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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/28/11 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2011 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 28, 2011 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL/INVOCATION Chaplain Bob Lyndes, Crest View Senior Communities, gave the Invocation. Present: Mayor Peterson, Council member Williams, Council member Nawrocki, Council member Diehm, Council member Schmitt PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - recited ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Mayor Peterson removed the revocation of the rental license for 4640 Polk Street NE in that the property has been brought into compliance. Nawrocki requested to speak on the treatment of the citizen that spoke at the last meeting. Peterson asked for additions or deletions to the meeting. Motion by Williams, second by Diehm, to discuss these types of items at a work session. Diehm requested a friendly amendment that members call staff to add their items to the agenda prior to the meeting, allowing other Council members to be prepared for discussion. Williams agreed. Nawrocki indicated it was appropriate to talk about this at a public meeting as residents have a right to the information. Peterson stated there is a motion to not have this item on the agenda. Nawrocki stated that he was right on the information he gave. Schmitt stated she understands items being discussed at a work session, but as this was discussed at a council meeting, she felt it should be discussed at this meeting. Upon vote of the amendment: Schmitt, nay; Williams, aye, Diehm, aye, Nawrocki, nay, Peterson aye. 3 ayes — 2 nays. Motion carried. Williams again stated that the proper procedure is to have a majority vote on items added or deleted from the agenda. Nawrocki stated that is done for some items and not others. He requested to add the city hall renovation bid process, cost of contract cleaning of buildings versus employee cleaning, Red Wing rental inspection challenges brought up at the EDA meeting, letters from residents and appointment to HRA members and items for the Manager on the March 7 work session and HRA meeting. Motion by Williams, second by Diehm, to add the indicated items to the work session next Monday. Diehm renewed her comment that the point is to have an open discussion. We, as Council members, can place a call and have items added to the agenda. This would ensure that the proper staff is present and that members have time to think about the items and participate in the discussion. Nawrocki indicated that items brought up at a meeting become a matter of record. A resident wrote a letter asking that it be discussed at a Council meeting regarding control of dogs. We should be City Council Minutes Monday, February 28, 2011 Page 2 of 6 allowed time to talk about scheduling the HRA appointments. Peterson stated that was discussed at the EDA meeting and itwas agreed upon to hold the interviews prior to the next City Council work session. Diehm stated that as the Chair of the HRA, Clark and Cartney asked to post the meeting and she then requested to speak to the other members first. Fehst stated the meeting is to interview the three HRA applicants. Peterson suggested the resident letter be read at this meeting and the second letter not be read as it was not requested to do so. Upon vote of the original Motion: Schmitt, aye; Williams, aye; Diehm, aye; Nawrocki, abstain; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes —1 abstention. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Help Buy A Book - Friends of the Library Love Your Library - Show how much you love your library by helping to replace a classic book or movie. In March, the Friends of the Library will seek donations to replace worn and damaged children's and adult books and movies. Rita Norberg, Friends of the Library President, and Elaine Sturdevant, committee member were present to request support for their March event to help buy a book and maintain a good permanent selection for our hometown library. Norberg encouraged anyone that uses or loves the library to come in and help by donating to purchase a book on the list. The donation includes purchase, preparation, and cataloging costs. Fehst asked the number of participants in the Friends of the Library. Norberg indicated there are eight very active members and encouraged others to join. Council member Diehm presented her donation to the group. Norberg described some of the books and DVD's available for replacement. Diehm indicated her pride in our library and stated it would not be possible without the help of these volunteer groups. Nawrocki and Peterson indicated they will also donate to this cause. Peterson thanked the Friends of the Library. Norberg stated that their group meets the first Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. Peterson stated this is the fourth anniversary of Sarna's Restaurant. The Golden Gloves program, located in the old fire bay, is up and running for 8 to 17 year olds. CONSENT AGENDA City Manager Walt Fehst took Council members through the Consent Agenda items. Nawrocki requested to remove items B, C, and D for discussion. A. Approve minutes of the February 14, 2011 City Council meeting Motion to approve the minutes of the February 14, 2011 City Council meeting. B. Adopt Resolution 2011 -06, Approving 2011 -2012 AFSCME Labor Agreement - removed C. Adopt Resolution 2011 -07, approving 2011 -2012 IUOE Labor Agreement - removed D. Acceptance of Final Park Plans and Authorization to Seek Bids for Ramsdell Park Improvements - removed E. Approval of the attached list of rental housing licenses. Motion to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for February 28, 2011 in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. F. Approve Business License Applications City Council Minutes Monday, February 28, 2011 Page 3 of 6 Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for February 28, 2011 as presented. G. Approve payment of the bills Motion to approve payment of the bills out of the proper funds, as listed in the attached check register covering Check Number 138094 through 138207 in the amount of $377,565.69. Motion by Nawrocki, second Schmitt, to approve the Consent Agenda items with the exception of items B, C, and D. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. B. Adopt Resolution 2011 -06, Approving 2011 -2012 AFSCME Labor Agreement Nawrocki questioned article 18.6 regarding overtime. Elrite stated it means 1.5 times their wage, in addition to straight time and has been in the contract for several years. Other than liquor store employees, it is unusual for ASCFME members to utilize this. Motion by Diehm, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution 2011 -06, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Diehm, second by Williams, to adopt Resolution 2011 -06, regarding the Labor Agreement between the City of Columbia Heights and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, effective January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2012. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. C. Adopt Resolution 2011 -07, approving 2011 -2012 IUOE Labor Agreement Nawrocki questioned additional compensation under sick leave and asked the cost. Fehst stated this was estimated during budget preparation. Elrite stated that three bargaining units already have this wording. Diehm stated this was discussed at an executive session and Council was told the number of employees this would affect. Schmitt stated she was not in on those discussions, but spoke of a federal worker that is on a five year freeze. They have eliminated the step levels. She questioned what happens next year if we do not have the money for this. Schmitt indicated her preference for step wages over cost of living increases. Fehst stated the one percent increase for next year was anticipated in our four year budget plan. Expenditures were frozen last year and went up one percent this year. Our LGA has already been cut by 70 percent. This is in line with other city contracts. Schmitt referred to information received at the Newly Elected Officials conference which indicates that cities may not be able to pay their bills in five years. Motion by Diehm, second Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution 2011 -07, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Diehm, second Williams, to adopt Resolution 2011 -07, regarding the Labor Agreement between the City of Columbia Heights and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49, effective January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2012. Williams questioned the holiday pay for ASFME. Elrite stated they do not work on holidays and have not done so for many years. Fehst stated that IUOE does work on holidays. Nawrocki spoke regarding the Manager's response to Schmitt's question indicating that additional costs were anticipated. Nawrocki stated that they were anticipated by increasing property taxes to residents, not like other communities that cut back to handle budget shortfalls. City Council Minutes Monday, February 28, 2011 Page 4 of 6 Fehst responded that before 2003 the Community Development Department had 2.5 people there, Administration had three more people, Finance had one more person, Public Works had one more person in the office and one more person on the street, and we reduced one -half of a person in the Fire Department. The only increase was in the Police department. We anticipated this in advance of other cities and he commended Council for freezing the budget for two years. The State reneged on their pledge to subsidize the property tax. Diehm stated that we are doing a better job than other cities. Last week during the snow storm she was able to get out of her driveway when many other cities were not. We are used to a high level of service and if we want to change we should discuss it. She thanked the crews for their efforts. Williams also thanked Hanson for the good job they do. Hansen indicated that this is in part due to an active street program and our crews. Schmitt stated that she received complaints on snow coming up into driveways, but that is done to widen streets so they are not like the City of Minneapolis. Nawrocki stated our budgets are higher than they have ever been and expenditures, property taxes, and city utility fees increase. Williams stated that the City of Minneapolis charges extra for the release of storm water. Schmitt referred to article she read about Anoka County trying to make budget cuts and how they asked their employees for suggestions and they came up with wonderful ideas. We should ask our employees for suggestions. Peterson stated we have done that and agreed it is helpful. Nawrocki referred to an article in Time magazine regarding getting the work done without cost increases. Peterson indicated positive responses received on snow removal, with a couple of comments on snow in driveways. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. D. Acceptance of Final Park Plans and Authorization to Seek Bids for Ramsdell Park Improvements Nawrocki indicated that we should place the planned improvements for Ramsdell Park on hold. We are basically moving things around. With alternates, improvements would be considerably more than $300,000. We received a memo on Jackson Pond problems and that would be more critical to address. Williams stated that we have the money in the parks fund that is not gaining interest and if we delay the project, costs will increase. We have already delayed this project once. We should move ahead. Peterson stated this project is in the budget and funds are dedicated only for park improvements. It is a wise move to do it now. Schmitt asked for a cost breakdown. Hansen responded this would include site construction, water main work, park improvements, and add alternates. Ramsdell Park is a poorly drained site, which this would improve and would add a ball field. It would not require adding or removing any dirt. It would add a new shelter and include improvements around the playground equipment that was provided through a grant. Additional items would include a drinking fountain, outfield warming track, scoreboard, batting cage and bleachers, which the school will pay, in addition to expanding the parking area. Hansen stated there is $300,000 available in Park Dedication funds and storm water work could be funded through that fund. Motion by Williams, second by Diehm, to accept the Final Park Plan(s) prepared by Brauer and Associates for Ramsdell Park and authorize the advertisement of public bids. Schmitt questioned if we could not afford to do everything, what could be removed. Hansen stated that if the bids were higher than anticipated, we would look to reduce trail construction or field amenities. Schmitt asked if the old building would be demolished. Hansen stated the City Council Minutes Monday, February 28, 2011 Page 5 of 6 existing warming house would only need a coat of paint. Upon vote: Schmitt, aye; Williams, aye; Diehm, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes — 1 nay. Motion carried. Schmitt clarified that this action is only the approval to seek bids. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Adopt Resolution 2011 -008, being a Resolution approving rental license revocation at 4640 Polk Street N.E. — removed. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION New Business and Reports — a. Nawrocki stated that Ms. Nelson wrote a letter of concern regarding people not picking up dog droppings. He spoke to her and indicated that dogs must be under control. The Park and Recreation Commission has discussed this issue and will place signs in the parks. Hansen referred to possible placement of doggie bags for public use. Peterson spoke of the advantages to having a dog park. He suggested using our hockey rinks in the summer for this. Hansen stated this would be proposed to the Park and Recreation Commission. Peterson also indicated 38 and Main as a possible location. ADMINISTRATIVE REPO !' TS Report of the City Manager Fehst apologized to Mr. Morrell, and stated he misunderstood his comment at the last meeting on liquor store managers. Fehst indicated that this incident shows it is improper to debate issues without the proper information in front of you. He again apologized. Fehst listed items for discussion at the March 7 work session: HRA applicants for board opening, MSC garage floor, Six Cities WMO, Gateway Pedestrian Bridge, and capital equipment replacement of Pelican street sweeper. Williams requested to add the items from this meeting brought up under additions and deletions. Nawrocki stated there are six manager type positions in the liquor stores. Fehst stated that Mr. Morrell was speaking of the general store manager. Nawrocki again indicated the chain of command at the liquor stores. Peterson stated that is why we are allowed to take Citizen Forum items under advisement. Report of the City Attorney — nothing to report CITIZENS FORUM Dwayne Monet, 4212 Reservoir Boulevard, disagreed with having to go directly to staff with his questions. He again commented on liquor store employee salaries. He indicated that residents should keep the streets clean of snow and leaves and keep storm water drains cleared. He tried this to see if it would work, but city plows still put snow in his driveway. We need to involve residents to keep our streets clean. Morrell questioned Council members being too close to certain items that they should back away from. Diehm indicated that there are specific rules Council members follow. Peterson stated that decisions are made by the entire Council. Peterson indicated the sad news that Brooklyn Park's Mayor, Steve Lampi, passed away. He was Mayor for eight years, did a great job, and left a legacy of greatness. Our sympathy goes out to his uncil Minutes ay, February 28, 2011 6 of 6 family and the community on their loss. ADJOURNMENT Peterson: "Remember your service men and women. Don't take ourselves to seriously, enjoy life, and do a random act of kindness." Peterson stated that he has been asked to participate in a fund raiser for Derrick Goodrich. He is a 23 year old Marine wounded during his second tour of Afghanistan. The event will be held May 1 at Murzyn Hall. Peterson stated that we need to treat each other better. We really need to appreciate what they do for us. "Music Night" will be held on March 11 at Murzyn hall. Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m. OP - • / ' atricia Muscovitz CMC City Clerk/Council ecretary RESOLUTION 2011 -06 REGARDING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AND AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES, LOCAL NO. 495 WHEREAS, negotiations have proceeded between the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council No. 5, Local No. 495, representing clerical and technical employees of the City and members of the City' s negotiating team, and said negotiations have resulted in a mutually acceptable contract for calendar years 2011 and 2012. WHEREAS, changes to the current contract are attached, and a copy of the 2011 -2012 contract is available at the Office of the City Manager and is made a part hereof by reference; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the contract agreement, as negotiated, be and is hereby established as the salary and fringe benefit program for calendar years 2011 and 2012 for AFSCME bargaining unit employees of the City; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute this agreement. RESOLUTION 2011 -07 REGARDING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AND INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS, LOCAL NO. 49 WHEREAS, negotiations have proceeded between the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Local No. 49, representing employees of the Public Works Department and members of the City negotiating team, and said negotiations have resulted in a mutually acceptable contract for calendar years 2011 and 2012. WHEREAS, changes to the current contract are attached, and a copy of said contract is available at the Office of the City Manager and is made a part hereof by reference; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the contract agreement, as negotiated, be and is hereby established as the salary and fringe benefit program for calendar years 2011 and 2012 for IUOE bargaining unit employees of the City; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute this agreement.