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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 16, 2007OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT HEARING JULY 16, 2007 The following are the Special Meeting minutes for the Public Hearing of the City Council held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 16, 2007 in the City Council Chamber, City Hall, 590 40`h Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Nawrocki, Councilmember Diehm, Councilmember Kelzenberg, Councilmember Williams (arrived 6:43 p.m.) PUBLIC HEARING: ALLEY LIGHTING, PIR 677-38 Alley Lighting Project 1) Presentation of information on alley lighting project by Staff Kevin Hansen, City Engineer, stated this is for 15 alley lights at six locations. He referred to a map which showed the proposed locations. These areas were recommended by the police department. The cost was estimated at a total $8.63 a month or about $100 a year. The lights would go on existing poles. Fehst asked if 100 watt lights are standard. Hansen stated yes. Nawrocki questioned the number of lights on the map and indicated that there are lights already at 957 47`h, 954 Tyler, and 4633-41 Tyler. Hansen stated that he has checked the sites, but if incorrect a light would not be placed. Diehm asked if the businesses have their own lighting. Hansen stated that they do and some locations already have lights. Nawrocki stated that on the Polk and Taylor alley there are properties with weeds and piles of branches and the Vietnamese restaurant has graffiti on the back of the building. 2) Questions and Comments on project Jane Halek, 4600/4602 Fillmore, duplex owner, asked the cost with utility poles already in place. Hansen stated that Xcel does not charge far installation of lights, just the electric usage fee. IIalek stated that to save energy, solar lights should be considered. She stated she vas against this project as she has flood lights that are used and all others in her area, but one, also have flood lights. Halek indicated that the lights would flood her bedroom every night. She referred to her neighbor's overtlowing garbage in the alley that would now be lit up. 4607 Taylor has construction garbage. Halek again requested the lighting be solar. She stated that if this is far security, neighbors with lights were still robbed, so she is not sure it deters crime. Nawrocki stated that with solar panels there would be a cost. Halek stated they do not use the alley because of the elevation. Nawrocki indicated his belief in lighting, as early on his property was broken in to and in 1968 he had a light put in with no further incidents. Halek indicated she would be willing to pay a one time fee far solar lights and asked how this could be accomplished. Kelzenberg stated that Council approval requires a 4/5`'' vote. Nawrocki stated a petition could be filed. Halek refen-ed to paying for the electronic meter readers. Fehst stated that security was the reason this was considered, along with possibly installing cameras. There has been additional policing in the area. People do not leave their lights on, and these lights would be left on. Hansen stated that solar lights are not available for municipal lighting programs. He does not have the purchase or maintenance costs far solar lights. Nawrocki stated that if Ms. Halek has Columbia Heights Public Improvement Hearing July 16, ?007 Page 2 of 3 such a source, we would appreciate the information. Peterson stated that private lighting would probably cost more than a $1 a month. Richard Davies, 1111 46`x' Avenue, stated he previously spoke to the City Manager about lights fnr the rnadc not the allevs_ T)iehm stated that the roads would be lit and Wald for by the __O____. ___ ____ ______~ ____ ____ _.___J _. _. __ i city, but alley lighting must be assessed. Davies stated that he was not in favor of the alley lighting. Lee Stauch, 4554/56 Fillmore Street, stated that all garages but one have motion sensor lights. He did not agree to more assessments on the alley. There is graffiti on buildings that are lit. He suggested the police officers walk through the alleys and streets. Diehm stated that this lighting is consistent with other areas of the city. Fehst stated it is a little snore comprehensive than other areas, and has proven to reduce crime in neighborhoods. Kelly Sullivan, 4540 Palk Street, stated they paid for their alley light and indicated she appreciates the light, as you can see down the alley and not wait for a motion light to trigger. She thanked the Council for doing this in their neighborhood. Edith Horvath, 4617 Polk Street, stated that the alleys are too dark and this allows drug dealing. There was a shooting in the area last March. She stated that she is in favor of the lighting, as crime is a big problem in her area. Nawrocki stated that lighting would not solve the problem, but it is a step in the right direction. We should spend more time cleaning up the properties in this area. He indicated that at apartment buildings 1410 and 1440 47`h the garbage vats are overflowing. Police Chief Tom Johnson stated that all safety training points to lighting of areas for the best defense. Motion detectors are dangerous for officers; they may trip it while the criminal is hiding in the dark. Officers do get out of their cars checking the area as much as possible. We have an officer on the Drug Task Force working such areas. We want to make it safer for our officers and for the residents. Johnson encouraged the City Council to approve the alley lighting. We want to improve the area and we are also looking to place a public service building there. Hopefully, we can begin bike patrols in the area. Halek stated her appreciation of the police coverage, but requested the solar lighting option be checked. A resident asked if people in the area carry guns. Johnson stated that officers have take several guns a month from that area. Diehm indicated that our Drug Task Force Officer is undercover and should not be noticeable. Kelzenberg stated that he likes the idea of having officers on bikes. Capt. Roddy indicated that he prefers permanent dusk to dawn lighting, as it makes the environment less inviting. Permanent lighting assisted officers in following a suspect to the 4600 block of Tyler. He could not be located after that because of darkness. Lighting would assist the police to be more effective. Roddy stated that Ms. Ha1ek's property is extremely well lit, but alley lighting will cover 150 feet each side of the light. Close the Public Hearing and Consideration of Resalution lYlotian by Nawrocki, second by Diehm, (with the understanding to research solar street Columbia Heights Public hnprovement Hearing July 16, 2007 Page 3 of 3 lighting) to close the Public Hearing of the Alley Lighting Project, PIR 677-38 and to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2007-114, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Nawrocki_ second by Diehrn_ to adopt Resolution No. 2007-114. bein>= a resolution _______.... _J ~ J ~ 1 • ~ ordering and levying fifteen lights located in six alleys between Central Avenue and Fillmore Street, 45`h Avenue to 47"' Avenue, known as PIR 677-38. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. RESOLUTION N0.2007-114 RESOLUTION LEVYING AND ADOPTING ALLEY LIGHTS ASSESSMENT NO. 677-38 Adopting assessment roll according to the City Charter for the following local improvement and determining that said improvement will be made and ratifying and confirming all other proceedings, heretofore had: Special Assessment for alley lights numbered 677-38 WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, met at 6:00 p.m. on the 16"' day of July 2007, in the City Council Chambers, 590 40`h Avenue N.E. Columbia Heights, Minnesota, being the time and place set when and where all persons interested could appear and be heard by the Council with respect to benefits, and to the proportion of the cost of making the local improvement above described, a notice of such hearing having been heretofore duly published as required by law, and a notice mailed to each property owner of record, stating the proposed amount of the assessment; and, WHEREAS, this Council has heretofore estimated the cost of such local improvement and has prepared an assessment roll therefore, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS HEREBY RESOLVES: Section 1. That this Council does hereby adopt the aforesaid assessment roll known and described as "Assessment Roll for Local Improvements" numbered 677-38 for alley lighting. Section 2. That this Council hereby finds and determines that each of the lots and parcels of land enumerated in said assessment roll was and is especially benefited by such improvements. This Council further fmds and determines that the proper proportion of the cost of such improvement to be especially assessed against each lot or parcel of land is the amount as billed annually by Xcel Energy Company. Section 3. That the assessment will be added to the utility bill prepared and mailed by the City of Columbia Heights to property owners or occupants on record with the Finance Department. Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage. Peterson stated that we are attempting to clean up this area. Halek stated that she changed her mind and wants the lights to help protect our officers, but still requests looking into solar lighting. Halek asked if Columbia Heights would consider mandating recycling. Fehst described the single sort recycling pilot program. Fehst indicated that if dumpsters are overflowing, we could require larger containers or more frequent pickups. We do receive annual awards for recycling. Fehst referred to the mandate on electronic recycling. Resident asked if police officers can fine people for throwing bottles in their yards. Roddy stated we would if they are seen doing it. A J U ENT