HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrected Jun 23, 1975I
Official Proceedings
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City of Columbia Heights
June 23, 1975
-174-
Meeting was called. to order at 8:02 p.m. Roll Call:
Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Land, Nawrocki-present
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to name Margo Emerson Secretary
for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
Invocation was given by Rev. Kenneth Behnken, St. Matthews Lutheran Church
MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
Motion by Land, Seconded by Norberg to approve the minutes of the
regular meeting of June 9 as presented in writing and the reading
be dispensed with. Roll Ca ll: All Ayes
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Land that the bills as listed be paid
out of their proper funds. Roll Call: .All Ayes
Framous Brands, Inc.. $ 663.50 No.Star Leag.,Jerry Hanson $ 160.00
Griggs, Cooper,& Co. 634.55 Jr. No.Star Leag.,R,Almberg 110:00
Johnson Bros.Whsle.Liq. 8,060.10 Suburban Recreation Assoc. 5.00
_
Johnson Wine Co. 621.58 American Linen Supply Co. 66:27
Minnesota Distillers,lnc. Assoc. of Metro. Municipalities 9.00
2,232.45 All Poolside Services 141:00
Ed Phillips ~ Sons Co. 1,027.89 Dean Althaus 18.39
Twin City Wine Co. 94.75 Adelmann Engine Rebuilders 104.14
J. Lord, St. Treas._ 3,788.03 Apeco Corp. 263.10
Northern States Power 31.05 Armca Steet Corp. 122.50
Northern States .Power 2,810.67 Albinson 98.10
J. Lord, State Tres. 29.55 Anoka County AbstractCo. 72.90
Johnson Paper & Supply 191.63 Barton Contracting Coe 479.89
Old Peoria Co., Inc. .596.47 Bryan Rock Products, Inc. 496.64
Prior Wine Co. ~ 310.78 Brock-White Co. ~ 87.30
Quality Wine Co. 79.99 Bell Manufacturing & Services 12.00
Wine Merchants Co. 78.64 Cronstroms Htg. ~ Air Cond. 29.50
Darold Shafer 50.00 Crown Iron Works- Co. 201.98
Donald R. Hanson 50.00 Commissioner of Revenue 1,115.11
Harold Eggerth 50.00 City of Wayzata 300.00
Dwight Sonnenberg 50.00 Don Chies 75.00
Robert R. Jones, Jr. 50.00 Columbia Metal Fabric. 299.30
Donald L. Aker 50.00 Co1.Hgts. Fire Dept. 588.00
Lowell DeMars 50.00 Col. Hgts. Pharmacy 34.58
Bethel Marine 428.69 Dunkley Surfacing Co. Inc. 5.50.64
Cit of Col. H ts.Rec.De t: 2: ---
Y 9 p - - --
Data Dispatch, Inc.
27.00
Co1.Hgts. Dist.13 Rec.Dept.49.39 Davies Water Equipment Co. 152.83
Dave's Sport Shop 8.00 Div. of Boiler Insp. 12.00
Handy-crafts, Inc. 34.61 Fridley Office Supply 62.58
Leslie Paper Co. 40.66 Firestone Oil Co. 74.00
-175- June 23, 1975
Fullwell Motor Products $ 70.78 N.W. Bell Telephone $ 45.00
Firestone Stores 96.47 N.W. Bell Telephone 13.50
Fireside Office Supply In c. 29.60 Olson Equipment Co. 39.90
Glenwood Inglewood 60.22 Bob Owens 19.25
W.W. Grainger, Inc. 11.15 Oxford Chemicals 234.13
Gross Industrial Services 16.20 Peterson ~ Kalina 1,799.03
Genuine Parts 334.80 Petty Cashier--Admin. 39.03
R.L.. Gould & Co., Inc. 48.02 Hans Rosacker Co. 268.00
Goodin Co. 315.60 Rogers 108.65
Gateway Hardware Hank 4.76 John E. Schedler 41.81
Royle Hedblad 10.00 Zayre-Shoppers City 27.82
Royle Hedblad 13.99 G. M. Stewart Lumber Co. 947:20
Hillcrest Safety Equip. C o. 60.00 Shorty's Towing Service 5.00
Hale Co., Inc. 419.88 Standard Spring Co. 85.14
Home Drain Service 21.25 Suburban Rubber Stamp Co. 12..00
Home}ite 19.12 Satellite Industries, Inc. 85.92
