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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 26, 2005 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 26, 2005 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting ofthe City Council held at 7:07 p.m. on Monday, September 26,2005 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 Councilmember Williams gave the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - recited ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Mayor Peterson acknowledged the death of Civilian Emergency Response Team (CERT) member Keri- Lynn Kohut who passed away September 22,2005. Services were held on September 24th. Donations may be given by calling the Council Secretary for information. Keri-Lynn will be very missed. A moment of silence was held in her memory. Peterson stated that item 6B would be removed from the agenda. Peterson added a report from Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, on the stonn damage, and for remarks from the Police and Fire Chiefs. Peterson added a report on the Fire Department Open House and Jessie Smith of the Columbia Heights ALCW School. Nawrocki asked why there are no minutes for the last meeting. Peterson indicated that the Secretary was out of town and that they would be on the next meeting agenda. Hansen reported on the response to the stonn of Wednesday, September 21,2005, which had significant tree damage. With the large amount of rain, there were no reports of flooding affecting any stlUctures. The current focus is on clean up in public areas. He listed pickup options for tree debris: residents clean up and haul debris themselves or hire a contractor, (the Anoka County Compost site will be open at no charge through next Monday), BFI will pick up branches under four inches in diameter bundled to their specifications, and the City will do curb pickup of branches and blUsh with our crews and our tree contractor begimling Thursday. Residents will be notified via the reverse calling system when crews will be in their area. Anoka County will pick up the large logs, but will not be in our area for five to seven weeks. It may take City crews four to six weeks to clean up debris. The estimate is 75-100 trees down on public property and 300-500 total trees down in Columbia Heights. Pickups will not include constlUction debris. Hansen stated removal costs would be in excess of $50,000. Nawrocki indicated that the garbage contractor by-passed branches on the curb. Their contract states ifthey do not pick up something they are to leave the resident a note. Linda Magee, Assistant to the City Manager, stated she would check, but believed this is being done. Nawrocki stated that on the night ofthe stonn the intersection of 49th and Central, nOlth bound, had heavy ponding of water. Hansen stated that work on that stonn sewer was delayed until 2006 by MNDOT. City Council Minutes September 26, 2005 Page 2 of 11 Police Chief Tom Johnson rep011ed this was an extremely busy time, with no injury of persons related to the storm. Six squads were dispatched, and an area of streets had to be closed down. Without electricity business alann systems did not work, so officers checked on businesses. False alarms were received when power was returned. False alann notices will not be issued until after next Wednesday. The cooperation between Police, Fire, Public Works and Administration departments was excellent. Citizen response was positive and cooperative. Hansen stated that residents can contact Anoka County with their address for large deblis removal and the City can also make a list of such addresses. Fire Chief Gary Gonnan stated that the night of the stonn was very busy with 88 stonn related calls. Crews helped with clealing streets and assisted at Murzyn Hall where 300 seniors were present. He also indicated that City Departments worked well together and there was extensive contact with the City Manager. There was one house fire, due to electlic damage, that was efficiently taken care. Nawrocki asked if all power in the City has been restored. Gorman stated he thought most homes now have power. Mayor Peterson thanked all the crews, CERT members, and citizens for their cooperation. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS Proclamation - Columbia Heights Toastmasters Mayor Peterson read and proclaimed October as Toastmaster Month in the City of Columbia Heights. Introduction of New Employees Fire Chief Gary Gonnan stated that the Fire Department has been down one full time fire fighter since last year. He introduced Anthony Cuzzupe, who is the new full time Firefighter. Cuzzupe began on September 13, 2005. Tony Cuzzupe stated his excitement at receiving this position. Elicson Diehm announced that the Fire Department would host an Open House this Saturday, October 3rd fi"om 11 :00 a.m. to 3 :00 p.m. She encouraged residents to attend, stating there would be activities for everyone to enjoy. Miscellaneous Jessie Smith and Klisten Haugen, teachers at the ALC West School, indicated they are having a fund raising event with proceeds donated to rebuilding education in Louisiana. Ericson Diehm asked for clalification of the event, which was given. ALC West is an alternative school. CONSENT AGENDA Peterson stated that the City Manager is attending the City Managers conference, which he helped organize. Assistant City Manager Linda Magee took Councilmember through the consent agenda. 1) Approve the Items Listed for Rental Housing License Applications for September 26, 2005 Motion to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for September 26,2005. 2) Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for September 26,2005, as presented. 3) Approve Payment of Bills Motion to approve payment of the bills out of the proper funds as listed in the attached check register coveling Check Number 114292 through 114463 in the amount of$691,860.92. City Council Minutes September 26, 2005 Page 3 of 11 4) Set Joint Meeting with the Charter Commission and the City Council for Thursday, October 20, 2005 Motion to set a joint meeting with the Charter Commission and the City Council for Thursday, October 20,2005, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Magee stated that discussion would be Wards versus Districts for elections. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ericson Diehm, to approve the Consent Agenda items. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1498, Being an Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 1490, Authorizing to Convey Certain Real Estate Located at 3955 University Avenue and 3947 Lookout Place. Randy Schumacher, Community Development Assistant, indicated the City owns two parcels and wishes to sell them to the EDA, which is the ann of redevelopment for the City. This is for the proposed Sama restaurant. Nawrocki indicated the majority of this building would be a sports bar. Schumacher stated the banquet proposal has been removed. Nawrocki stated that the EDA should sell the land to the City so the public will have a better opportunity to follow the process. The proposed sale price is a fifth of the land value as stated by the City's consultant and we should revisit the price we are getting for that land. Schumacher stated the property is a redevelopment comer purchased with COlmnunity Block Grant monies. Tonight's issue is control of the land. Harold Hoium, Fifth Street, stated there was no price on this property. Peterson indicated this is a transfer from the City to the EDA. Nawrocki questioned finances relative to this property. Schumacher stated that CDBG monies were acquired to purchase the property. Grant funds were in excess of $500,000. The developer will pay $75,000. Ericson Diehm stated there were two previous developers interested in this propelty. Schumacher stated those interests were for $50,000 and went away because they received no interest for development of the comer. Without community development incentives, the propelty would have remained with obsolete homes, an empty gas station, and piece of conunercial property. A million dollar development will eliminate the negative tax base in a few years. This is an investment of competitive federal tax dollars to bring in a quality development, which will bring in jobs and taxes. Williams stated this project would not use TIF and taxes would be paid immediately following completion. We have applied for additional Livable Communities Grant funds. Schumacher stated that we have made the first cut in the process. Nawrocki stated that we do not have to lose money on this propelty and questioned the accuracy oftaxes prior to purchase being less than $2,000. Schumacher indicated that was a correct statement. He referred to a metro wide cost given for restaurants. Peterson stated that cost is for a buildable site, and this site has issues with setbacks, utilities under the property, etc. The developer would include sidewalks. Schumacher stated that the developer is also working with the conunercial propeliy owner to improve his access. Peterson stated that sometimes you have to invest in your city. He stated his pride that the EDA and Council are working hard to improve our community. Ifwe push out this developer, we may have an empty lot for the next 10 years. City Council Minutes September 26, 2005 Page 4 of 11 Nawrocki stated this would be another sport bar. Peterson stated it is a restaurant and ifthey expand to the lower level they would have to have come before the City for approval. Discussion included standing while Councilmembers make comments, for recognition and respect. Nawrocki stated that the plan shown to Councilmembers indicated the lower level would be for banquets, and was only mentioned tonight that it might not be included. The main level is a bar. Utilities under the property will be in the parking area. Lee Stauch, 1155 Khyber Lane, stated residents should be infonned what they are getting for their money. We have lost two years oftaxes on the Burger King site. As long as the gas station and homes were there, they paid taxes. Mayor Peterson closed the Public Hearing. Motion by Ericson Diehm, second by Kelzenberg, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1498, there being an ample amount of copies available to the public. Williams stated this was a blighted area. All meetings are open to the public. We received Federal funds to use for this development. Peterson indicated this would put the property all into one package simplifYing the process. Nawrocki stated that we paid an outside agency to value the propeliy and have paid for staff to attend real estate investment classes. The property on 53rd and Central has a higher value than the Burger King property. Ericson Diehm asked him if it would have a higher value than the 40th and University property. Nawrocki felt it would have an equal or high value. Motion and second renewed. Upon vote: All Ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Ericson Diehm, second by Williams, to set the second reading of Ordinance No. 1498, being an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1490, authorizing to convey certain real estate located to 3955 University Avenue and 3947 Lookout Place for Monday, October 10, 2005, beginning at approximately 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Upon vote: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, aye; Ericson Diehm, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes -1 nay. Motion carried. B. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1499, Vacating a Portion of 45th Avenue N.E. - removed C. Public Hearing/Adopt Resolution Declaring the Amount to be Certified to the Property Taxes for City Project #0450 on the Property Located at 3730 Tyler Street Gonnan stated there were abatements on this property in 2004 and 2005. This would allow assessment of the 2004 abatement to be celiified to the propeliy taxes. Council can set the time period from one to ten years for collection and set the interest rate. The owner was invited to this meeting. Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, listed the time period parameters for collection and interest rate options. Nawrocki asked the special assessment rate last year. Hansen stated it was 5.5 percent. Nawrocki indicated it should be that percentage rate and the maximum often years for payment, but to remember there will be another assessment for this year's project. Hoeft stated this is a significant assessment and will be mirrored next year. The Resolution states ten years or less and can be modified to remove the "or less", City Council Minutes September 26, 2005 Page 5 of II Harold Hoium questioned who would handle the abatement and if it was by bid. Gonnan stated this job had four bids, but also included city services to keep the cost down. Hoium asked if the material was thrown away. Gonnan stated it was stored for 60 days and valued. Items that could be recycled were recycled. He stated that the owner could have taken these materials to the County site for disposal at no cost. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to close the public hearing and to waive the reading of Resolution No.2005-53, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to adopt Resolution No. 2005-53, being a resolution adopting assessment rolls for City of Columbia Heights Project #0450 and certifying the assessment to Anoka County for inclusion on the propeliy's 2006 tax statement at an interest rate of 5.5 percent for a period of ten years. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. RESOLUTION 2005-53 ASSESSMENT FOR PROJECT NO. 0450 Resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights approving costs and charges according to the City Charter for the following project performed on the real property located at 3730 TYLER STREET and determining that said project has been completed and ratifying and conforming all other proceedings, heretofore had: City of Columbia Heights Project numbered P.I.R. 1086, Project 0450. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, met at 7:00 o'clock p.m. on the 26th day of September, 2005, in the City Council Chamber, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Mumesota, being the time and place set when and where all persons interested could appear and be heard by the Council with respect to benefits, and to the cost of the Project No. 0450 above described, a notice of such hearing having been heretofore duly sent via certified mail as required by law to the property owner of record, stating the proposed amount of the assessment; and, WHEREAS, this Council has approved resolution number 2004-22 heretofore declared the above mentioned property a nuisance and ordered the abatement of the violations of said nuisance in accordance with ordinance code section 8.602 THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS HEREBY RESOLVES: Section I: That this Council does hereby adopt the atoresaid assessment invoice known and described as "Assessment Ron for Abatement Project at 3730 Tyler Street NEil numbered Project 0450, P .I.R. 1086 Section 2: That this Council hereby [mds and determines that the lot and parcel of land enumerated in said assessment ulVoice