Il"P. I'Idino- (lllir.k-lv -~_P._-- ._p_._ -._- ----r- ----..-- ----- -- ---.---. ---rrJ ..----r----- '.------- ---- -- - ----- ---- -------0 -~-------.J 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