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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/22/2013 regular OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS City Council Meeting Minutes 7:00 PM on Monday, April 22,2013 City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL/INVOCATION Mayor Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Motion by Councilmember Diehm, seconded by Councilmember Nawrocki, to appoint Carole Blowers as Secretary Pro-Tem for the April 22, 2013, City Council Meeting. Motion passed unanimously. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Schmitt, Williams, Diehm,Nawrocki; Mayor Peterson. Pastor John Hierlinger of St. Timothy's Lutheran Church read a poem on "Earth Day" and provided the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Recited ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA (The Council, upon majority vote of its members, may make additions and deletions to the agenda. These may be items brought to the attention of the Council under the Citizen Forum or items submitted after the agenda preparation deadline.) The following items were added to the agenda: • Creation of a Fine Arts Commission • Progress of the Heritage Tower • Newsletter comments/questions • Letter from resident received PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS Retirement of Marilyn Peters Marilyn Peters is retiring on May 1St after 24 years of working for SACA. The Mayor thanked her for her many years of service and he presented Marilyn with a key to the city. Essay Presentation by Heidi Leibfried Heidi Leibfried, 9th grade student, read her essay about "random acts of kindness" that she had entered in the Sister Cities essay contest. Mayor Peterson presented her with a certificate of appreciation for coming to the council meeting and sharing her essay. Report on the Progress of the Heritage Tower Liz Bray, Recreation Program Coordinator, displayed a photo showing the students and the unveiling of their art work they created to represent labor, recreation, education, and diversity for the four faces of the Heritage Tower. Liz mentioned that their involvement in this project made them feel connected to the city and they are proud their work will be on display for many years. There will also be a time capsule installed in the tower. A recent visit was made to the American Art Stone Company in New Ulm, who will be constructing the tower. Bricks are still available for sale. City Council Minutes Monday,April 22,2013 Page 2 of 8 Establishment of a Fine Arts Commission Keith Roberts stated that there has been a lot of discussion in the community about establishing a Fine Arts Commission. There are many forms of art in this community: musicians, painters, potters, jewelry makers, Heights Theater (film festivals), etc. The Columbia Academy School has an arts focus. We could maybe connect with Northeast's Art-A-Whirl or create our own Art Festival. Or we could promote small galleries along Central Avenue in the vacant shops there, or the library could display artwork. Mr. Roberts asked the council what would be the procedure to establish this commission. It would be set up like the Traffic Commission, Planning/Zoning Commission, etc. and sanctioned by the city. It was felt this should be discussed at a work session and get interested people involved, especially the youth. Mr. Roberts stated the Library Foundation would remain intact and by itself. Councilmember Diehm commented that the High School Drama Department is putting on "Hairspray"on April 26, 27, 28, and May 2, 3, and 4. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Nawrocki asked that items `B" and "D" be removed from the consent agenda, discussed, and voted on separately. The following items remained on the consent agenda: Approve Minutes from the April 8, 2013 City Council Meeting Approve May 2013 as Building Safety Month Approve Business License Applications as Presented Approve Attached List of Rental Licensing Applications Review Payment of Bills Motion by Councilmember Diehm, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to approve the consent agenda items with the exception of items B and D. Upon Vote: All Ayes. Motion passed. Items B and D which were pulled from the consent agenda, and are listed below, were discussed separately at this time: Establish an Executive Session for the purpose of Labor Negotiation Discussions on Monday May 6th at 7:00 PM or Immediately following the EDA Meeting Councilmember Nawrocki asked if current and proposed wages and benefits would be provided before this meeting. City Manager Fehst stated that the meeting will only be for the purpose of providing an update on the status of all labor negotiations. Motion by Councilmember Diehm, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to establish an Executive Session for the purpose of Labor Negotiation discussions on Monday, May 6th at 7:00 PM or immediately following the EDA Meeting. Upon Vote: All Ayes. Motion Passed. Joint Powers Agreement with the City of New Brighton for Street Rehabilitation of Stinson Boulevard Councilmember Nawrocki asked about cost sharing between New Brighton and us on this project. Public Works Director Hanson stated that they are paying 100%; there is no cost sharing. City Council Minutes Monday,April 22,2013 Page 3 of 8 Motion by Councilmember Diehm, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to enter into a Joint Powers Agreement for Stinson Boulevard street improvements from Fairway Drive to Argonne Drive with the City of New Brighton. Upon Vote: All Ayes. Motion Passed. PUBLIC HEARINGS Adopt Resolution No. 2013-29, 3865 Keyes 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 Councilmember Diehm, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to close the Public Hearing and to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2013-29,being ample copies available to the public. Motion passed unanimously. Fire Chief Gary Gorman was present and advised that the owner has failed to submit renewal the rental license application and fees. No one was present to speak to this item. Motion by Councilmember Diehm, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to adopt Resolution No. 2013-29, 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 passed. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Other Ordinances and Resolutions: None Bid Considerations: Adopt Resolution 2013-27, being a Resolution Accepting Bids and Awarding a Contract for the 2013 Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and Installations, City Project 1300 Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Schmitt, to waive the reading of Resolution 2013-27, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon Vote: All Ayes. Motion passed. Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, briefly summarized the project. Councilmember Nawrocki commented that there were not many bidders for a rather small contract. Mr. Hansen advised this is specialty work, so fewer contractors do it. Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Schmitt, to adopt Resolution 2013-27 being a Resolution accepting bids and awarding the 2013 Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and Installations, City Project No. 1300, to Ron Kassa Construction, Inc., based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $10,294.70 from Fund 415-51300-4000; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. Upon Vote: All Ayes. Motion passed. Adopt Resolution No. 2013-28, being a Resolution Accepting Bids and Awarding a Contract for the 2013 Concrete Street Rehabilitation Project City Council Minutes Monday,April 22,2013 Page 4 of 8 Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Schmitt, to waive the reading of Resolution 2013-28, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion passed unanimously. Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, explained that the bids were 2% lower than expected. Councilmember Nawrocki asked if the assessments would be 2% lower or what? Mr. Hansen explained they could be, or they could be the same, or they could be more—it's hard to say. Councilmember Williams stated there was quite a spread in the bids. Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Schmitt, to adopt Resolution 2013-28 being a resolution accepting bids and awarding the 2013 Concrete Street Rehabilitation, City Project No. 1302 including Alternate 1 for longitudinal joint repair and Alternate 2 for unit priced residential driveway construction, with construction on east side of Stinson Boulevard contingent on award by City of New Brighton to Interstate Improvement, Inc. of Faribault, Minnesota based upon their low, qualified responsible bid in the amount of$701,359.50 with funds to be appropriated from Fund 415-51302-5185; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. Upon Vote: All Ayes. Motion passed. New Business and Reports: None ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager The City Manager reported that the League of Minnesota Cities is looking for people to serve on the Nominating Committee to select new members for the 2013 League of Minnesota Cities Board of Directors. You must apply by May 24 to be considered for the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee will be appointed by the LMC President by June 1. Councilmember Schmitt stated her involvement with two committees. Councilmember Nawrocki stated it is interesting and good experience to serve on various committees, as he has done so also. Report of the City Attorney: None Other Comments/Questions: Councilmember Nawrocki had the following comments/questions: • Questioned what SCORE is that is mentioned on the front page of the next newsletter. Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, explained that it is our agreement with Anoka County on recycling, and we will be promoting recycling in this article. Councilmember Nawrocki stated that Jamboree should definitely be on the front page of the newsletter. • Requested that an article be put in the newsletter regarding when and where citizens can see information on the City budget and the proposed City budget. • Requested an article in the newsletter on jay-walking. • Advised some residents are still not getting their Sun Focus newspaper. • Questions were asked regarding the sewer warranty letter sent out by Public Works and what kind of coverage this is. Answers were provided by Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, at the meeting. • Reference was made to a letter received from a resident regarding raising chickens in yards. Do we or should we have any regulations on that? City Manager, Fehst stated we have taken the stand that neighbors should work with each other regarding this and if there are issues, we would take action. The Mayor mentioned the City of Minneapolis allows it. Councilmember Schmitt City Council Minutes Monday,April 22,2013 Page 5 of 8 stated that Jeff Sargent, former Planner, was keeping track of any citizen requests/complaints. The City is not aware of any problems. • Comment was made regarding the flushing of fire hydrants and changes that are made to the schedule, which are not always reflected where published. (It is on the website —including an emergency alert--and on cable TV. It appears the cable TV message was not updated