Henn. County Public Works 530.46 Christian Tyroll, Park Bd. 152.70
Independent Black Dirt Co . 40.00 Tnemec, Co., Ine. 27.03
Donald Jolly 17.40 Uniforms Unlimited Inc. 422.25
W. G. Jaques Co. 650.72 United Electric Corp. 177.43
K Mart 36.84 Viking Industrial Center 119.09
Keep Fill Products Co. 43.98 Water Products Co. 924.24
Orville N. Krugerud 10.00 Warden's GTC Auto Parts 42.71
Ronald Kalina 1,675.00 Steve Wodziak 90.00
Lowry Lumber Co. 124.44 Malcolm 0. Watson 71.42
Lehn Electric 66.84 Wayne's Protection Agency 210.00
Leef Bros. Inc. 121.79 W.W. Generator rebuilders 10.00
Lawco Company 35.31 Ruth Welch 42.00
Modern Service Inc. 921.15 W.W. Generator Rebuilders 85.65
3 M Co. 1,432.16 Williams Steel & Hardware 156.79
Metropolitan Waste Cont. 13,756.94 Waste Management of Mn. Inc. 115.00
Metro Printing Inc. 544.00 Zeco Co. 263.44
Mpls. City Treasurer 16,988.80 Xerox Corp. 698.18
Jim Molinaro 17.75 Zack's Inc. 190.57
Minneapolis Gas Co. 232.22 Zep Manufacturing Co. 25.22
Midwest Asphalt Corp.. 690.00 American Linen Supply Co. 132.87
Millipore Corp. 70.64 Display Fixtures Co. 4.96
M-R Sign Co., Inc. 159.70 East Side Beverage Co. 15,390.95
The New Miner Ford 30.28 Gold Medal Beverage Co. 818.65
Mincis 403.13 Hi-Mount Inc. 2,211.35
Minneapolis Oxygen Co. 63.99 Betty Myers 276.00
Matthew Bender ~ Co, Inc. 47.50 Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. 69.40
Minneapolis Equipment 1,247.17 Petty Cashier--Liquor 51.91
Miner-McAlpin Agency, Inc .2,535.00 Pohle Sales Inc. 5,246.15
Michel Sales Co. 64.00 Rex Distributing Co. 4,284.35
National Chemsearch 382.19 Modern Services, Inc. 17,000..0
0
VOID ---- Alexander Construction .
20,672:00
North Star Concrete 1,627.57 Chicago Bridge & Iron Co. 2,440.00
$150,226.93
``
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June 23, 1975 -176-
CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Mary Kordiak for
her service on the Human Rights Commission, and to Kenneth
Ballard for his service on the Planning and Zoning Commission.
BIDS ON TOWING
Mayor Nawrocki reported that the bids for the towing contract for
the year beginning July 1, 1975 had been opened at the last
council meeting and reported at that time. City Manager,
Malcolm Watson, reported further on the bids at this time, and
referred to a written report from the Police Chief on a recommendation
for the award of -bid. Based on the past year's usage of the towing
service, and applying the bids of both companies, Shorty's Towing
proved to be the low bidder.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to award the bid for the towing
service for the City for the year July 1, 1975 - June 30, 1976, to
Shorty's Towing and Transportation, Inc.; based on low responsible
bid as based on the past year's experience on the type of service
required. Roll Call: All Ayes
HEARING ON 432 AVENUE EXTENSION TO 43rd AVENUE
Discussion and a report made on a written report from the City
Engineer, George Brown, on a .proposal to extend 432 Avenue east
to connect with the paved "alley" behind the businesses on Central
Avenue, and over southward to 43rd Avenue. Mr. Brown reported on the
proposal to be considered. He reported that an easement would be
received from the businesses for public access on the alley behind
their property. The City would be responsible for the maintenance
of this alley.
