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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrected Mar. 10, 1975February 18, 1975 -51- CITY MANAGER REPORTS Mr. Watson informed the Council that he had supplied them with a copy of a proposed bill to be brought to the legislature regarding the Fire Department pension program. Brief discussion was held. Mr. Watson asked that the City Council look over the bill and respond if they have any comments on its contents. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS Mr. Gustafson stated that there is concern throughout the state about the possibility of spring floods, and that HUD is proceeding with plans for a flood program to go into effect immediately, to establish priorities on flooding locations. Sec reta y OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS Regular Meeting of the City Council March 10, 1975 Meeting was called to order at 8:03 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Land, Nawrocki-present Heintz-absent Mayor Nawrocki noted that Councilman Heintz was out of town on a business trip with his company. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to name Margo Emerson Secretary for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes Invocation was given by Councilman Gayle Norberg. Minutes of Previous Meetings Motion by Land, Seconded by Norberg that the minutes of the regular meetings of February i0 and February i8 be approved as presented in writing and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes -52- March 10, 1975 PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Land that the bills as listed be paid out of their proper funds. Roll Call: All Ayes Payroll Account 66,122.13 Famous Brands, Inc 511.19 Joe Rak 18.00 Johnson Wine Co. 542.71 Rex Distributing Co. 2,400.70 Old Peoria Co. 1,049.$6 John Roach 5.04 Griggs, Cooper & Co. 1,640.$9 Ron's Ice 61.00 Northern States Power 715.06 So. S1de Distributing 33.00 James Lord,St.Treas. 4,010.16 Sunderland, Inc. 427.10 James E. Henrie 25.00 Thomas Rittman $0.00 Mn. City Management as s. 50.00 James R. Cook 48.00 Liq. Control Comm. 100.00 Mitch DeMars 50.00 Ed Phillips & Sons 1,094.52 Thomas E. Helm 48.00 Griggs, Cooper & Co. 72.51 Charles W. Kewatt $$.00 Mpls. Gas Co. 2,360.33 Lawrence Hosch 24.00 Northern States Power 3,082.70 Jack D. Kallroos 24.00 N. W. Bell Tele. Co. 835.84 Joseph J. Matlon 24.00 Payroll Account 68,367.44 Roy A. Meinhardt 48.00 Group Health Plan 457.24 Lawrence Nelson 74.00 Mn. Hosp. Serv, Assn. 2,831.$8 Barry G. Rosar 24.00 Modern Service, Inc. 16,984.95 Robert Struif 24..00 Beverage Jounal 20.00 Ralph Volkman 4$.00 Famous Brands, fnc. 298.29 A & A Hardware 334.44 Johnson Brothers Wh1e. 4,110.15 Adelmann Eng. Rblders. 570.66 Johnson Wine Co. 198.49 Allied Plating 15.75 Old Peoria Co. 371.94 Amer. Pub. Wrks. Assoc. 150.00 Ed Phillips & Sons 17,249.91 Anoka Co. Abstract Co. 223.50 Twin City Wine Co. 422.91 Anoka Co. Dept. Hwys. 106.11 Wine Merchants Co. 40.83 Apache Hose & Rubber 28.36 Brunner Exterminating Co. 12.00 Arsenal Sand ~ Gravel 370.99 Petty Cash - Liquor 136.51 Assoc. of Metro. Munic. 8,70 Coca-Cola Bottling Co. 100.10 Auto. Drive Line 73.43 Commissioner of Revenu e3,334.15 Bacon's Electric Co. 42.00 Delivery Mang. Serv. 245.35 Clayton Berg 277,16 Display Fixtures Co. 2,793.05 Better Homes & Gardens $.62 Distillers Dist. Co. 4,309.41 Bill Bayer Fa rd Trucks 65.34 Doherty Distributing C o. $$0.17 Bonhus Hardware 172.20 Martin Dunville 13.68 The Bookmen, fnc. 44.94 Eberhard Candy & Tobac co 357.60 R.R. Bowker Ca. 24.25 Glenwood Inglewood 29.70 Braun Eng. Testing 658.00 Amer. Linen Supply 125.7$ Bar°Dart, Inc, 19.27 Jiffy Jr., Great Weste rn 144.06 Buss ~ Instit. Furn. Co. 49.50 Jimbos 172.80 Cargill, Inc. 489.22 Jordan Flaar Covering 57.1$ Cash Register Sales 2, 496.68 McKesson Liquor Ca. 926,$4 Don Chien 920,00 Merrill Chapman ICo. 12.30 Chuck`s Canvas Co. 65.00 Midwest Wine Ca. 155.37 Church ~ Synag. Libr.Ass . 1.00 Betty Myers 113.85 City of Col. Hgts. 50.00 Old Peoria Co. 43.25 City Wide Locksmithing 27.00 March 10, 1975 Clark & Son 17.73 CNA Insurance 73.08 Coast to Coast Stores 99.00 Cohian 8.00 Columbia Hgts. Phar. 43.52 Columbia Metal Fab. 39.15 Comm. of Revenue 1,465.86 Camm. of Reve~~ue 26,92 Cronstroms Ht. ~ AIC 73.74 Crown Iron Works 88.40 A.B. Dick Prod. 155.95 East Side Window Clean. 82.00 The Economics Press 15.41 Robert E. Diedrich 375.00 Elliot Film Co. 25.25 Evangelism Book Center 5.91 Fireside Office Supply 128.90 Fulwell Motor Prod. 65.47 General Learning Corp. 8.60 Gestetner Corp. 13.10 Glenwood Inglewood 61.50 Goodin Co. 478.22 Gopher State Oil Co. 14.16 W.W. Grainger, Inc. 29.70 Royhl Hedblad 19.50 Heights Electric Inc. 179.25 Heights Plumbing Inc. 150.00 Hewitt Assoc. 