was a nuisance in accordance with City of Columbia Heights Ordinance Code section 8.602 and did accrue the costs in an amount of $7,843.75. And this Council further finds and determines that the cost be assessed against such lot or parcel of land. Section 3: That said assessments may be paid in part or in full without ulterest on or before November 10th 2005. Any unpaid amount will be certified to Anoka County for collection with the real estate taxes beginning with the taxes payable in the year 2006. The annual principal installments, together with 5.5% accrued on the unpaid balance are due and payable with the real estate taxes for a period of ten years as designated by the City Council. Section 4: That this Council did hereby determule to proceed with said project, does ratify and confinn all other proceedings heretofore had ill regard to this project, and said project shall hereafter be known and numbered as City Project number 0450, P.I.R. 1086 Section 5: This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage. D. Public Hearing/Adopt Resolution Declaring A Nuisance and Approving Abatement of Violations Gonnan stated that this propeliy covers three lots. A complaint was received on outside storage. Gonnan stated the dates of notification and inspection. The homeowner spoke to him in May stating he would begin to trim trees on the property, so he was given the smmner to do so. Most violations are on outside storage, shrublbrush growth, and structures on the propeliy that are unused. The owner does not reside at the propeliy. City Council Minutes September 26, 2005 Page 6 of II Harold Hoium, 4321 5th Street, the property owner, stated his background being burglm1zed and trashed by others. He refelTed to a past complaint about a cement mixer in his back yard, but other neighbors can have constmction equipment. While in court his keys were stolen, duplicates were made, and his home was broken into. The City shut his water off, the power company shut of his power, and the gas compmlY shut of his gas. He has been shot at in his yard, his trees have been trashed and people have tried to bum down his house. City employees look over his fence. Hoium stated that the pictures in the Council packet do not show the trees that were damaged by gangsters. He indicated people rip the siding offhis garage. He received a complaint about the sign on his gate. The containers in his yard are there because someone trashed his yard. He stated that people steal from his yard. Hoium then stated threats regarding anyone entering his property. Mayor Peterson indicated that threats would get him removed from the Council Chmnbers. Peterson stated that if robbers stole from the yard, it wouldn't be so full of junk. Peterson asked him his intentions to clean up the yard. Hoium stated he would ifhe could find someone honest to do the work. Peterson stated this abatement would move ahead. Nawrocki asked Mr. Hoium ifhe repOlied these shooting and bombings of his residence to the Police Department. Hoium stated he called them in the early 1980's, but no repOli was filed. Ericson Diehm stated that she believes in the right of due process and for Mr. Hoium to have the right to speak, but no one has the light to say that any police officers entering the property would be cm11ed out in body bags and she was very offended by this. Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Ericson Diehm, to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Resolution No. 2005-52, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Kelzenberg, second by E11cson Diehm, to adopt Resolution No. 2005-52, a resolution of the City Council ofthe City of Columbia Heights declaring the property at 4321 5th Street N.E., PIN No. 35-30-24-21-0165 a nuismlce and approving the abatement of violations from the propeliy pursuant to City Code Section 8.602. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. RESOLUTION 2005-52 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS APPROVING ABATEMENT OF ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 8, ARTICLE VI, SECTION 1 OF CITY CODE, ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS EXIST ON PROPERTY OWNED BY HAROLD O. HOIUM (HEREINAFTER "OWNER OF RECORD"). WHEREAS, OWNER OF RECORD IS THE LEGAL OWNER OF THE REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4321 5TH STREET, PIN NO. 35-30-24-21-0165, COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, AND WHEREAS, PURSUANT TO COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CODE SECTION 8.602(1)(B), WRITTEN NOTICE SETTING FORTH THE CAUSES AND REASONS FOR THE PROPOSED COUNCIL ACTION CONTAINED HEREIN WAS SENT VIA CERTIFIED AND REGULAR MAIL TO THE OWNER OF RECORD ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2005. NOW, THEREFORE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOREGOING, AND ALL ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS MAKES THE FOLLOWING: FINDINGS OF FACT That on October 4, 2004 an inspection was conducted and five violations were noted. A letter detailing the abatement procedure and a copy of applicable ordinance sections was sent by regular mail to the owner of record. That on May 25, 2005, inspectors reinspected the property and noted that the violations remained uncorrected. A notice of abatement and public hearing was mailed to the owner of record by certified mail. That on September 8, 2005, inspectors reinspected the property and noted that the violations remained unconected. A notice of abatement and public hearing was mailed to the owner of record by certified mail. City Council Minutes September 26, 2005 Page 7 of 11 That based upon said records of the Fire Department, the following conditions and violations of City Ordinance(s) were found to exist, to-wit: F AlLURE TO CORRECT RMC VIOLATIONS . . Shall repair the garage/shed siding that is deteriorating. . . Shall remove all/any outside storage from the property. Shall store in garage or shed. Items included; ALL! ANY OUTSIDE STORAGE ON THE PROPERTY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: - OLD FIREWOOD PILES, CANS, BARRELS, UNKNOWN ITEMS UNDER THE TARPS/PLASTIC COVERS, GARDEN EQUIPMENT, BRUSH& LEAVES, LUMBER, NEXT TO THE GARAGE IN THE REAR, ETC.... . . Shall cut/trim overgrown trees, shrubs on the property. Shall cut/remove all/any scrub growth from the property, around house foundations and in the yard. . . Shall sod/seed all/any bare areas of the yard. . . The water to the property has been shut off since January 1996. City ordinance requires that residential properties shall have toilet facilities connected to an approved water system that at all times provides an adequate amount of running water under pressure. That all parties, including the OWNER OF RECORD and any occupants or tenants, have been given the appropriate notice of this hearing according to the provisions of the City Code Section 8.602(1)(a) and 8.602(1)(b). CONCLUSIONS OF COUNCIL 1. That the property located at 4321 5th Street, PIN No. 35-30-24-21-0165 is in violation of the provisions of the Columbia Heights City Code as set forth in the Notice of Abatement attached hereto; 2. That all relevant parties and parties in interest have been duly served notice of this hearing, and any other hearings relevant to the abatement of violations on the property listed above. 3. That all applicable rights and periods of appeal as relating to the owner of record, occupant, or tenant, as the case may be, have expired, or such rights have been exercised and completed. ORDER OF COUNCIL 1. The property located at 4321 5th Street, 4317 5th Street, 4315 5th Street, Pin No. 35-30-24-21-0165 constitutes a nuisance pursuant to City Code. 2. That a copy of this resolution/order shall be served upon all relevant parties and parties in interest. 3. That any motion for summary enforcement shall be served upon all relevant parties and parties in interest. 4. That all service provided for herein shall be in accordance with Minnesota Statute 483.17, subd. 2 ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Bid Considerations Resolution to Accept Bids/Award Contract for Municipal Service Center Building Repairs Hansen stated that Buetow and Associates was hired to look at preserving the life of the public service center. Bid documents were prepared with a base bid and altel11atives included in the packets. There were 31 requests for the bidding documents, with 13 bids received. There was a problem with the low bid by Meisingers Constmction and they requested to withdraw their bid due to a grievous error in the submission. Hansen recommended acceptance of the letter, and consideration of the next two low bids. The bids were high and the altel11ates inappropriate at this time, whereby the altel11ates will be looked at through the budget process. The lower level wash bay, the HV AC unit replacement and the basement lighting improvements are a high priority. Payment would be through funds put aside over the last five years in fund 411, one-half of the total cost, and repayment of the remainder over the next five years. Hansen recommended awarding the contract with altel11ates 3, 5, and 9; making Ebert and Associates the low bidder. Williams stated concel11 about bid #5 and the low cost for HV AC. Hansen stated they are low, but were also given the oppOlwnity to withdraw their bid. Nawrocki questioned where the Architect went wrong on the bid estimate. Randy Engle, Architect with Buetow and Associates, stated it is based on the time, recent events with oil prices, competitive needs over seas and hurricanes. It is a combination ofunfOlwnate events, and partial underestimating. Nawrocki stated there was no clause allowing the bidder to withdraw their bid. Engle stated that is the purpose of the bid bond, but it is a matter of whether it is worth it to not allow City Council Minutes September 26, 2005 Page 8 of II them to withdraw. Nawrocki asked if we would keep his bid bond. Engle stated no, but suggested to accept their request to withdraw. Discussion on the bids continued. Nawrocki questioned if the mechanical equipment proposed is the same as the other companies. Engle stated that the equipment could be nothing less than specified. Nawrocki indicated his opinion that roofleaks at the Public Works Department are not as bad as the Police Department, and questioned whether we really need the elevator, but was told we had to have it and now we don't. Hansen indicated it was never stated that the elevator was a requirement by the City or State, but a strong recommendation as it is the only public building without it. Nawrocki stated the basement area was only to be for storage, and the next "need" will be to heat the area. He asked how much will be needed for additional costs. Hansen stated that every project has contingency costs, which is usually five percent. Nawrocki stated he would not support this as it is higher than anticipated. We should re-bid at a more appropriate time. Williams stated his belief that rebidding would result in a much higher cost, and he would support this. Peterson stated he would support the repairs, as they are long overdue. The roofleaks in many areas and is water getting down into the blocks. Buildings should not go past the point of maintenance repair. Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution 2005-47, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All aye. Motion carried. Motion by Kelzenberg, second by WilliaIns, to adopt Resolution No. 2005-47, accepting bids and awarding the 2005 Municipal Service Center Building Repairs Renovation, City Project #0503 to Ebert Construction in the amount of$830,000 base bid based upon their low, qualified responsible bid and accepting bid alternates 3, 5, and 9 for a total contract award of$898,579; and, furthennore, authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. Nawrocki stated that block replacement is not necessary, as then: are mOre cost effective, alternative repair methods. This bid does not include the alternate, which would make sure the blocks match, which is only $2,500. Williams cOlmnended Hansen for doing a rock bottom renovation and not recOlmnending about $500,000 ofthe improvements initially considered. Williams asked the age of the roof. Hansen stated 18 yeaI"s. Nawrocki referred to the advantages of membrane roofs. Upon vote: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, aye; Ericson Diehm, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes - 1 nay. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2005-47 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE MUNICIPAL SERVICE CENTER BUILDING REP AIRS RENOVATION, CITY PROJECT NO. 0503 WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids for City Project No. 0503, Municipal Service Center Building Repairs Renovation, thirteen bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were received complying with the advertisement: Base Bid $738,800 $799,650 $830,000 $845,700 $875,000 Meisinger Constmction Gen-Con Construction Ebert Inc. Parkos ConstlUctiol1 CM Constmction Inc. x Alternates 1-10 Exhibit B Bid Bond x x x x City Council Minutes September 26, 2005 Page 9 of II Gladstone Construction Lund-Maliin Construction Jorgenson Construction DNR Construction Services Merrinlac Construction Shaw-Lundquist Flannery Construction Falls & Nyhusmoen $877,400 $885,000 $932,000 $948.860 $956,582 $957,600 $979,000 $1,000,000 x x x x x x x x WHEREAS, it appears that Ebert Construction 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 Ebert Construction, 23350 County Road 10, Corcoran/Loretto, Minnesota 55357 in the name of the City of Columbia Heights, for the Municipal Service Center Building Repairs Renovation, City Project No. 0503, 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 No. 0503 shall be funded from General Building Fund 411. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the Assistant to the City Manager - nothing to report Nawrocki indicated that the City Manager should notify Councilmembers when he will be gone. Magee indicated that he has stopped in the office and is available by phone. Nawrocki stated that the city manager's organization has merit, but questioned the City Manager spending time away from the City for this purpose. Nawrocki asked for a financial worksheet on the industrial park development, the cost for consultants and City staff time, any other costs, and what the budget is. Nawrocki stated that by closing 39th and Jefferson to work on the parkway, truck traffic to service the remaining industrial businesses must detour through residential areas, unnecessarily. Limited access should have continued. Nawrocki requested that the budget work session date of Monday, November 21 be rescheduled. Nawrocki stated there is a non-working tow truck parked on 49th between 5th and 4th Streets in the alley. Report of the City Attomey - none CITIZENS FORUM Peterson stated that any outbursts would have Mr. Hoium removed fi-om the podium. Harold Hoium, 5th Street, suggested listing proper trees to plant on boulevards that would avoid being pulled out by the roots. There should be no parking on the street. Trees should be trilmned so the street lights can do their job. He refelTed to a sidewalk that