Mr. Brown reported on the discussion held by the Traffic Commission
relative to this proposal, and their recommendation that the alley
be made a one-way going north. This would help alleviate any additional
traffic which may be generated from exiting onto 43rd Avenue and
"jamming" the intersection at 43rd Avenue and Central Avenue. In
particular, it would prohibit the employees from the post office
building exiting onto 43rd Avenue by way of the alley, and would
encourage them to use 44th Avenue where there are semaphores at
Central Avenue. Councilman Land explained further the feelings of the
Traffic Commission.
Mr. Brown indicated that the owners of the businesses on Central,
Osborne properties, owners of the corner store building and the Gold
Eagle Wash property, were in favor of such a proposal to extend
432 Avenue, and to grant the easement behind their properties,
provided they did not have to share in the costs for same.
-177- June 23, 1975
It was_explained that the assessment for 432 Avenue would be against
the three lots on the south of the extended section, for the south
half of 432 Avenue, and to the .post office, for the north half of
the street. Mr. Brown explained that the present access behind the
commercial properties is used as an alley, but in actuality is the
private property of the businesses. This paved surface would merely
be taken over by the City, and would not involve any assessments at
this time.
Discussion was held on the maintenance of the alley behind the
commercial properties. Councilman Heintz in particular expressed
concern that any major work to be done on the surface of the alley
when it begins to break up and need major repairs, could not be
assessed to the commercial properties, under the proposal under
consideration. It was pointed out that Osborne properties would not
be assessed for any work done at this time on 432 Avenue and related
work according to the easement granted by Osborne properties, but that
in the future if there is any maintenance work to be assessed on the
alley, a hearing would be held as normal procedure, and the commercial
property would have to pay their share of the improvements.
Further discussion and explanation was held on the actual plans for
the extension of 432. Avenue, and other alternative plans. The former
plan had included 432 Avenue ending in a cul-de-sac rather
than connecting to the alley.. Mr. Brown briefly explained why this
plan had not been pursued at this time, in .view of the desire to have
access between 432 Avenue-and 43rd Avenue. Explanation was given
as to the land available and easements for the possible cul-de-sac
design. Mr. Birosh, son of Mrs.. Anna Birosh who owns a parcel along
the proposed 432 Avenue extension., discussed the fact that this
extension would not benefit his mother in any way, at this time.
Her house no. 947 faces 43rd Avenue and her back lot line is along
432 Avenue.
The man from 966-432 Avenue questioned whether there are any pl~nsrfor
the commercial properties,pa:rticularly:the Gold-Eagle Wash and Glen's
Floral, to provide some sort of screening, fencing, on-the hack of
their property to discourage speeding on 43Z Avenue and out to Central
Avenue, such as occurs at the present time. Discussion was held on the
screening that would be desirable, and of screening that was required
when the building which presently houses the floral shop was built.
Mr. Miller,. owner of Glen's Floral, discussed possible plans for a
fence to the back of their property.. He also pointed out the need for
access at the back of their properties, since the only other access
is for people coming from the south on Central Avenue. People traveling
on Central Avenue from the north must either go around the block,
or use the back entrance. He stated his opposition to any plan which
would prohibit the use of the back entrances into the properties on
Central Avenue.
June 23, 1975
-178-
Considerable discussion was held on the possible alternatives involved
with the plans, including the possible purchase of the house at 943-43rd
Avenue to provide a full sixty foot roadway, rather than the i4 foot
alley.
Discussion was also held on the proposal
going north, as to how an individual who
intending to get to 43rd Avenue, would t~
432 Avenue. Councilman Land pointed out
Access to 1+3 rd Avenue" , or some similar
warn the motorists.
for the alley to be a one-way
has entered on 432 Avenue,
am around at the end of
that signs stating "No
sign, could be placed to
The Council members each briefly discussed their opinions on what
should be done. Councilman Heintz stated that he felt that the
hearing. should be continued at the next council meeting, and all the
alternatives be further investigated. He again brought up the problem
of the additional traffic which may be generated on 43rd Avenue
if the alley were two-way, or a full street was opened up behind the
businesses. He stated that at some future date, perhaps
semaphores could be considered for the corner of 43rd and Central as
a possible alternative.
Councilman Logacz mentioned that the businesses should maintain
their own alley access, and fence the back of the properties, with
432 Avenue ending in a cul-de-sac as was originally planned in the
past.
Councilman Land expressed his desire that the plan as presented
was the best proposal for the present time, and that it should be
authorized. If it proved at a later date to need- revision, then changes
could be made at that time, including the possibility of future
consideration of the installation of semaphores at 43rd and Central.
Councilman Norberg agreed that no new traffic should be generated on
43rd Avenue by this project, and in particular the post office
traffic should be directed to 44th Avenue.
City Manager, Malcolm Watson, discussed the problems involved with
trying to change the design at a later date, and spoke against such
an approach.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to continue the hearing to July 14
and direct the City Manager to consider as many other options as
are available and report at the meeting of July 14. Roll Calla All Ayes
-179-
June 23, 1975
RECESS was called at 9:25 p.m. MEETING RECONVENED at 9:37 p.m.
SUBDIVISION REQUEST - Heights Theatre and Dairy Queen Properties
39th and Central(south of Gould Avenue)
Mr. Watson explained that this subdivision had already been granted
by the City Council earlier in the year, but that a subsequent
survey had placed the boundaries at a different location. The previous
subdivision had the Dairy Queen in a lot 45 feet wide, and the theatre
on a lot 105 feet wide. The corrected descriptions place the Dairy
Queen on 39.65 feet, and the theatre on 110.65 feet. Motion by
Heintz, Seconded by Norberg that the corrected subdivision be granted
as outlined. Roll Call: All Ayes
Mr. Watson noted that the theatre has complied, with supplying the
city with a fourteen foot easement on the back of the property.
REQUEST TO BARRICADE JEFFERSON STREET
Mrs. M~.i;chaelle Anderson was present representing the Minnesota
Citizens Concerned for Life. She asked authorization to have
Jefferson Street, between 39th and 40th Avenue, barricaded on the
afternoon of Sunday, July 27 beginning at 2:00 p.m. for a period
of about six hours for a fundraising occasion to~be held in the park.
She also requested the granting of a beer license in her name for the
same occasion: .Brief discussion held by the Council. A letter had been
received from Sgt. Hedblad stating that the Police Dept. would have no
objection, but that two full-time police officers should be on the scene
if it is to have an attendance of up to 1,000 people. In addition, someone
should man the barricades in the event of an emergency vehicle needing
to travel that portion of the street. Mrs. Anderson indicated that
they would comply to these requirements. Motion by Logacz, Seconded
by Norberg to grant the beer license to Chelley Anderson, with the
fee to be waived based on Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Llfe (MCCL)
being a non -profit organization; and authorize the closing of
Jefferson Street between 39th Avenue and 40th Avenue on Sunday,
July 27 beginning at 2:00 p.m. for a period of about six hours.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Councilman Heintz questioned Mrs. Anderson as to whether she had discussed
the plans with the Park Superintendent, and Recreation Director
to see whether there were any conflicts with the use of the park on that
day. Mrs.-Anderson reported that she had spoken to-both Mr. Murzyn-
and Ms. Hanson and that provisions were being made accordingly.
SUBDIVISION REQUEST _ William D. Lucking
Request to subdivide a lot facing 442 Avenue, west of house no.
1200 - 442 Avenue, into two 55 foot parcels. Mr. Watson stated that
there are no special assessments pending against the property. He asked
that the subdivision include the retention by the city of the
June 23, 1975
-180-
southerly five feet of this parcel for drainage and utilities easement
purposes. Motion by Heintz; Seconded by Logacz to grant the lot
subdivision as outlined with the City to retain the southerly five feet
for drain and utility easement purposes. Roll Call: All Ayes
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING SMOKING AREAS
Mr. Watson reported that the City staff had been asked to prepare their
ideas on where smoking should be allowed in the various city buildings
in the city. He indicated that a resolution would be prepared on the basis
of staff discussions as to the most appropriate locations for prohibiting
smoking.
SECOND READING ORDINANCE #836 CHARTER AMENDMENTS
Second reading was held on this ordinance amending the City Charter of
the City of Columbia Heights. Mayor Nawrocki noted that discussion
had been held, and explanations given on the changes, at the last
meeting of the City Council. The first reading had been held at that
time, and members of the Charter Commission had been present.
Ordinance offered by Land, Seconded by Logacz Roll Call: All Ayes
Ordinance #836 was adopted. Mr. Watson informed the Council that the
ordinance would appear in the June 25 edition of the Sun Newspaper.
RESOLUTION #75-38 ENDORSING CHAPTER #424 MINNESOTA LAWS OF 1975
RELATING ~TO THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS FIREMEN'S PENSION PROGRAM
Offered by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz Roll Call: All Ayes
Resolution- #75-38 was adopted.
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS, that -
WHf REAS, a mutually acceptable bill relating to the Columbia Heights Fire
Relief Association was prepared in a cooperative effort between the members
of the Fire Department and the City Council representatives,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby approves
the Act known as Chapter No. 424, Minnesota Laws of 19.75 Relating to
Changes in the Firemen's Relief Association.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Council does hereby recognize that the
basic changes to the former law relates to allowing all new
full-time employees of the Fire Department to be members of the P.E.R.A.
Public Safety Pension program; that the payment toward the pension program
from the employees shall be 8% of salary; with a retirement program based
on the top firefighter salary; and certain other changes relating to widows
and survivors benefits.
It is also recognized that the basis for pension shall be 35/80 of top
firefighter salary for twenty years service and 1/80 per year allowable
for years of service thereafter.
-181-
June 23, 1975
SUBDIVISION REQUEST - Julia Jedina.k - 1020 - 43rd Avenue NE
Mr. Watson explained-that this subdivision creates a new 55 ft. building
site on 42Z Avenue. No outstanding special assessments against
the property. Motion by Land, Seconded by Heintz to grant the
subdivision request to Julia Jedinak, 1020-43rd Avenue, creating
two lots with the following legal descriptions:
North 150 ft. of Lot 12 (Ex. North Five Feet) Block 3, Reservoir Hills,
and
East 2 of Lot 12 which lies South of the North 150 ft. (Subj. to road
and utility easement over S. 30')
Except the Northerly 5 ft. thereof for drainage and utility easement,
Block 3, Reservoir Hills
Roll Call: All Ayes
SUBDIVISION REQUEST - Swedish Builders, Inc.
Mr. Watson explained the subdivision request to create two building
sites on the south side of 422 Avenue. The Council members examined
the survey of the area, and the drawing of the requested subdivision.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant the subdivision request
creating two lots with the following legal descriptions:
The West z of Lot 46, Block 3, (Ex. S 150') (Subj to easement for
street over North 30') Reservoir Hills, and
The East 2 of Lot 46, Block 3, (Ex. S 150') (Subj to easement for
street over North 30') Reservoir Hills
Roll Call: All Ayes
No outstanding special assessments against the property.
POLICY LEADERS. SEMINAR FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mayor Nawrocki spoke briefly on this seminar to be held On June 27 and
28 in Chicago; and of a one day Policy Leaders Seminar on Labor
Management Relations for Council members in conjunction thereto to
be on fihe day preceding, June 2~. Councilman Logacz indicated that
he would be available •to attend if it was decided that someone from _
the City Council should be there.' Motion by Land, Seconded by Heintz
to authorize the expenses for one member of the City Council to attend
the National League of Cities three day seminars June 26, 27, and 28 at
the Holiday Inn O'Hare/Kennedy in Chicago. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz,
Land, Nawrocki-Ayes Norberg-abstained
June 23, 1975 -182-
SEMINAR ON NOISE SURVEY TECHNIQUES
Discussion was- held. on a seminar on noise survey techniques:
to be held in Madison, Wisconsin July 21-23, and
who should attend. Mr. Watson indicated that the Engineering
Department should probably logically send someone to this seminar,
but that is an extremely busy season, during the summer construction,
and it would be impossible for anyone from the Public Works
Departments to attend such a seminar. Councilman Heintz suggested
that further consideration and discussion on this seminar should be
held over to the next council meeting and in the meantime the City
Manager should make a recommendation as to who should attend
the seminar, Councilman Norberg pointed out that this is a very
worthwhile seminar, and stressed the importance of having someone in the
City knowledgeable in survey techniques on noise levels.. Mayor
Nawrocki also pointed out the difficulty in getting assistance
from the Pollution Control Agency in surveying local noise
levels, and encouraged that someone from the City staff attend
the seminar in Madison Wisconsin.
PURCHASE OF AUTOMOBILES
Mr. Watson requested authorization to purchase some used vehicles
from "ather appropriations" in the Revenue Sharing funds, not to
exceed $990. He explained the need for more transportation type
vehicles, possibly two, to drive employees to the various job sites.
In. particular, he pointed out the added number of employees under the
youth programs, i.e. CETA, Mainstream, and the need to transfer these
individuals between job sites. Public Works Director, Earl Gustafson,
also spoke on the need for added vehicles. Mr. Watson explained that
the proposal would be to purchase two vehicles at this time,a~d in the
fall, possibly September, the City would sell two vehicles, either
the same two purchased now, or two other cars that need replacing.
Mr. Watson further explained the need for the transportation vehicles,
rather than work vehicles such as the trucks., etc. Explanation was given
on the number of added employees during the summer. Councilman Norberg
asked about the possibility of renting two cars, rather than .purchasing.
Following further discussion, it was pointed out that renting would
be more costly than purchasing.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Land to authorize the City Manager
to spend up to $990 for the purchase of added vehicles for the City,
but that the total number of vehicles remain the same as. at .present
by fall. Roll Call: All Ayes
LICENSES
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg that the licenses as listed be
granted upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes
183- June 23, 1975
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
Mr. Watson. reported on an informal meeting setup with the City .Council
and the City staff for discussion of the 1976 budget for Monday,
June 30 at 8:00 p.m. Mayor Nawrocki indicated that he had another meeting
that evening and would not be able to get to this budget discussion
until later. Discussion on an alternative night to hold the
meeting resulted in the possibility of meeting on Wednesday, July 2
at 8:00 p.m. '
Discussion was .also held on when a meeting could be set up to meet
with the City Attorney on further review of the ordinance
recodification. It was decided that both Monday, June 30, and Wednesday,
July 2 would be set up for informal meetings. The City Manager
will notify the individuals involved as to which .night is for the
budget discussion with the staff, and which 'night is for .meeting
with the City Attorney.
DISCUSSION ON CITY SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
Considerable discussion was held on the sidewalk program in the city.
Mr. Gustafson reported on the condition of the sidewalks on 7th Street
in relation. to a letter from Mrs. Theresa Baird, 4456-7th Street,
requesting that the sidewalk replacement program on 7th Street be
dropped from the assessment rolls as a pending assessment. Mr. Gustafson
reported that the sidewalk on this block is basically in good condition,
with the exception of two poor spots, which includes one spot in front of
Mrs. Baird's property. Mr. Gustafson recommended that this particular
block be excluded as a pending project.
Mr. Gustafson spoke on the difficulty of determining whether a sidewalk
constitutes a hazardous condition, and of the need for set criteria
that the city can go by to determine the need for replacement of a
sidewalk.
Lengthy discussion was held on the entire sidewalk replacement program
which has been pending since 1968 in relation to present costs as
opposed to the costs presented at the hearings at that time. Motion by
Heintz, Seconded by Narberg to advertise fora reopened hearing on this
sidewalk replacement project, Project #6803, was later withdrawn.
Councilman Heintz further discussed his desire that the whole city be
reviewed as to sidewalk replacement and installation needs. The Council
further discussed the sidewalk program, and indicated that at this time
nothing would be done, but that the Public Works Department should prepare
a study, including pictures of the areas, of the sidewalk replacement
needs, and the Council would hold a new hearing on all of the sidewalks
sometime in the fall, or in the spring of 1976.
June 23, 1975
-184-
Councilman Norberg questioned what could be done in relation to the
letter from Mrs. Baird, and the City Manager was directed to
send her a letter explaining the actions of the City Council
to hold a new hearing on ail the sidewalks at a later date.
TA)E I ` STAND CURB CUT
Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that.. the taxi cab company on 40th Avenue
and VanBuren had made a full curb cut on the side of their
property. He expressed his concern that this should not be allowed
to happen. Following discussion by the Council, and City Manager
and Building_Inspectar-, i-t was discovered that no permits are
issued for such curb cuts, and that in fact it is not allowed
without permission from the city. A follow-up is to be made to
see that -i n -the future. no -new curb -cuts are made without c i ty -- --- --- - --
permission.
HIGHLAND LAKE DRAINAGE PROBLEMS
Public Works Director, Earl Gustafson, spoke at length on the
drainage problems inherent with the Highland Lake drainage and
ponding area, and of the need to work with the City of Frid-ley in
solving these problems. Mr. Gustafson was directed to set up a meeting
with the Fridley City Council and the Columbia Heights City
Council to discuss these matters.
OTHER PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS
Mayor Nawrocki, questioned why concrete from the high school mall
project is being piled up along 49th Avenue and in the school
parking lot. Mr. Gustafson informed him that this.will_ be picked
up for recycling.
Mr. Gustafson reported that the fountain in LaBelle Park should be
working by the time people begin moving in the high rise in July.
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Councilman Heintz reported on complaii
employees of the Minneapolis Electric
out of the parking lot when the night
said-that again one empl-ogee from the
on Mill Street. Mr. Watson said that
department to check on these items.
its received on the
Steel Castings Co. racing.
shift lets out. Also, he
same company continues to park
he would ask the police
-185- June 23, 1975
RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT
Mayor Nawrocki asked the City Manager whether he had investigated
the contents of the Rice Creek Watershed reports, and how the overall
plan impacted on the residents of Columbia Heights. Mr. Watson
stated that-there was nothing new in the plan other than what
had been distributed during the past winter, but that further
review would be made of the plan by the Engineering Department.
TRAFFIC "BUMP" ON LINCOLN TERRACE
Brief discussion was held on a request by Councilman Heintz that
reconsideration be made on the bump on Lincoln Terrace which was
authorized by the City Council the previous summer as a traffic
speed deferent. Mr. Heintz indicated that the residents of that
block were unhappy with the bump. Mr. Heintz stated that perhaps
a rumble strip could be considered. Mr. Gustafson pointed out that
rumble strips are intended as warning devices and not for
speed deferents. The City Council-decided that the Traffic
Commission should hold a hearing for the people in that block to see
how they feel about this matter, and recommend what should be
done as a result of this hearing.
RESOLUTION SETTING UP SPECIAL CIVIL DEFENSE FUND
Mayor Nawrocki questioned whether any progress had been made
on a resolution establishing a civil defense fund for monies
received by the police reserve for the policing of parks.
Mr. Watson reported that a meeting was still to be set up with the
Finance Director to establish how such a fund might be handled.
AUDIT REPORT
Brief discussion was held on the need to set up a meeting with the
auditor for the City to discuss the report on 1974 some time
the week of July 7, possibly the 7th, 8th, 9th, or 10th, Mr. Watson
indicated that he would set up the meeting and inform the City
Council.
Mayor Nawrocki expressed his disappointment that a new individual
hired as an accountant to work in the finance office with the-City
Clerk-treasurer, John Schedler, was not from Columbia Heights.
He felt that stronger attempts should have been made to fill this
position with someone from Columbia Heights.. He urged that local
people should be considered for all city positions. Mr. Watson
stated that all attempts possible had been made in that the position
had been advertised in the Minneapolis Star and Tribune and the
Sun Newspaper, the local papers, and that the response from the
people of Columbia Heights for this position was not great.
.tune 23, 1975
-186-
Mr. Watson also stated that the actual hiring had been held up
in waiting for any other possible applications from local
residents. Mayor Nawrocki still stated that he wanted the record
to show that he is extremely disappointed that the vacancy was
not filled by a person from the City of Columbia Heights.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg t
Secretary Pro-tem