1?o-5.00 Tom Hosch 5.00 Hudson Map Co. 6.45 Int'1. Buss. Machines 476.49 W.G. Jaques Co. 1 3,009.74 Johnson Paper & Supply 65.52 Josten's Library Books 226.43 Kansas City Mo. Pa1.Dep t. 2.03 Keep Fi 11 Pro:. 19.35 Ke - Master 90.96 H.B. Kerr 12.60 Leag. of Mn. Munic. 1,870.00 H.D. Lee Co. 120.55 Waiter Leslie 3.30 LLStening Library 511.00 Lowry Lumber Co. 55.38 Lundblad's Bindery 23.65 MacQueen Equipment 686.65 Maintenance Experts 718.00 Mel's van o Lite 57.29 John Marchiniak 6.00 Metro Office Equip. 410,00 Metro. Waste Cont, Comm . 1,287.00 Midway Tractor & Equip. 5.05 -53- Midway Badge & Novelty 90.41 The New Miner Ford 160.93 Miner-McAlpin Agency 5,214.00' Minneapolis Oxygen Co. 46.89 Minn.Pol. & Peace Off. As s. 45.00 Mills. Spokesman 22.54 Mills. Star & Tribune 140.44 Mn. Mining ~ Buss. Prad. 50.00 Mn. Mining & Mfg. Alarm Service 25.00 Motor Vehicle Serv. Div.. 4.00 National Chemsearch 72.65 N.Amer. Life & Cas. Co. 201.60 Northrup King & Co. 976.00 N.W.. Beil Tele. Co. 394.03 N.W. Emerg.Equip.~Supply 97.04 O'Donnell's Cleaners 5.00 Olson's Plumbing 3,025.02 Dean Otterson 51.40 Oxford Chemicals 2,069.65 Peterson ~ Kalina 496.50 Pub.Affairs Leader.Mgmt. 2,510.00 Quill Corp. 273.82 Real Estate Res. Corp. 2,625.00 Refrig.&lnd. Supply 51.35 Regent Book Co. 35.23 Roberts-Hamilton Co. 29.02 Rogers 292.02 St. Paul Book & Stationar y 39.77 Eugene Salay 242.30 Satellite Industries 180.18 F.N. Shaffer Real Est. 75.00 Shoppers Charge 77.22 Singer Bus. Machines 69.00 The Richline Co. 4.30 Stark Electronics Supply 10.00 St. Treas., St.Bldg. Insp . 53.39 Sun Newspapers 455.62 Superior Prod. 43.60 Tasco Automotive 102.24 Texgas Corp. 268.58 Time Life Records 15.55 Tnemec Co. 59.34 Tracy Printing 296.60 Uniforms Unlimited 216,10 U.S. Postmaster 48.00 Walt Disney Media Co. 21,77 Warden's GTC Auto Parts 51.34 Warners 7.z6 Malcolm 0. Watson 97.50 Wayne's Protection Agency 119.00 Wayne's Protection Agency 245.00 W.W. Generator Rebldrs. 38.95 _54_ Zahl Equipment Co. Ziegler Inc. Crawford Door Sales Buss. Furniture Inc. Columbia Transit Carp. Dave's Sport Shop Linda A Hansen Jonathan Stores David MacGregor Mn. Recr. & Park Assn. Griswold Typewriter Co. Kokesh Athletic Supplies Jeff Larsen Randy Lorenz Michael J. Micek March 10, 1975 Montgomery Wards Nelson's Office Supplies N.W. Studios Inc. Shoppers City Tom Sullivan Target Stores, Inc. Petty Cash - Garage 6.80 14.1g 16.80 1.78 88.00 79.86 40.96 TOTAL BELLS $265,378.47 g . 80 162.go 204.05 124.00 40.50 81.80 114.oa 5.58 45.00 5a.oo 135.00 59.90 48.00 8$.00 82.00 RESOLUTION REGARDING JOINT PURCHASING WITH THE STATE #75-15 Resolution #75-15 Authorizing Purchasing Agreement on State Contracts was offered by Logacz, Seconded by Land Roll Call: All Ayes Resolution was adopted. WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Administration of the State of Minnesota, procures for State agencies through competitive bidding various supplies, commodities and equipment, which are then ordered by or for the agencies by appropriate methods, and WHEREAS, the State Legislature by Minnesota Statutes lg6g, Sec. 471.59 has authorized the State and its political subdivisions to enter into agreements to exercise jointly the governmental powers and functions each has individually, and WHEREAS, the State and the City of Columbia Heights wish to combine their purchasing functions as is specifically provided below so that the City of Columbia Heights may avail itself of the prices which have been agreed upon by the State and its vendor. NOW, THEREFORE Be It Hereby Resolved by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that the Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized to enter into an agreement to make available to the City of Columbia Heights the commodities listed at the prices and terms as are available to the State under contracts entered into under competitive bidding pursuant to M.S. (lg6g}, Chapter 16, by the Commissioner of Administration. March 10, 1975 -55- RESOLUTIONS OF APPRECIATION Mayor Nawrocki read the following resolutions of appreciation to various individuals, and they were adopted. Following the reading of the resolutions, Mayor Nawrocki presented each of the persons involved a copy of the resolutions and expressed the appreciation of the City Council and of the City for the contributions each had made. Resolution #75-12 Expressing Appreciation to Officer Kapala of the Columbia Heights Police Department BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEI GHTS, THAT WHEREAS, Officer James Ka pala did on the 14th day of February, 1975 prevent the escape of a criminal who had just held up the Zayres- Shoppers City store, and WHEREAS, Officer Kapala, at the risk of his own life, exchanged gunfire with the escaping hold-up man, causing him to abandon the escape vehicle and attempt to get away on foot, and WHEREAS, Officer Kapala, though under fire, pursued the robber and ultimately apprehended him, thereby preventing his escape with almost $26,000, and WHEREAS, because of his self-sacrificing dedication to duty he not only recovered the monies taken by the criminal from the Shoppers City store, but was also responsible for capturing the robber and preventing him from injuring other people in his escape from the area, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council does hereby to ke this means of expressing their appreciation to Officer Kapala for his unselfish dedication to duty in acting quickly and effectively in an emergency situation Offered by Logacz, Seconded by Land Roli Call: All Ayes Officer Kapala was present to accept this recognition. Resolution #75-13 Expressing Appreciation to Members of the Columbia Heights Fire Department BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITS' COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that WHEREAS, in the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 12, 1975 a home fire was detected at 4420 Monroe Street N.E. with said fire extensively involving the building before it was seen, and WHEREAS, due to the prompt and efficient action of all members of the Department, the flames were quickly controlled sufficiently to allow access to the home by the Firemen, and '~IHEREAS, by breaking through a wall st was possible to gain entry to the sleeping room in the house and discover the unconscious forms of Mr. and -5(- March 10, 1975 Mrs. Erickson, who the Firefighters promptly carried from the home and transported to the emergency ward at Unity Hospital, giving them necessary first aid enroute, and WHEREAS, because of the quick efficient work of the Department members, both Mr. and Mrs. Erickson have now recovered fully from this tragic fire which destroyed their home, NOW, THEREFORE, The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does hereby take this means of expressing their appreciation to the men of our fire department whose constant vigil on behalf of our citizens was, by this event, again shown to be a service of which our community can indeed be proud. Offered by Logacz, Seconded by Norberg Roll Call: All Ayes Captain Darold Shafer was present to accept this recognition on behalf of the Fire Department. Mayor Nawrocki also noted that the Fire Department had received a letter from the son of Mr. and Mrs. Erickson following the fire expressing his appreciation for saving the lives of his parents. Resolution #75-14 Expressing Appreciation to Joanne Scudder, Columbia Heights Children's Librarian BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that WHEREAS, it is the stated indention of this City Council through the Service Is Our Business project to give recognition of service to individuals on the City staff who have given notable service, and WHEREAS, Miss Joanne Scudder has during her service to the library used her artistic talents and abilities to decorate the library creating intriguing bulletin boards and transforming the cl2ildren's rooms into fantasies for the youngsters in her classes, and WHEREAS, in addition to her regular duties she has found time to befriend the children and patrons with a willingness to listen to their problems, answer questions, and share their excitement and happiness making her a sought out companion, and WHEREAS, Joanne has made a special contribution in teaching a small boy to read who was unable to keep up with other children due to a learning disability resultingin a commendation from his parents and teachers making it possible for him to plan a future as a worthwhile member of society, NOW, THEREFORE, Be It Resolved that the City Council does by this resolution express their appreciation to Joanne Scudder for the dedication and concern she has shown to the young people, in particular, that use our l i brary facility. Offered by Norberg, Seca nded by Land Roll Call: All Ayes Miss Scudder was present to accept this recognition. March 10 , 1975 -57- RESOLUTION #75-16 AUTHORIZING A JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF HILLTOP FOR EFFICIENT UTILIZATION OF C.E.T.A. FUNDS City Manager, Malcolm Watson, reported on a letter received from Mayor James Carroll of Hilltop informing the City Council of Columbia Heights that the City Council of Hilltop voted unanimously to have their C.E.T.A. funds allocation given to Columbia Heights. Resolution #75-16 Offered by Land, Seconded by Norberg Roll Call: All Ayes BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, tha t WHEREAS, the City Council of Hilltop has unanimously agreed to have their C.E.T.A. funds amounting to $1,215 added to the Columbia Heights funds as the most effective way of personnel utilization, and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights could utilize this fund to