was removed, which forces children to walk in the street. Everything on his propeliy is grandfathered in. The transit hub lights are very diliy making seeing difficult. On 44th by Rainbow there is a tree that needs to be trimmed. The Burger King lot is a mud hole that should have grass seed planted. Sweeping streets after the stonn was difficult because of vehicles parked on the street. Jill Voelker, Polk Street, asked if anyone could attend the Heritage Heights area neighborhood meeting. Peterson stated the meeting is open to evelyone. City Council Minutes September 26, 2005 Page 10 of II COUNCIL CORNER Nawrocki . Lions pancake breakfast this Saturday at Murzyn Hall. e The winter issue of Heights Happenings needs more detailed infonnation on the budget and emphasis on parking restrictions for winter. Requests to see the copy before it goes to press. . Fees that we charge are to relate to the specific services they are to pay for, by state law. A study is being proposed that each city list fees and how the charges are detennined. The League of MN Cities has indicated to the Depmiment of Revenue the immense size of a document from over 800 cities. Asked for a copy of our report on how fees were arrived at. He volunteered the City of Columbia Heights as one of the cities to be sampled. . Channel 16 local Cable was off the air until yesterday because of the stonn. . On the Mayor's report, as constmctive criticism, on last report given, things were left out such as trees over trilllined on Main Street. Residents should be aware this is a State Aid street. State Aid funds will pay for the fancy parkway, but we couldn't use the funds to replace these trees. Residents had to pay $3,000 to $4,000 to clean up sewage fi-om their basement because the City did not do their job cleaning the lines. Regarding the budget, did not talk about the ten percent increase on sewer and water charges in the past and assessments levied for street work. Was offended by the refelTal to his "negative" vote on the vacation of streets. You vote aye or nay, or yes or no. Whether it is a negative or positive is an opinion. Described his vote on the project as positive. We are putting to much density in the industrial area and taking 60 percent of the industrial business out of the city, and that is negative. Ericson Diehm . While in Washington DC met with Martin Sabo. Talked about redevelopment in Columbia Heights and about useful CBG funds. It is important to keep lines of communication open. . Fire Department Open House will be held on October 1 st. . Crestview Gala will be held on November 7, with a silent auction. Kelzenberg . Attended the 20th anniversary of the senior center - they gave out prizes donated by businesses. Thanked those businesses. Thanked Karen Moeller for the excellent job she does. . The Columbia Heights Postmaster is retiring. Reception on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Stop by to wish him well. Williams . Stated that a "no" is a negative vote to a situation. . COlllinunication is very important. On visiting our Sister City, we did not learn to speak Polish, but could cOlllinunicate though eyes and action. It was a tremendous trip. We, in America, take too much for granted. They have suffered greatly. Described the visit to Auschwitz and the Salt Mine. . Impressed with the Mayor of Lomianki, his is a full time mayor and earns about $1,562 a month. He is the head ofthe police, fire, public works, library, school system, public transpOli system and the hospital. They have built a cultural center complex. Poland is a very progressive country. Peterson . There will be a presentation in October from the people who visited our Sister City - Lomianki Poland. . The Senior Center had Bingo on Wednesday during the stonn. They had to go downstairs and the Boosters helped. Karen Moeller did a wonderful job of getting them downstairs without any panic. . Tickets are available for the 4 x 4 raffle with proceeds going to the Activity Fund. The winner will be announced at the Kickoff party. . It is unfortunate to receive derogatory remarks about our services, but we allow people to have their City Council Minutes September 26, 2005 Page 11 of II opinion. The negative vote comment was not intentional. The Mayor's Report is held to 29 minutes, which does not allow covering all topics. Answers are given to questions directed by Steve Antus. o Requests a work session discussion on Hugo booklet of meeting guidelines. Respect has to be shown; tonight's incident was unfortunate. We all think we raise our hands each time to speak, but we don't. We will discuss standing up while speaking, as the 15 members ofthe Lomianki Council do. When finished, each one says thank you. The Poles are very courteous, even the drivers stop to let others in front of them. . Let's not take ourselves to seriously and enjoy life, go out and do a random act of kindness. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Peterson adjoumed the meeting at 10:40 p.m. (" atricia Muscovitz, CMC Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretary