Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/25/2012 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2012 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 25, 2012 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL/INVOCATION Pastor Dan Thompson, Heights Church, gave the Invocation. Present: Mayor Peterson, Council member Williams, Council member Nawrocki, Council member Diehm, Council member Schmitt PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Miscellaneous The Columbia Heights Recreation Department, represented by Liz Bray and Sam Rolstead spoke of the upcoming dinner theater on July 12, at Murzyn Hall. There will be a cupcake war at the event and the City Council was asked to narrow the four choices to the two types of cupcakes that would compete at the dinner theater. The orange cupcake and the coconut brownie cupcake were chosen to go on to the dinner theater. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Nawrocki asked for the City Manager to give an update on the budget and the annual report. Motion by Nawrocki to add Council Corner to the agenda. Peterson called for a second to the motion. Motion failed for lack of a second. Mayor Peterson removed Resolutions 2012-73, 74, 75, 76, and 77, in that the properties have been brought into compliance. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Presentation "A View from the Big River" - Jenny Winkelman, Mississippi Water Management Winkelman invited Councilmembers to the to the Mississippi Watershed Management event on July 31, 2012, aboard the Minneapolis Queen paddleboat, to look at our watershed. She spoke of the projects and educational opportunities they have available, including water-related regulations and how to meet them, how to apply water quality knowledge to our work. The event will promote networking with local leaders and policy makers. Schmitt indicated that she will attend. B. Recognition of Service Recognition of Service - Joseph Goodman, Traffic Commission Member Peterson read the recognition award of Joe Goodman and gave him a Columbia Heights pen and pencil set. CONSENT AGENDA Nawrocki requested to remove item A. City Manager Walt Fehst took Council members through the consent agenda items. A. Approve Minutes of the June 11, 2012 City Council Meeting - removed City Council Minutes Monday,June 25,2012 Page 2 of 7 B. Approve Plans and Specifications and Order Advertisement for Bids for the Argonne Lift Station Motion to approve the Plans and Specifications and order the Advertisement for Bids for the Argonne Lift Station, City Project #1114. C. Approve Attached List of Rental Housing Licenses Motion to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for June 25, 2012, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. D. Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for June 25, 2012 as presented. E. Review Payment of the Bills Motion that in accordance with Minnesota Statute 412.271, subd. 8 the City Council has received the list of claims paid covering check number 143895 through 144092 in the amount of$ 1,609,735.96. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to approve the Consent Agenda items, with the exception of item A. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. A. Approve Minutes of the June 11, 2012 City Council Meeting Nawrocki referred to the video system not working at the last meeting. He had suggested that the audio from the last meeting be replayed on cable TV. Since they were not, he asked the City Manager review items discussed at the meeting. Fehst stated his regret that the last meeting this was not broadcast. The Humanitarian of the Year award was presented to Stephen Smith. Rachel Schwankl was recognized for her service on the Charter Commission. The summer library program was reviewed. The two new paid on call fire fighters were introduced. The second hand store ordinance was tabled. Nawrocki indicated that he brought up for discussion the second letter received by residents regarding sanitary sewer insurance, which looks like it comes from the City. He had asked that it be emphasized that this is not a city program and that residents check with their own insurance agent to see if this type of work is already covered. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Diehm, to approve the minutes of the June 11, 2012 City Council meeting. Fehst stated that staff met with Utility Service Partners, (USP). We asked why they send out separate letters for the two programs. They indicated that this is done specifically so people know there are two different programs; one for water and one for sewer. He stated that he expressed Council member Nawrocki's concern to USP. There are 637 people already signed up. We are the second city in the State to work with UPS. Nawrocki questioned the financial background of the company and concern of how they handle this money. They need to have reserves to cover the cost of claims. Peterson stated that our State Insurance Commission would need to have given their approval prior to this group working in our state. Fehst stated this operation was approved by the National League of Cities, which would have researched them. Fehst stated that Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, also researched the group and the program. The work is done by local contractors. City Council Minutes Monday,June 25,2012 Page 3 of 7 Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Adopt Resolution 2012-80, 4721 Upland Crest, Being a Declaration of Nuisance and Abatement of Violations Within the City of Columbia Heights John Larkin, Assistant Fire Chief, listed the abatement issues. Staff will work with the owner to resolve the issues. Motion by Diehm, second by Williams, to close the public hearing and to waive the reading of Resolution Number 2012-80, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion by Diehm, second by Williams, to close the public hearing and adopt Resolution Number 2012-80, being a resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights declaring the properties listed a nuisance and approving the abatement of violations from the properties pursuant to City Code section 8.206. B. Adopt Resolutions 2012-72, 4124 5th Street N.E., being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights Approving Rental License Revocation for Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Property Maintenance Codes Motion by Williams, second by Schmitt, to close the public hearing and to waive the reading of Resolution Number 2012-72, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion by Williams, second by Schmitt, to adopt Resolution Number 2012-72, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approving revocation pursuant to City Code, Chapter 5A, Article IV, Section 5A.408(A) of the rental licenses listed. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions - none B. Bid Considerations - none C. New Business and Reports - none ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Nawrocki stated that he went to the League of MN Cities Conference in Duluth and attended the Law Summaries session and observing your city's approach to local governance. Nawrocki referred to allowing residents more access to the City Council. People should be allowed to talk longer than five minutes under Citizen Forum. Peterson stated that he differed with Nawrocki's belief that we are not approachable. Residents are not restricted to five minutes. Peterson stated he attended the conference and found that our staff and community are ahead of the curve. He suggested discussion of reviving volunteer recognition. Peterson also indicated his desire to begin the Yellow Ribbon Program, which welcomes back our service members. He asked for volunteers to begin this program. We can't do enough for our service men and women. Peterson stated that a few years ago, because our of city service project, we received the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) Preserving City Services award. This year we received the City of Excellence (for cities over 5,000) for Targeting Youth City/School Cooperative Ventures. Peterson stated his pride in these awards. Fehst stated that the Mayor suggested this be shared with the School Board/District as they represent our collaboration with them. Fehst recognized staff that worked on this award, especially Becky Loader and Linda Magee, the department heads, and Council for supporting the work we do. City Council Minutes Monday,June 25,2012 Page 4 of 7 Fehst stated that the budget and the audit report are currently being worked on. We intend to go out for auditor bids this year. Nawrocki referred to the budget five year plan and stated that the time has come for a budget with no property tax increase. Fehst stated that most residents received a decrease in their property taxes this year. The median price home in our community is significantly lower that other communities in our county. Fehst explained the difference in community tax bases. He stated that our current median home price is $98,000. Peterson stated this will be discussed through the budget sessions. Nawrocki stated he obtains his information from the Anoka County Property Tax web site. Peterson stated that we will keep the taxes as low as we can, while keeping the services that the residents want. Nawrocki referred to the locked door security system in city hall, stating that a resident had to turn in his driver's license before he could get into the building. Fehst stated we try to make accommodations for everyone. Peterson indicated that this is a security system recommended by the Police and Fire Departments, and the Council approved the system. Fehst referred to inconveniences to enter the State Capitol building. Report of the City Manager Fehst referred to a newspaper article regarding golf cart availability in the city. Sometime in the future we may need to consider this. Fehst has spoken about this with our Police Chief, and he was not crazy about this. We may want to keep an open mind about this. Fehst stated that resident Rich Davies has brought this up often. Nawrocki stated there is an EDA meeting next Monday and asked if there will be a work session. Fehst stated there will be an EDA and work session next Monday. Report of the City Attorney—nothing to report. CITIZENS FORUM Mary Miller, 720 38t'' Avenue NE, gave her background. She suggested a logical way to solve the bike/golf cart issue would be to have one street with a lane for bike/golf carts and residents only on that street. She spoke of issues she has addressed and the resolved for the community and her neighborhood. Miller stated there are issues with her neighbors regarding loud music and recreational fires. She has called the police and fire department,but they have not been cited. She referred to the city's recreational fire ordinance. She thanked Council for acting on her request to not have to turn her fence around. She requested an addition to the fence ordinance to include the restriction of permanent and non-permanent items not be allowed in the set back three feet. She requested that the fire department enforce the ordinance. Richard Davies, 1111 46t1i Avenue NE, gave his background. He stated that in 2000 his water pressure was 72 pounds. With the addition of Grand Central Lofts, his pressure is now 98 pounds. In his area, with that much pressure, there have been a lot of blown water lines. He questioned why the water pressure was raised 30 pounds. He has also contacted MNDOT and Anoka County regarding the need for a guard rail next to Grand Central Lofts. There is only landscaping. He stated he will work with the Council, but will go to other agencies if necessary. Peterson stated that this will be discussed with staff. Nawrocki asked for a report on the wet tap, standards, readings in the area, and information on the fire pit complaint. Fehst stated that the fire was not in violation of our recreational fire ordinance. There has been a long standing neighborhood dispute. We have recommended mediation. Catherine Vesley, 5135 Matterhorn Drive, stated she came from the library listening session. A lot of people showed up and talked about the kind of things they would like to see in a new building. The City Council Minutes Monday,June 25, 2012 Page 5 of 7 people were very interested and it was a very successful evening. Peterson stated that our Sister City Committee does a young artist and writer showcase each year. This year two of our competition winners, Christine Wilda- Young Artist and Pakue Vang - Young Author, received second and fourth place, respectively, in their categories at the national competition. We can be very proud of them, competing nationally and winning awards. He thanked the Sister City Committee for doing this. Peterson referred to the wonderful Jamboree parade last Friday night. He suggested raising funds to be able to obtain more bands and to reinstate the Ambassador program. He suggested people interested in volunteering contact him or City Hall. We have fantastic volunteers in our city and fantastic businesses that donate to community activities. Our community is very giving. He stated his pride in the community. Peterson stated "Don't forget your service men and women, keep them in your thoughts and prayers." Nawrocki referred to the Jamboree, the parade, and the carnival. The city has the Police on the parade route and carnival, and Public Works crews on the cleanup of the route. Nawrocki stated that he sold about $2,000 in ads for the booklet, which is the primary fund raiser for the parade. Peterson thanked the Lions for putting on this event for 57 years. We need more and younger Lions Club members. Peterson reiterated his thanks to the Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments for their work at the parade. Peterson stated "Let's not take ourselves too seriously, do a random act of kindness, and enjoy life." ADJOURNMENT Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m. Patricia Muscovitz C C City Cl,rk RESOLUTION 2012-80 Resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights declaring the property a nuisance and approving abatement of ordinance violations pursuant to Chapter 8, Article II, of City Code, of the property owned by Tony Ortiz (Hereinafter "Owner of Record"). Whereas, the owner of record is the legal owner of the real property located4721 Upland Crest, Columbia Heights, Minnesota. And whereas, pursuant to Columbia Heights Code, Chapter 8, Article II, Section 8.206, written notice setting forth the causes and reasons for the proposed council action contained herein was sent via regular mail to the owner of record on June 4, 2012. Now, therefore, in accordance with the foregoing, and all ordinances and regulations of the City of Columbia Heights, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights makes the following: FINDINGS OF FACT 1. That on April 23, 2012 an inspection was conducted on the property listed above. Inspectors found violations. A compliance order was sent via regular mail to the owner at the address. 2. That on June 4, 2012 inspectors re-inspected the property listed above. Inspectors noted that violations remained uncorrected. A compliance order and statement of cause was mailed via regular mail to the owner listed in the property records. City Council Minutes Monday,June 25, 2012 Page 6 of 7 3. That on June 15, 2012 inspectors re-inspected the property and found that violations remained uncorrected. 4. That based upon said records of the Fire Department, the following conditions and violations of City Codes(s) were found to exist, to wit: Shall replace the missing shingles on the roof 5. That all parties, including the owner of record and any occupants or tenants, have been given the appropriate notice of this hearing according to the provisions of the City Code Section 8.206(A) and 8.206(B). CONCLUSIONS OF COUNCIL 1. That the property located at 4721 Upland Crest is in violation of the provisions of the Columbia Heights City Code as set forth in the Notice of Abatement. 2. That all relevant parties and parties in interest have been duly served notice of this hearing, and any other hearings relevant to the abatement of violations on the property listed above. 3. That all applicable rights and periods of appeal as relating to the owner of record, occupant, or tenant, as the case may be, have expired, or such rights have been exercised and completed. ORDER OF COUNCIL 1. The property located at 4721 Upland Crest constitutes a nuisance pursuant to City Code. 2. That a copy of this order shall be served upon all relevant parties and parties in interest. RESOLUTION 2012-72 Resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights approving revocation pursuant to City Code, Chapter 5A, Article IV, Section 5A.408(A) of that certain residential rental license held by Michael Nehmzow (Hereinafter "License Holder"). Whereas, license holder is the legal owner of the real property located at 4124 5th Street N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota, Whereas, pursuant to City Code, Chapter 5A, Article IV, Section 5A.408(B), written notice setting forth the causes and reasons for the proposed Council action contained herein was given to the License Holder on May 16, 2012 and June 4, 2012 of an public hearing to be held on June 25, 2012. Now, therefore, in accordance with the foregoing, and all ordinances and regulations of the City of Columbia Heights, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights makes the following: FINDINGS OF FACT 1. That on April 5, 2011 inspectors for the City of Columbia Heights, inspected the property described above and noted violations. A compliance letter listing the violations was mailed by regular mail to the owner at the address listed on the Rental Housing License Application. 2. That on September 28, 2011 the inspection office staff was informed the owner had a building permit to make repairs on the violation, a reinspection was scheduled for May 16, 2012 3. That on May 16, 2012 inspectors for the City of Columbia Heights performed a reinspection and noted that violations remained uncorrected. . A statement of cause was mailed via regular mail to the owner at the address listed on the rental housing license application. 4. That on June 4, 2012 inspectors for the City of Columbia Heights checked records for this property and noted that the violations remained uncorrected 5. That on or about March 15, 2012 inspection office staff sent a letter requesting the owner of the property submit the rental license application for this property. The letter was mailed by regular mail to the owner at the address listed in the property records. 6. That on May 11th and June 4, 2012 the owner missed inspections. 7. That on June 4, 2012 inspection office staff reviewed the property file and noted that the property remained unlicensed. A Statement of Cause was mailed by regular mail to the owner at the address listed in the property records. City Council Minutes Monday,June 25,2012 Page 7 of 7 8. That based upon said records of the Enforcement Office, the following conditions and violations of the City's Property Maintenance Code were found to exist, to-wit: Shall repair the roof, missing and damaged shingles, and failure to schedule and perform a rental renewal interior inspection. 9. That all parties, including the License Holder and any occupants or tenants, have been given the appropriate notice of this hearing according to the provisions of the City Code, Chapter 5A, Article III 5A.306 and 5A.303(A). ORDER OF COUNCIL 1. The rental license belonging to the License Holder described herein and identified by license number F11828 is hereby revoked. 2. The City will post for the purpose of preventing occupancy a copy of this order on the buildings covered by the license held by License Holder. 3. All tenants shall remove themselves from the premises within 45 days from the first day of posting of this Order revoking the license as held by License Holder.