off-set salaries of individuals hired under the C.E.T.A. program thereby extending the time period during which unemployed persons could be retained, NOW, THEREFORE, Be It Resolved that the Mayor and City Manager be and they are hereby authorized and directed to enter into a joint powers agreement with the City of Hilltop to accept the Hilltop C.E.T.A. fund allocation and in exchange supply certain labor and materials for project work within Hilltop as determined to be appropriate. RESOLUTION #75-17 AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR OPEN SPACE GRANT FROM NATURAL RESOURCE FUND Offered by Logacz, Seconded by Land Roll Cal1e All Ayes WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota Natural Resources Fund provides for the making of grants to assist local public bodies in the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation projects, and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights desires to acquire and develop certain land known as LaBelle Park, which land is to be held and used for permanent open space, and WHEREAS, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 P.L. 88-354 (1964) and of the regulations promulgated pursuant to such Act by the Secretary of the Interior and contained in 43 C.F.R. 17, effectuating that title, provides that no person shall be discriminated against because of race, color, or national origin in the use of the land acquired and developed, and WHEREAS, it is estimated that the cost of acquiring and developing LaBelle Park, Phase II shall be $61,400. -5g- March 10, 1975 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Columbia Heights, Minnesota tha t 1. An application be made to the office of Local and Urban Affairs of the State Planning Agency fora grant from the Natural Resource Fund (Minnesota Laws 1973, Chapter 720, Section 43, Subdivision 2, par (g) or (h) for an amount presently estimated to be $30,700 and the applicant will pay the balance of the cost from other funds available to it. 2. The Mayor and City Manager of the City of Columbia Heights are hereby authorized and directed to execute and to file such application with the State of Minnesota Office of Local and Urban Affairs of the State Planning Agency and to provide additional information and to furnish such documents as may br required by said Agency, to execute such contracts as are required by said Agency. 3. The City Planner is hereby authorized to act as the designated correspondent of the applicant in any matters related to this application or executed contracts. 4. The proposed acquisition and development is in accordance with plans for the allocation of land for open space uses, and that should said grant be made, the applicant will acquire, develop and retain said land for uses designated in said application and approved by the Office of Local and Urban Affairs and the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. 5. The United States of America and the State of Minnesota be, and they hereby are, assured of full compliance by the applicant with. the regulations of the Department of the Interior, effectuating Title UI of the Civil Rights Act of 1864. Following the reading of the resolution Councilman Norberg questioned whether the City Manager should be designated as the agent for applying for the grant rather than the City Planner. Mr. Watson explained the procedure and indicated that the City Planner has been responsible in the past and was originally designated as the contact person, an,d this should be continued. RESOLUTION #75-i'8 APPROVING A FIVE YEAR PARK IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM WHEREAS, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (LAWCON) and the State Natural Resources Fund provide for grants to assist local public bodies in the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation, and WHEREAS, the Rules and Regulations for LAWCON and the State Natural Resources Fund provide criteria that applications must meet, and March 10, 1975 -59- WHEREAS, in order for the proposed project to be eligible for approval, there must be proof that it is part of a comprehensive outdoor recreation plan and a 5-year action program (capital improvement}, and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has an original or revised 5-year action program, which included LaBelle Park. NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that, The Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized and directed to execute and to file the 5-year action program with the State of Minnesota, Office of Local and Urban Affairs of the State Planning Agency, a copy of which is attached and made reference to herein. Offered by Logacz, Seconded by Land Roll Calf All Ayes A brief discussion was held on the five year park plan itself. Councilman Norberg expressed his concerns because Southwest Park was not included in the plan. City Manager Watson explained that this plan is for capital improvements. Southwest Park is on a maintenance program similar to other parks which is supported by municipal funds. No capital improvements are expected in Southwest Park in the next five years as there is an obligation to some of the other parks first. It was pointed out that there is nothing to preclude any major changes in the five year plan at some future date. SENIOR CITIZEN REAL ESTATE A brief discussion was held on the possibility of passing a resolution implementing the State law regarding senior citizen taxes. Mr. Casper, from the Attorney's office, discussed problems associated with a proposed resolution. He stated that according to the law, much discretion is left to the individual municipalities. City charter makes assessments mandatory for everyone benefitted by such assessments, and makes no allowance for senior citizen tax breaks. The state law leaves the determination of what exactly is "hardship" up to the municipality and does not allow for what is to be done if the hardship is no longer in existence, whether they then pay up past tax or nat. Mr. Casper stressed the fact that the state law is enabling legislation and not necessarily mandatary. ft gives no guidelines far implementation. The Council decided to delay any actions on this item until a recommendation is ready from the City Attorney and City Manager. ORDINANCE #832 AMENDING ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE A lengthy discussion was held on the ordinance. Mr. Watson explained changes which he has proposed. He stated that a lifetime license is proposed for the domestic animals. Once a license is purchased, no addition° al license would be needed. The owner would have to prove the animal had been vaccinated for rabies before the license was issued. Mr. Watson proposed that the fees far the license remain at $3.00 for the neuteredf spayed animals, and $8m00 for the un-neutered/un°spayed animals. The other changes would include a fee of $10.00 if an animal is picked up by the animal control service, and if that animal has no rabies certificate, andjor no -60- March 10, 1975 license, the fee would be $25.00 plus the purchase of a license and the proof of vaccination. Councilman Norberg remarked about the fact that there should be same means of checking periodically to see if the animals have been vaccinated for rabies, and a lifetime license would not do this. He further discussed a possibility of "amnesty day" type program, whereby the licenses would be reduced, to help encourage people to get their animals licensed. City Manager Watson explained that the license fees themselves are handled in a resolution, not in the ordinance under consideration. Only the length of time for which the license is valid is included in the ordinance. Councilman Logacz questioned whether there are any statistics on how many dogs are licensed in Columbia Heights. There were no recent numbers avail° able. Mr. Logacz also discussed his views on the fact that it is too easy to obtain animals. If it were more difficult, he stated, then the people who owned them would nat be so quick to get rid of them. Councilman Land spoke of the fact that the ordinance does not state how recent a rabies vaccination must be in order for it to be valid. Discussion was held on the fact the different veterinarians give shots that last for differ- ent lengths of time. Discussion was held on how this might be incorporated into the ordinance. Each of the Councilmen expressed their opinions on whether the animals should be licensed for life or not. Mayor Nawrocki began by asking if any other cities have lifetime licenses. Mr. Watson stated that there is none at this time, but others are considering it. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he is not in favor of a lifetime license, but would rather have it be for three years. Councilman Norberg agreed that this would be a better idea, in view of the fact that it would be a means of checking to see that the rabies vaccinations are given. Councilmen Land and Logacz felt that a lifetime license would be best. Councilman Logacz spoke on the idea that people like to have things be convenient for them. A lifetime license would be convenient, and perhaps more people would license their animals. In view of the fact that Councilman Heintz was not present at the meeting, and those that were present were in disagreement on the length of time the license should be valid, Mayor Nawrocki suggested that further dis° cussion wait until Mr. Heintz was present. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Land to continue the hearing and further discussion on Ordinance #832 until the next regular meeting on March 24. Roll Call: A11 ayes ORDINANCE #834 SALE OF PROPERTY A first reading was held on the sale of city owned property located at 1129 - 422 Avenue N. E® and 1128-43rd Avenue N. E. to Mr. Donald Hardle. No discussion. ORDINANCE #835 REGARDING WEEDS AND GRASSES A first reading was held on Ordinance #835 Declaring Weeds and Grass over March 10, 1975 One Foot in Height and Weeds which have gone to City of Columbia Heights to be a nuisance, and removal thereof. Brief discussion was held on to the State laws regarding weeds. Mr. Watson review,by the City Attorney, of this proposed SUBDIVISION REQUEST Sara Levy -61- seed or growing in the providing a method for how this ordinance applies pointed out that further ordinance would be needed. Mr. Watson explained that this request for a subdivision would divide the land on which the Dairy Queen is located from the Heights Theatre property. Presently both are situated on one parcel of land. Discussion was held on whether this subdivision could be granted in view of whether there would be ample parking for bath establishments. An attorney was present representing Mrs. Levy, who awns the Heights Theatre, and explained that there would be a reciprocal parking agreement between the Dairy Queen and the theatre included in the agreement between the two establishments on the subdivision itself and associated matters. Further discussion was held on the feasibil- ity of the request. Motion by Land, Second by Logacz to grant the subdiv- ision request upon payment of the outstanding special assessments in the amount of $124.42, subject to approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All ayes BOARD OF EQUALIZATION MEETING Discussion held on when the board of equalization meeting should be set up. Mr. Watson reported that the County requested it to be the first week in May. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Land that the Board of Equalization meeting be held on Monday, May 5 at 8:00 p.m. Roll Call: All Ayes TRAFFIC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Motion by Land, Seconded by Logacz to authorize the placement of stop signs on 48th Avenue at 5th Street stopping the East and West bound traffic, and on 5th Street at 47th Avenue stopping North and South bound traffic as recommended by the Traffic Commission. Roll Call: Logacz, Land, Nawrocki° Aye Norberg-Nay Councilman Norberg questioned putting the stop on 5th Street, stopping a "through°' street. City Engineer, George Brown explain- ed that the practice has been to stop traffic at every other block. RESIGNATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Norberg to accept the resignation of Marcia Bennett from the Planning and Zoning Commission and Joan Pilaczynski from the Human Rights Commission, and direct the City Manager to prepare the appropriate recognition for their service. Roll Call: Ali Ayes RECESS WAS called at 9:30 p.m. URBANIZATION OF CENTRAL AVENUE MEETING RECONVENED at 9:45 p.m. City Manager, Malcolm Watson, explained that this item had been placed on the agenda because letters had been received from the City of Fridley and the City of Hilltop asking that the City Council of Columbia Heights reconsider their position on the parking between 44th and 45th Avenues in Columbia Heights. Fridley stated that they felt that because Columbia -62- March 10, 1975 Heights did not approve the plans for this block the entire project of the urbanization would be dropped by the State of Minnesota Highway Department. Fridley noted that they had read of this possibility in the Sun Newspaper. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the Sun Newspaper was in error in not printing exactly what the Council's actions had been, and wiay. Slayor Nawrocki pointed out that the Council has in fact approved the entire project, with just the one exception that the parking on Central Avenue between 44th and 45th be retained. He further noted that Mr. Weichselbaum State Aid Engineer for our district, had been present at the Council meeting when the project had been approved with the stipulation on parking at that location, and he had made absolutely no indication that the project would be in jeopardy because of this. Mayor Nawrocki stated for the record that a hearing had been held on the urbanization and with the exception of the removal of parking between 44th and 45th, it had been approved. Mr. Watson discussed a letter he had sent to the Highway Department informing them of the actions of the City Council following the last meeting, and indicating that they had approved the project. Mayor Nawrocki again indicated that Mr. Weichselbaum had made no mention at the Council Meeting that the project was in jeopardy of not being completed, because of the kind of approval that the Council gave, and that if this was indeed the case, The Highway Department should make it known officially to the Council. Mayor Nawrocki mentioned that a letter should be sent to Hilltop and Fridley stating that Mr. Weischelbaum made no indication that the project would be in danger, and the Council was not aware of this when their approval was given. He further pointed out that the decision the Council had made was based on recommendation by the Traffic Commission to retain the parking on this block because of the shortage of parking which al- ready exists in that block. Mayor Nawrocki indicated that the only reason the Highway Department wants the parking removed is to make the traffic move faster through there, and they were not concerned with the needs of the local people on that block. Mayor Nawrocki explained that the Council had no objection to having the traffic flow faster, but that the plan as presented with the parking moved back should be used. He also reiterated the fact that it would not be fair to the property owners on the block that the parking be removed only for the through traffic and they in turn should have to pay for the relocation of the curb line and services in order to continue the parking. If the only beneficiary is to the through movement of the traffic on the highway itself, if the highway department really feels this is essential, the highway depart- ment should pay the parking relocation accordingly. Mayor Nawrocki continued, that the City has made some moves to "go along" with plans of the Highway Department even though they did not necessarily feel the changes are really needed. He pointed to the signalization work to be done as an example of this. He pointed that these are proposed because of new standards on signalization, and that the City Council did not necessarily agree that the changes were needed, but they were going along with these plans. He stated that in turn, the Highway Department should be willing to "give a 1 i ttie°`. Councilman Norberg stated that he had spoken with the Mayor of Hilltop, and that Mr. Carroll is aware that the City of Columb€a Heights had approved March 10, 1975 -63- the urbanization plans and that the only problem remained in straightening out the parking problem. Mayor Nawrocki concluded by saying that the Highway Department was not acting in good faith with the City if they are saying the project is in danger when they made no official recognition of this fact at the City Council meeting which they attended. He also stated that, if the Highway Department feels that this parking problem is the mast important item in the urbanization, if other items such as the drainage problem, and traffic movement at 53rd Avenue are not tap priorities, then the Highway Department better think again. Later in the meeting, the Mayor again brought up the matter of the urbanization of Central Avenue. Councilman Land clarified the actions which had been taken by the Traffic Commission in regards thereto. He stated that the Traffic Commission had made no official recommendation to the City Council on the subject, but that they had discussed it® The Traffic Commission had indicated that the ~'ity of Columbia Heights should not have to lose anything just to allow other cities to come through Columbia Heights, and that this includes the parking between 44th and 45th. Mr. Land further stated that neither did the Traffic Commission wish to have anything done which would jeopardize the entire project. SCHOOLS AND CONFERENCES Municipal Finance Officers Association: Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Norberg to authorize the expenses for the City Clerk-Treasurer, John Schedler, to attend the Annual Municipal Finance Officers Association Conference April 2$-May 1 at Montreal, Canada. Rolt Call: All Ayes Mr. Watson reported that the estimated expenses would be $477, and that $500 had been budgeted for this item. Annual Snow Conference: Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Land to authorize expenses for two people to attend the Annual Snow Conference to be held April 21-23 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Roll Call: All Ayes Councilman Norberg pointed out that some of the department had attended the conference last year, and that he wondered how much a person can learn about snow. Mayor Nawrocki and City Manager Watson explained that this conference included the demonstation of new equipment for snow removal and associated work. It also included activities which would be of value to the Shop Foreman in particular, who would be attending, on the servicing of the equipment far snow removal. LICENSES Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Land to grant the licenses upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes OLD BUSINESS Cauncilman Norberg brought up the matter of the nuisance light shining in the shopping center in Hilltop. He stated that it appeared that something had been done to the light, but that it did not solve the problem. He asked the City Manager to follow-up with the Hilltop City Council to see if they could get this light problem allev€ated. -64- INFORMAL MEETING March 10, 1975 Mr. Watson reported that the Engineering Department would like to meet informally with the Council to dicuss the streets and alleys proposed for work in tg75. The meeting was set up for Tuesday, March 11 at $:00 p.m. BANNING OF SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES Councilman Norberg brought up the matter of a recent ordinance passed by the City of Minneapolis banning smoking in public places. Brief discussion was held on the desirability of such an ordinance in Columbia Heights. Mr. Norberg asked that information be obtained from Minneapolis to see just what their ordinance involves. VARIANCE OF NOME OCCUPATION PERMIT AT 3902 RESERVOIR BOULEVARD Considerable discussion was held on a request from the homeowner at 3902 Reservoir Boulevard for a variance of the home occupation permit to allow a person from outside the home to operate a beauty shop in the basement at this address. City Manager, Malcolm Watson, explained the circumstances surrounding this request. He indicated that there is a hardship case involved with the owners, making it necessary for this request. He informed the Council that the previous owner at this location had caused much trouble for the City in that she operated a third apartment in the building, when the zoning at that location only allows two. Mr. Watson stated that this has been alleviated. He indicated that the neighbors around 3802 Reservoir have signed a petition favoring the home occupation permit as requested by the owners. Councilman Norberg questioned whether the City Council could legally allow such a use, indicating his opinion that it would be a non-conforming use in the R2 zone. Councilman Land indicated that he felt that it is not the purpose of the home occupation permit, to allow someone outside the home to come in and operate a business. I~r. Watson indicated to the Council that the Planning and Zoning Commission would be considering a re-zoning request from Mr. Moore to re-zone this property to R3, at their next meeting. Brief discussion followed. Discussion was held on how long the request should be granted. Councilman Logacz indicated that the owner should be given until September 1. Mr. Moore, owner of the property, indicated that in the future the person operating the beauty shop would become a tenant of the building, making the variance on the permit no longer necessary. He also indicated his reluctance to make a present tenant move in order to let the beauty operator move in. Following considerable discussion on the length of time far granting the variance, and the circumstances present, Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Land to grant a tempora ry waiver of the residency requirements on the Home Occupation permit at 3802 Reservoir Boulevard to allow an individual from outside the home to operate a beauty shop, with the understanding that the individual shall become an occupant of the address on or before June 1. Roll Call: Logacz, Land, Nawrocki-Aye Norberg-Nay Motion carried. March 10, 1975 -65- Councilman Norberg questioned the attorney as to whether the motion is proper. He indicated that he feels that such a "temporary rezoning" is not legal, and that therefore the Council could not grant such a request. Mr. Casper could see no problem with the request as long as it is of a temporary nature. Both Councilman Logacz and Mayor Nawrocki indicated that this is a way of helping out the people, without creating problems to anyone else. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS Mr. Casper informed the Council that the final stages of the recodification are in dictation and should be ready shortly. Mayor Nawrocki noted a letter from Mr. Ben Martin, who lives on Innsbruck Circle West in Columbia Heights, complaining about the snow removal at that location. The letter had been signed by others living on that circle as well. Discussion was held on the difficulties of plowing in a situation such as Innsbruck Circle, and the problems in keeping large amounts of snow from piling in the driveways along there in making the sweep with the plow. Mayor Nawrocki also noted that the City Council will be looking for names of people interested in serving on commission and boards in Columbia Heights, as vacancies exist and will be filled in the next couple months. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Norberg to adjourn at 11:10 p.m. Roll Call: All Ayes ~' , .~ ~{ ;t ,{,dam ~~, Bruce G. Nawrocki , Mayor `f ~}`j~.. ~; .h.- Secreta r