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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 27, 2006 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27,2006 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 27,2006 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL/INVOCATION Pastor Dave Briley, Oak Hill Baptist Church gave the Invocation. Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Nawrocki, Councilmember Diehm, Councilmember Kelzenberg Peterson thanked all the clergy that corne to give the invocations at our meetings. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - recited ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Peterson removed item 6A as the property is now in compliance. Nawrocki requested to speak on behalf of a project headed by a military person that is a graduate of Blaine High School. Peterson indicated this would be item 7D. Nawrocki questioned the timing ofthe placement ofthe agenda on cable and requested that they be available as soon as possible. PROCLAMATIONS. PRESENTATIONS. RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS - none CONSENT AGENDA City Manager Walt Fehst took Councilmembers through the Consent Agenda: Nawrocki requested to remove items 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 for discussion. 1) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes for November 9,2006 General Election Canvass and November 13, 2006 regular City Council meeting a. Motion to approve the minutes of the November 9,2006 General Election Canvass b. Motion to approve the minutes of the November 13, 2006 regular City Council meeting. 2) Accept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes a. Motion to accept the minutes of the September 27,2006 Park and Recreation Commission meeting. b. Motion to accept the minutes of the October 25,2006 Park and Recreation Commission meeting. c. Motion to accept the minutes ofthe October 25, 2006 Library Board/City Council budget meeting. d. Motion to accept the minutes of the November 1,2006 Library Board meeting. e. Motion to accept the minutes of the November 16,2006 Telecommunications Commission meeting. 3) Approve cancellation of City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, December 25,2006. Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2006-251, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution 2006-251, being a Resolution canceling the Monday, December 25, 2006 City of Columbia Heights regular City Council meeting. City Council Minutes November 27,2006 Page 2 of ] I RESOLUTION NO. 2006-251 CANCELING THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2006 WHEREAS: The City of Columbia Heights offices are closed on Friday, December 22,2006 and Monday, December 25, 2006, and; WHEREAS: The City Council has agreed to cancel the regular Council meeting scheduled for Monday, December 25, 2006; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that all interested parties be advised of this change. 4) Authorize transfer of funds to Police Department Budget to reimburse overtime fund Motion to authorize transfer of$I,387.46 received from Unique Thrift Stores and $2,062.50 received from the Columbia Heights School District from the General Fund to the Police Department 2006 budget under line #1020, Police Overtime. 5) Authorize extension of Police and Fire Service Contracts with City of Hilltop - removed 6) Authorize Animal Pound contract with Camden Pet Hospital - removed 7) Authorize participation in the Worthless Check Program with Financial Crimes Services - removed 8) Adopt Resolution No. 2006-247 to extend the term ofthe Southern Anoka County Community Consortium Joint Powers Agreement for payment of the annual fees for FY 2007 and 2008. - removed 9) Adopt Resolution No. 2006-245, being a Resolution providing continuation of financial reimbursement for the Sump Pump Disconnect program - removed 10) Approve the items listed for rental housinQ license applications for November 27,2006 Motion to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for November 27,2006. 11) Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for November 27,2006 as presented. 12) 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 119398 through 119546 in the amount of $836,482.88 Motion by Diehm, second by Kelzenberg, to approve the Consent Agenda, with the exception of items number 5,6, 7, 8, and 9. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. 5. Authorize extension of Police and Fire Service Contracts with City of Hilltop Nawrocki questioned how the contract rates were determined. Police Chief Johnson stated that we looked at our cost and the negotiated officer's union contract and determined the increase need at about four percent. For 2007 the contract would be $147,880, for 2008 it would be $181,875, and for 2009 it would be $189,150. The dates of payment were placed back to the first of the year and the first of July. The City of Hilltop requested that the January 1,2007 payment be on April 1, 2007. The contracts are basically the same as they were previously. Nawrocki referred to the 2007 police and fire budget amounts. He listed the total population of the two cities and stated that Hilltop is eight percent of the total. On an equal basis the amounts would be more than what is proposed in the contract. The cost should be shared on a population basis. Johnson indicated they looked at the City Council Minutes November 27,2006 Page 3 of II percentage of calls received. This contract pays for about two full time officers. He indicated the proposed contract is equitable to both cities. Fire Chief Gary Gorman stated that for the fire contract the amount is determined by dividing the total population of the two cities, to determine a per capita amount, and the cost of capital equipment to determine the annual cost. This contract includes a four percent increase per year each year. Nawrocki indicated the amount did not agree with his tabulation. Fehst stated that until a few years ago the City of Fridley held the contract, even though we were the first responders. He stated that staff feels very comfortable with these contracts. Nawrocki referred to two cities that have joined their fire departments. He gave the history of the police contract with the City of Hilltop. He again indicated that the numbers should be based on population. Motion by Nawrocki to lay this matter over to the next meeting to check the figures ofthe fire department. Mayor Peterson called for a second. The motion died for lack of a second. Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Diehm, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a Police and Fire Service contract with the City of Hilltop starting January 1,2007 and extending through December 31, 2009 at the rates specified in each contract. Nawrocki stated his abstention would be because he feels the citizens of our community are being treated unfairly. Upon vote: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, aye; Diehm, aye; Nawrocki, abstain; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes- 1 abstention. Motion carried. 6. Authorize Animal Pound contract with Camden Pet Hospital Johnson recommended the continued use of Camden Pet Hospital. The Humane Society no longer offers this service. He indicated the increase requested was $25, $2 pcr dog or cat, and $5 for euthanasia and burial of animals. This facility is very close to our city and we receive good service. Nawrocki stated that the average cost is $10,000 a year and asked the estimated cost with these increases. Johnson stated that would be hard to indicate without correct numbers, but should not be more than a $2,500 difference. Nawrocki suggested that next time we see if the new business on 26th and Central offers this service. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a three-year contract with Camden Pet Hospital as stipulated in the contract for the period of February 1,2007 to February 1,2010. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. 7. Authorize participation in the Worthless Check Program with Financial Crimes Services Johnson stated that we were approached by Financial Crimes Services to handle NSF checks. They obtain restitution for us, merchants and residents, and keep many cases out of the court system. This service would also free up our officers from the time they spend tracking down these people. The law that this works under requires the person that wrote the bad check to attend a class. If they do not attend the class, they are charged and must go to court. As this might be a person that just made a mistake, it is an option to avoid the court system. Mendota Heights indicated that they have been very pleased with the service. They even recover bad checks from garage sales. Nawrocki stated there is a 30 day cancellation period. City Council Minutes November 27,2006 Page 4 of II Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract with Financial Crimes Services for the Worthless Check Program. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. 8. Adopt Resolution No. 2006-247 to extend the tenn of the Southern Anoka County Community Consortium Joint Powers Agreement for payment of the annual fees for FY 2007 and 2008. Nawrocki questioned the value of this program and suggested it be closely considered as property taxes continue to increase. Fehst stated the $5,782 contributes to the salary of Barb Warren in the Values First program. This funds committees ofthe cities, schools and the county and sponsors programs that promote the Values First values. It affords a forum to work on social services in our city. The recreation director and police chief work with the group. Motion by Nawrocki that the request be denied. Mayor Peterson called for a second to the motion. The motion died for lack of a second. Diehm stated that we have talked about working with our neighboring communities and this is a great opportunity for us to build the strength of our schools and our communities. She stated that she is very much in favor of this. Motion by Diehm, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution 2006-247, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Diehm, second by Williams to adopt Resolution No. 2006-247 to extend the term ofthe Southern Anoka County Community Consortium Joint Powers Agreement for payment of the annual fees for FY 2007 and 2008. Nawrocki asked for examples ofthe program's benefits. Diehm stated she attended a breakfast where selected students had written essays about "Everyday Heroes". Fehst stated they are a sponsor .. .., T""'l . T"'It. 1: ., a 0.... . .1 1 1 ",1.,. m, " "L ...I. , " _"", . 1.L ..1 or me tmpty ./:jOWlS program, QIversny trammg at me senOOlB, n:aemng OUt LO new reSlOenLS, anu there is a monthly forum that anyone can attend. Nawrocki requested to be informed when the next forum would be held. Upon vote: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, aye; Diehm, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes - 1 nay. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2006-247 EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE SOUTHERN ANOKA COUNTY COMMUNITY CONSORTIUM JPA WHEREAS, in June of 1985, a Joint Powers Agreement established the Southern Anoka County Community Consortium consisting of Anoka County, and the Cities of Columbia Heights, Fridley, and Hilltop and Independent School Districts #13 and #14; and, WHEREAS, the general purpose of this Joint Powers Agreement is to allow each party to jointly and cooperatively coordinate the delivery of services, maximize the use of resources, avoid redundancy, encourage public and private community partnership, and to develop and find programs to promote the general community health and safety in the territory of the cities herein; and, WHEREAS, a very successful example of this joint, cooperative effort is the establishment of the community values program known as Values First which has been recognized throughout the country as a model for promoting core values consistently across all sectors of the community so that youth and adults have a common, inclusive foundation upon which to operate. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights supports the efforts of the Southern Anoka County Community Consortium and does hereby renew and enter into the aforesaid Southern Anoka County Community Consortium Joint Powers Agreement until December 31, 2008, unless earlier terminated or extended under the terms hereof. City Council Minutes November 27, 2006 Page 5 of II 9. Adopt Resolution No. 2006-245, being a Resolution providing continuation of financial reimbursement for the Sump Pump Disconnect program Jesse Davies, Public Works Administrative Assistant, indicated that this is part of the infiltration and inflow program and that all cities discharging storm water into the sanitary sewer system need to stop. The Metropolitan Council will charge us if our amounts are not within the required limits. Davies indicated that we have contributed $500 toward each residential disconnect. By 2005 there were 51 properties reimbursed, with only 17 having out of pocket expenses. He stated this request is for an extension of the $500 reimbursement program. Davies listed the area to be checked this year as Central to University and 3ih to 43rd. Kelzenberg stated that we were going to have a surcharge of $85,400 if we do not control the storm water getting into the sanitary sewer. Davies stated that as we improve the system we would not have to pay the charge. Williams stated that because the Public Works Director brought this to our attention several years ago we have been working on this problem before we were required to. Fehst stated that the Clean Water Act has been in place for many years. This saves us money on power and results in cleaner water. We also did this because of the sewer backups we were having and to help obtain insurance coverage. Fehst stated that there was a sewage backup this weekend in a Metropolitan Council line where 12 residences were damaged. Our crews were doing water main repairs at the time and were able to respond quickly. Nawrocki questioned how much less water is getting into the sewer system because of this. Fehst stated that you are charged for inflow during peak periods and if we can stop this we will not be charged. :Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution 2006-245, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to adopt Resolution 2006-245 that extends the $500 reimbursement program for the years 2007 and 2008 for the removal of illegal cross-connections to the sanitary sewer system. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2006-245 CONTINUATION OF FINANCIAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE SUMP PUMP DISCONNECT PROGRAM WHEREAS, the City has adopted Ordinance 1472 which prohibits surface drainage connections and discharges into the City of Columbia Heights Sanitary Sewer System and, WHEREAS, the City has offered financial assistance in the form of a $500 reimbursement as an incentive to provide the necessary repair to illegal sump pump disconnects and, WHEREAS, for a 5-year period beginning in 2007, Columbia Heights will have an annual $85,000 III Surcharge as a result of annual peak exceedance events and, WHEREAS, such a financial incentive has been determined to be in the best interest of the City of Columbia Heights, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that financial reimbursement for the sump pump disconnect program be extended through December 31, 2008 and is hereby approved and adopted. City Council Minutes November 27,2006 Page 6 of]] PUBLIC HEARINGS A) Adopt Resolution No. 2006-244, being a Resolution for Rental Housing License Revocation at 4612 Jefferson Street Removed - all items have been corrected. B) Adopt Resolution No. 2006-246, being a Resolution for Rental Housing License Revocation at 4656 Polk Street Gorman stated they have not paid their annual fee or filed the paper work. Mayor Peterson asked if there was anyone present to address this item. There was not. Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2006-246, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion Kelzenberg, second by Williams, to adopt Resolution No. 2006-246, Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights Approving Revocation Pursuant to Ordinance Code Section 5AA08(1) of the Rental License held by Thoj Va-Megn Regarding Rental Property at 4656 Polk Street. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. RESOLUTION 2006-246 Resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights approving revocation pursuant to City Code, Chapter 5A, Article IV, Section 5A.408(A) of that certain residential rental license held by Thoj Va-Megn (Hereinafter "License Holder"). Whereas, license holder is the legal owner of the real property located at 4656 Polk Street N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota, Whereas, pursuant to City Code, Chapter 5A, Article IV, Section 5AA08(B), written notice setting forth the causes and reasons for the proposed Council action contained herein was given to the License Holder on November 2, 2006 of an public hearing to be held on November 27, 2006. 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 IIeights makes the fonovv~ing: FINDINGS OF FACT I. That on September 15, 2006, inspection office staff sent a letter requesting the owner of the property to re-license the rental property. The letter was mailed by regular mail to the owner at the address listed in the property records. 2. That on November 2, 2006, inspection office staff reviewed the property file and noted that the property remained unlicensed. A Statement of Cause was mailed by regular mail to the owner at the address listed in the property records. 3. That based upon said records of the Enforcement Office, the following conditions and violations of the City's Residential Maintenance Code were found to exist, to-wit: Failure to re-license the rental license for the property, failure to submit the application and the fees and failure to schedule a license renewal inspection of the property. That all parties, including the License Holder and any occupants or tenants, have been given the appropriate notice of this hearing according to the provisions of the City Code, Chapter 5A, Article III 5A.306 and 5A.303(A). ORDER OF COUNCIL 1. The rental license belonging to the License Holder described herein and identified by license number F7387 is hereby revoked, 2. The City will post for the purpose of preventing occupancy a copy of this order on the buildings covered by the license held by License Holder; 3. All tenants shall remove themselves from the premises within 60 days from the first day of posting of this Order revoking the license as held by License Holder. Nawrocki referred to multiple dwellings that do not keep the lids closed on garbage dumpsters. This property is a prime example of the problem. The dumpster is banged up and sitting on the public right- of-way. We need to keep the containers closed. C) Adopt Resolution No. 2006-249 being a Resolution for abatement of violations at 3828 Jackson Street Gonnan stated the violations are scrapping and painting the garage door. City Council Minutes November 27,2006 Page 7 of 11 Mayor Peterson asked if there was anyone present to address this item. There was not. Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Williams, to close the public hearing and to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2006-249, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Williams, to adopt Resolution No. 2006-249, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights declaring the property at 3828 Jackson Street N.E. a nuisance and approving the abatement of violations from the property pursuant to City Code section 8.206. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. RESOLUTION 2006-249 Resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights declaring the property a nuisance and approving abatement of ordinance violations pursuant to Chapter 8, Article II, of City Code, of the property owned by Sovereign Bank (Hereinafter "Owner of Record"). Whereas, the owner of record is the legal owner of the real property located at 3828 Jackson Street N.E. Columbia Heights, Minnesota, And whereas, pursuant to Columbia Heights Code, Chapter 8, Article II, Section 8.206, written notice setting forth the causes and reasons for the proposed council action contained herein was sent via certified mail to the owner of record on November 6,2006 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 1. That on October 3, 2006 an inspection was conducted on the property listed above. Inspectors found two violations. A compliance order was sent via regular mail to the owner at the address. 2. That on November 6, 2006, inspectors re-inspected the property listed above. Inspectors noted that two violations remained uncorrected. A compliance order and statement of cause was mailed via certified mail to the owner listed in the property records. 3. That on November 20,2006, inspectors reinspected the property and found that one violation remained uncorrected. 4. That based upon said records of the Fire Department, the following conditions and violations of City Codes(s) were found to exist, to wit: Scrape and paint overhead garage door. 5. 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 8.206(A) and 8.206(B). 6. CONCLUSIONS OF COUNCIL 1. That the property located at 3828 Jackson Street N.E. is in violation of the provisions of the Columbia Heights City Code as set forth in the Notice of Abatement. 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 3828 Jackson Street N.E. constitutes a nuisance pursuant to City Code. 2. That a copy of this order shall be served upon all relevant parties and parties in interest. D) Adopt Resolution No. 2006-250 being a Resolution for abatement of violations at 1325 Pierce Terrace Gorman stated the items are sod in the front yard and a tree stump. Mayor Peterson asked if there was anyone present to address this item. There was not. Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to close the public hearing and to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2006-250, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. City Council Minutes November 27,2006 Page 8 of II Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to adopt Resolution No. 2006-250, a resolution of the City Council ofthe City of Columbia Heights declaring the property at 1325 Pierce Terrace N.E. a nuisance and approving the abatement of violations from the property pursuant to City Code section 8.206. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. RESOLUTION 2006-250 Resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights declaring the property a nuisance and approving abatement of ordinance violations pursuant to Chapter 8, Article II, of City Code, of the property owned by Carlos Mogrovejo (Hereinafter "Owner of Record"). Whereas, the owner of record is the legal owner of the real property located at 1325 Pierce Terrace N.E. Columbia Heights, Minnesota, And whereas, pursuant to Columbia Heights Code, Chapter 8, Article II, Section 8.206, written notice setting forth the causes and reasons for the proposed council action contained herein was sent via certified mail to the owner of record on October 13, 2006 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 1. That on September 6, 2006 an inspection was conducted on the property listed above. Inspectors found three violations. A compliance order was sent via regular mail to the owner at the address. 2. That on October 31, 2006, inspectors re-inspected the property listed above. Inspectors noted that two violations remained uncorrected. A compliance order and statement of cause was mailed via certified mail to the owner listed in the property records. 3. That on November 20,2006, inspectors reinspected the property and found that two violations remained uncorrected. 4. That based upon said records of the Fire Department, the following conditions and violations of City Codes(s) were found to exist, to wit: Sod bare areas of front yard and shall remove the dead tree (tree stump) in the front yard to within 2-4 inches below ground level. 5. 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 8.206(A) and 8.206(B). CONCLUSIONS OF COUNCIL 1. That the property located at 1325 Pierce Terrace N.E. is in violation of the provisions of the Columbia Heights City Code as set forth in the Notice of Abatement. 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 1325 Pierce Terrace N.E. constitutes a nuisance pursuant to City Code. 2. That a copy of this order shall be served upon all relevant parties and parties in interest. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Other Ordinances and Resolutions 1) Reschedule Second Reading of Ordinance 1519, pertaining to rezoning Fehst indicated this is the rezoning for property at the old Apache Theater. This needs approval of the Met Council, which has not been completed. We do not suspect that it will be denied. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to reschedule the second reading of Ordinance No. 1519 for Monday, December 11, 2006 at approximately 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Other Business 2) Authorize purchase agreement with Pratt Ordway Properties for property on 3ih Avenue City Council Minutes November 27, 2006 Page 9 of II F ehst referred to discussions of a new liquor store on Central Avenue. This is an opportunity to purchase property near our current liquor store that is next to Unique Thrift of about an acre for $11 a square foot. The property is now a parking lot. We have been told that our rent at that current store will increase about $45,000 a year and in five years with the renewal there would be another 25% mcrease. Williams stated that he read grocery stores would again push for legislation to sell liquor in their stores. Larry Scott, Liquor Manager, indicated that the growth in St. Anthony has been significant and this is a very accessible site. Columbia Heights liquor stores have reasonable prices and good service. A new store at this site would help maintain our economic viability. Nawrocki stated he would vote affirmative as this has been a financially good store. He referred to wine in grocery stores and stated that residents voted for municipal liquor stores to keep liquor from facilities that are accessed by or employee youth. He stated that he is not in favor of a new store on Central Avenue, as their profitability has been decreasing. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a purchase agreement with Pratt Ordway Properties to purchase property at a cost of$I1.00 per square foot plus the cost of site preparation, with funding coming from the Liquor fund and inter-fund loans until the bonds are sold. Nawrocki stated that it bothers him that we will have to borrow more money to do this. He asked if the parking agreement has been settled. Elrite stated that the agreement is signed. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Miscellaneous Nawrocki indicated a Sun Focus newspaper article about a Blaine High School graduate, now serving in Afghanistan, who is working with schools that are over crowded and lack supplies. He puts together a package of two pencils, a pen, a notebook or folder with paper in it, small plastic pencil sharpener, a toy, and a healthy snack. We have an address to mail items to, so Nawrocki proposed a random act of kindness that Councilmembers donate $20 for items to send over there. He also suggested that city employees could donate items at the employee Christmas luncheon. Peterson stated this is a wonderful idea and stated that the Activity Fund might be able to contribute $100. Nawrocki suggested that the fund match employee donations and that someone purchase items that can be received at a discount. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager Reminded council ofthe elected official meeting at the City of Minneapolis on November 29th. There is also a County elected officials meeting that Kelzenberg will attend. There is an EDA meeting tomorrow night. Along with Councilmember Nawrocki, he attended the AMM conference on November 16th regarding demographics and projecting a positive image. The election results were discussed at the end of the meeting. The Truth and Taxation meeting is next Monday evening. He stated his concern that his property value fell for the second year in a row. We need to look at long-term strategies for the city. Nawrocki . Lot across 3rd Street from Waggamons, now considered grandfathered in, do not agree. We were previously told it was zoned residential, with residential rules applying. There was another City Council Minutes November 27,2006 Page IO of II vehicle there with invalid license tabs. Fehst stated that officers are sent there on a regular basis. Referred to them being friends with people on the council, but that should not interfere with dealing with them like anyone else. They should be required to clean it up. Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, stated that the city's actions are based on the law, not on friendships. . 51 st and University - there has been clean up. There are two trucks there with non-current licenses, trash and nothing has been done with the fence. . Savers - the storage vat in the parking lot is gone. The trailer remains. The fire lane was blocked today. . Activity center - requested architectural proposals, besides the one acted upon. Was told in the follow up the others were thrown away. The statutes indicate proposals are to be kept for a year. Also requested the RFP. . Asked that the owners of Porkies Drive-In be addressed to see if they are interested in the old Burger King site. Have not had a report. . Assume the Truth and Taxation meeting will be on cable and that the adoption of the budget will be at the December 11, 2006 meeting. Fehst stated yes. . Looking for information on all funds, not just tax supported funds. Request to see TIF project updates as TIF for Huset Park has increased. . Want to see architectural contract RFP for liquor store on 50th. . Asked our waste contractor where the 10 or 12 water heaters at one site was located. Does not agree with requiring residents to call for a sticker for appliance pickup with the limit of one per year. Report of the City Attorney - nothing to report CITIZENS FORUM Bjorn Handeen, 2105 43rd Avenue NE, disagreed with purchasing property for two new liquor stores and incurring additional debt. He indicated that it would be better for businesses to buy the property and pay taxes. COUNCIL CORNER Kelzenberg . The postal Christmas rush is beginning. . The Holiday Kickoff Party was a great event. . The lights on Central Avenue look very nice. Williams . Our city is moving forward in a positive way. . Our values of the month are caring, compassion and kindness. . Our Drug Task Force member gave a very informative presentation at the work session on drug enforcement in our city. . Since the overnight parking ban went into effect there has been some parking on grass. Fehst stated that special parking permits can be obtained. . Continue to pray for the peace and health of our citizens. . There will be a fundraiser on December 10 for a resident that is now handicapped and has small children. . Continue to exercise our Values First values. Peterson . Confusion on the TV raffle at the Holiday Kick Off party - that drawing will be December 10. . Thanked everyone that attended the Holiday Kick Off party. Over 180 people attended. The City Council Minutes November 27, 2006 Page II of II highlight was the entertainment provided by our recreation department. A 10 year old girl played concert piano with our new piano and sound system. It was a fabulous performance. The Moonshoe Players performed a comedy routine that was wonderful. . The Activity Fund has decided to purchase new drapes for Murzyn Hall and have a professional install the lights and sound system that were recently purchased. . Don't forget the men and women serving our country. We should appreciate that they are fighting for our freedom. Diehm . Was contacted about Grand Central Lofts with questions that sites would be rented as Section 8 housing. That is not what was planned. It is an owner occupied development. Owners can rent out property, but we have strict requirements on this. . At a work session we met with our garbage hauler. Some residents have a overly large amount of appliances for pickup. The hauler suggested a limit of one. Council suggested two or determination on a case-by-case basis. We want our city kept clean. . Reminded everyone that SACA continues to take donations and referrals. Contact them if you can help. Nawrocki . Has copy of the AMM draft policies available for review. . The power point Drug Task Force presentation was good, with useful information. We could take parts of that program and put it on cable. . Received letter indicating that compost in yards is now turning into garbage and questioned how many animals residents are allowed to keep. Fehst stated that information would be sent out and that dog licenses are required. . A resident questioned if garbage cans can be placed at the front curb. Is there anything in our ordinance on the placement ofthe can. Fehst stated they are placed where they are most available to the hauler, We ask that thev be shielded from Dublic view. .. J ~ . Pick up of appliances is not free - it is part of the contract with the hauler. . Property taxes - There are homes that received reductions and some that received increases in valuation. Described seller's market versus buyers market. We should get more information on assessed valuations. A lot of people have received an 8 to 10 percent increases in their property tax. Indicated our status compared to other cities in our county. Peterson Invited everyone to an old fashioned singing of Christmas carols at the clock tower on December 8th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Apple cider will be served. Don't take ourselves too seriously and do a random act of kindness. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m. ~71"" ) '\ !)<'\ I. ~': 1", ';"', """, \, )' .d _" >-t.m~- y' I Lt~, \../-c,",~_,- " , \......"'-'''':::.-'''L.-..i....' \,.- I Patricia Muscovitz, CMC () Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretary