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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/28/2013 Regular Page 1 of 8 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY,MAY 13,2013 THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL HELD AT 7:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY,MAY 28 2013 IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS,CITY HALL, 590 40TH AVENUE N.E.,COLUMBIA HEIGHTS,MINNESOTA. 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL/INVOCATION Mayor Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Members Present: Council Member Schmitt, Council Member Diehm, Council Member Nawrocki and Mayor Peterson. Members Absent: Council Member Williams. Staff Present: Acting City Manager Kevin Hansen, City Attorney James Hoeft, and City Clerk Tori Leonhardt. Malcolm Watson gave the invocation. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -recited 3. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Chief Gary Gorman stated Resolution 2013-41 &2013-42 should be under Public Hearings item B. Mayor Peterson asked that Resolutions 2013-39 and 2013-40 be removed from the Public Hearings as they have been brought in compliance: Chief Gary Gorman pulled Resolution Numbers 2013-37 and 2013-43 to verify and would put them on the next Council meeting. 4. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS,RECOGNITION,ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS Mayor Peterson announced that Bridgeview, a Mental Health Service provided by Lee Carlson Center, will hold their 3'd Annual Breakfast at Murzyn Hall on Tuesday, June 4th from 7:30 AM- 9:00 AM. Tickets are $20 each and available by contacting Lisa at 763- 783-7440. Peterson also reminded everyone that the dedication ceremony for the Heritage Tower is tomorrow evening with music beginning at 5:45 PM by the Symphonic Winds and the program beginning at 6:30 PM. The monument was erected last week and has been covered since for the unveiling tomorrow evening. Councilmember Nawrocki commented that approximately$14,000 of City money has Page 2 of 8 been used to build the foundation of the Heritage Tower, with an anticipated $2000 more slated for the project. Peterson reminded Nawrocki the roundabout was built with the intention of"Art"being in the middle of it and there is funding. He went on to say, the community has come behind us as they always have and we are very proud of our community. We will be selling bricks until July 14th and then we will build the Hentges Legacy Garden. Most funds will be raised by private donations. Schmitt asked Mayor Peterson if Finance Director Joe Kloiber could do a memo to the Council outlining the available funds for this project. Hansen indicated that in 2005 there were remaining funds,which was dedicated for art to go in the round a bout. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Nawrocki asked to remove item C for further discussion. Acting City Manager Hansen took the Council Members through the remaining items on the Consent Agenda. A. Approve City Council Meeting Minutes for May 13, 2013 MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the May 13, 2013 regular City Council Meeting as presented. B. Approve Transfer of Funds for Grant Reimbursement and Overtime Details from General Fund to Police Department Overtime line item MOTION: Move to transfer the following from the General Fund to the Police Department 2013 Budget, line item 1020 Overtime: (1) The $7,006.28 received as reimbursement under the Safe and Sober grant (TZD), and (2) the $4,000.00 received as AHDTF overtime, and (3) the $6,441.71 received as reimbursement under the JAG grant for problem-oriented policing details, and (4) the $1,050.00 received from Anoka County as reimbursement for detox transports, and (5) the$6,237.00 received from School district#13 for providing security at CHHS basketball games. C. Adopt Resolution 2013-35 Accepting Feasibility Report and Authorizing Cleaning and Lining of 4,279 Lineal Feet of Water Main (Under the City of Minneapolis 2013 Program) City Project No. 1309 -Removed D. Approval of attached list of rental housing applications. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for May 28, 2013 in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. E. Approve re-instatement of rental license. MOTION: Move to re-issue a rental housing license to Aman Aden to operate the rental property located at 3865 Keyes Street N.E. in that provisions of the Property Maintenance Code have been complied with. Page 3 of 8 F. Approve Business License Applications MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for May 28, 2013 as presented. G. Payment of Bills MOTION: Move that in accordance with Minnesota Statute 412.271, subd. 8 the City Council has received the list of claims paid covering check number 147865 through 148030 in the amount of$657,030.91. Motion by Nawrocki seconded by Schmitt to approve the Consent Agenda items with the exception of item C, which was removed for further discussion. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Item C removed for Discussion: Resolution 2013-35 Accepting Feasibility Report and Authorizing Cleaning and Lining of 4,279 Lineal Feet of Water Main (Under the City of Minneapolis 2013 Program) City Project No. 1309 Nawrocki wanted the residents that will be affected with this project to be aware of it and any problems they may occur during the course of the project. Hansen explained this is the 81h year of the annual program. They go in and clean the water main lines and reline them. Relining prevents rust from redeveloping on them. Total to be cleaned is 4,279 Lineal feet. Critical part is that all of the curb stops have to be accessible and operable. Went out last year and checked all the curb stops in the area and found thirty are remaining that are not accessible or operable. Public Works sent out three letters to residents regarding the project. The project is slated to start on July 2, 2013. Hansen indicated that residents will have temporary water service hooked up during this process and with this there can be a reduction in pressure,but residents will still be able to wash clothes, water their lawns, etc. without any problems. Project should be completed within six weeks of start date. Nawrocki asked if the residents were given cost estimates. Hansen stated yes they were. Motion by Nawrocki seconded by Schmitt to waive the reading of Resolution 2013- 35, there being ample copies available for the public. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Nawrocki seconded by Schmitt to adopt Resolution 2013-35 which accepts the Feasibility Report for the 2013 Water Main Cleaning and Lining Program and orders the Public Improvement for water main cleaning and lining of pipe totaling 4,279 lineal feet, under the City of Minneapolis Cleaning and Lining program for 2013. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion carried. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Approve Resolutions No. 2013-41, and 2013-42,being declarations of nuisance and abatement of violations within the City of Columbia Heights. Motion by Diehm seconded by Schmitt to close the public hearing and to waive the Page 4 of 8 reading of Resolution Numbers 2013-41 and 2013-42, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Diehm seconded by Schmitt to adopt Resolutions 2013-41 and 2013-42, being resolutions of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights declaring the properties listed a nuisance and approving the abatement of violations from the property pursuant to City Code section 8.206. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion carried. 7. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions B. Bid Considerations Accepting Bids and Awarding a Contract for the Commercial Water Meter Replacement Program Motion by Diehm seconded by Schmitt to accept bids and award the 2013 Commercial Water Meter Replacement Program, City Project No. 1309, including Schedules 1 and 2 to Ferguson Waterworks of Blaine MN based upon their low, qualified responsible bid in the amount of$214,237.05 with funds to be appropriated from Fund 651-51309-5185; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. Discussion: Nawrocki asked if we had previous information that the contract went to someone else. Hansen briefly explained that there are two parts to what we are asking tonight. One is accepting bids and one is to approve the purchase of MXU's. We did go out to public bids on the replacement of all of our commercial meters and those bids were prepared by the firm TKDA and they prepared the bid documents. We received three bids. We did not consider the high bid from Dakota and the two low bids were within about $2000 of each other. There are two parts to the bids, one is for the installed cost and the second is for a guaranteed cost for their second meter. We replace about 50 -100 per year. That amount does very, but we wanted to get a guaranteed cost for them. Sensus did give us a lower cost,but in the TKDA recommendation letter, they did not meet all the standards for brass bodied meters. They have composite meters and have a different way of reading. Based on TKAD recommendation we are recommending going with Ferguson. Nawrocki previously asked for an amount or estimate of how much money we would be saving by changing out these meters. He was told it would be about 7%. The rate the commercial is paying is more because of the estimating. Hansen clarified that in 1999 and 2000 the City went in and replaced all of the residential water meters and some were more than 20-30 years old. Each resident paid for their own water meter. Hansen stated that the cause for under reading is the mechanical parts wear out over time and they read less accurately. Now we are moving to the commercial meters within the City and we know a lot of commercial meters are under reading. They are substantially different and have never been replaced. They are mechanical and they wear out. By installing a new meter, this will correct who is underusing and everyone will be accurately read and paying Page 5 of 8 what they should be paying. Hansen offered that he could report back to the Council after all the meters are installed and they have been in use for a couple of months, if there is additional revenue, the we can use that to determine if we need to change our rates in 2014. Schmitt stated once everyone has a new meter, then it will stabilize and we can get accurate rates. We will not know what the rates are until we replace the meters. Upon Vote: Schmitt aye, Diehm aye,Nawrocki aye, Peterson aye, 4 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Diehm seconded by Schmitt, to approve the purchase of 350 Sensus MXU's from HD Supply in the amount of$39,276.56, with funds appropriated from Fund 651-51309-5185. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion carried. C. New Business and Reports 8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager Acting City Manager Hansen indicated he did not have anything to report on at this time. Nawrocki stated that the information on the cable channel in regards to the Jamboree was very good and very informative. On Thursday, May 16th, he and Councilmember Schmitt attended the Coon Creek meeting about the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program. He suggested maybe they have the meeting in the evening and see if they get a better turnout. Schmitt suggested that if it is put on cable, there may be more people interested or informed since it has to be broadcasted. Nawrocki indicated there is a Local Government meeting in Ramsey tomorrow night and finds it a problem that only the City Manager is sent the information on it. There are items that impact local government as the State is going to be contributing more money to local government aide, which will help reduce the need for property tax increases. Report of the City Attorney Hoeft indicated he had no report at this time. 9. CITIZENS FORUM Malcolm Watson, 1717 49th Ave, stated he saw an article in the Northeaster newspaper that bothered him. There was a letter to the editor, which included a misleading statement. The statement was in regards to the current library and it was implied that the City of Columbia Heights needs, "something other than a windowless former target range". Watson clarified they designed that plan very carefully and realized by expanding the plan they were able to make the lower level sound proof and have a separate use for the police department as a firing range and to perform fire arm safety training. Watson thanked the Council for allowing him to express his concerns. Mayor Peterson commented that the Memorial Day service was held in the Memorial Garden at City Hall and around seventy-five people came. Peterson thanked the Fire, Police and representatives of the City that were in attendance. It was a nice service put Page 6 of 8 on by the VFW. Father John Mitchell gave the benediction. Schmitt stated Mayor Peterson played Taps this year and there is a Columbia Heights community page on Facebook with pictures. Peterson asked that we remember our service men and women and keep them in our prayers. Add a prayer for the people in Oklahoma who lost their lives in the recent tornado or consider making a small financial donation if you are able. Peterson reminded everyone not to take ourselves too seriously, strive for happiness in our country, and do a random act of kindness. 10. ADJOURNMENT Peterson adjourned the meeting at 8:15 PM. Tori Leonhardt, City Clerk/Council Secretary RESOLUTION 2013-41 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 Beverly Sanderson (Hereinafter "Owner of Record"). Whereas, the owner of record is the legal owner of the real property located at 4206 Van Buren Street N.E., 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 May 6, 2013. 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 2, 2013 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 May 6, 2013 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. Page 7 of 8 3. That on May 17, 2013 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: A. Shall repair/replace deteriorated driveway. 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 4206 Van Buren Street N.E. 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 4206 Van Buren Street N.E. 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. Passed this 28th day of May 2013 RESOLUTION 2013-42 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 Il, of City Code, of the property owned by Lorayne Childs (Hereinafter "Owner of Record"). Whereas, the owner of record is the legal owner of the real property located at 1836 - 39t" Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota. And whereas, pursuant to Columbia Heights Code, Chapter 8, Article lI, Section 8.206, written notice setting forth the causes and reasons for the proposed council action contained herein was Page 8 of 8 sent via regular mail to the owner of record on April 5, 2013. 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 6. That on April 4, 2013 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. 7. That on May 7, 2013 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. 8. That on May 16, 2013 inspectors re-inspected the property and found that violations remained uncorrected. 9. That based upon said records of the Fire Department, the following conditions and violations of City Codes(s) were found to exist, to wit: A. Shall remove all materials and debris in yard from previous fire. 10. 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 3. That the property located at 1836 - 39th Avenue N.E. is in violation of the provisions of the Columbia Heights City Code as set forth in the Notice of Abatement. 4. 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 3. The property located at 1836 — 39th Avenue N.E. constitutes a nuisance pursuant to City Code. 4. That a copy of this order shall be served upon all relevant parties and parties in interest.