when changes took place. Councilmember Schmitt advised that there is an emergency message on our website about it, and anyone can sign up for alerts. • Question on overnight parking ban (November 1 — April 1 are the dates the overnight parking bans are in effect). If it snows, after April 1St, it is appreciated that cars stay off the streets to make plowing easier. Councilmember Williams had a question on the market value of homes and bond rating. Williams asked how much the City could bond for. Fehst stated you are able to bond up to two percent of your market value on the principle only. Williams questioned what the bonding rate currently is. Fehst stated it is approximately 3 - 5%, adding that now is a good time to borrow money. Fehst gave a brief overview of the findings from the Library Task Force in regards to a new library. Williams indicated he would like to see a report on the current cost of heat costs associated with this building and the library. Fehst informed the Council that on the agenda for the upcoming work session on Monday, May 6"', will be a proposal on a Vactor from the Public Works Director, Kevin Hansen, along with discussions on a resident's request for additional lighting on Central Avenue and a dog park(s). CITIZENS FORUM No one was present for the citizens forum. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Carole J. Blowers Secretary Pro Tern City Council Minutes Monday,April 22,2013 Page 6 of 8 RESOLUTION 2013-27 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING THE 2013 MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE REPAIRS AND INSTALLATIONS, CITY PROJECT 1300 WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids for City Project No. 1300, Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and Installations, bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were received complying with the advertisement: Bidder TOTAL Ron Kassa Construction, Inc. $10,294.70 WHEREAS, it appears that Ron Kassa Construction, Inc., 6005 250"' St E, Elko, Minnesota is the lowest responsible bidder. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA: 1. The Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with Ron Kassa Construction, Inc. in the name of the City of Columbia Heights, for the 2013 Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and Installations, City Project No. 1300, for a bid amount of$10,294.70 according to plans and specifications therefore approved by the Council. 2. The City Engineer is hereby authorized and directed to retain the deposit of the successful bidder until the contract has been signed. 3. City Project No. 1300 shall be funded with State Aid Maintenance Fund, General Fund, Park Fund, Street Fund, Sewer and Water Fund and PIR funds. Passed this 22"d day of April 2013. RESOLUTION 2013-28 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR CONCRETE STREET REHABILITATION,CITY PROJECT NO. 1302 WHEREAS,pursuant to an advertisement for bids for City Project No. 1302, Concrete Street Rehabilitation Improvements, four bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were received complying with the advertisement: Bidder Base Bid Alt. 1 Alt. 2 TOTAL Interstate Improvement, Inc. $634,459.50 $ 62,500.00 $4,400.00 $701,359.50 Diamond Surface, Inc. $825,291.42 $ 49,750.00 $3,894.40 $878,935.82 C.S. McCrossan Construction, Inc. $745,841.45 $131,250.00 $2,600.00 $879,691.45 Shafer Contracting Company, Inc. $855,938.60 $ 65,000.00 $5,000.00 $925,938.60 WHEREAS, it appears that Interstate Improvement,Inc., 16871 Canby Avenue,P.O.Box 8,Faribault, Minnesota 55021 is the lowest responsible bidder. City Council Minutes Monday,April 22,2013 Page 7 of 8 NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA: 1. The Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with Interstate Improvement,Inc.in the name of the City of Columbia Heights, for the 2013 Concrete Street Rehabilitation Improvements, City Project No. 1302 according to plans and specifications therefore approved by the Council. 2. The City Engineer is hereby authorized and directed to return, forthwith,to all bidders,the deposits made with their bids except the deposit of the successful bidder and the next lowest bidder shall be retained until the contract has been signed. 3. City Project 1302 shall be funded with General Funds(Infrastructure and Assessments), Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Utility Construction Funds, State Aid Funds, and Funds from City of New Brighton for Stinson Boulevard. Passed this 22nd day of April, 2013. RESOLUTION 2013-29 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 Amal, Aden (Hereinafter "License Holder"). WHEREAS, the license holder is the legal owner of the real property located at 3865 Keyes St. N.E. Columbia Heights, Minnesota; and 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 April 8, 2013 of a public hearing to be held on April 22, 2013. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, 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 or about February 14, 2013 inspection office staff sent a letter requesting the owner of the property to renew the rental license for this property. The letter was mailed by regular mail to the owner at the address listed in the property records. 2. That on April 8, 2013 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. 3. That based upon said records of the Enforcement Office, the following conditions and violations of the City's Residential Maintenance Code were found to exist,to-wit: a. Failure to submit renewal rental license application and fees 4. 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). City Council Minutes Monday,April 22,2013 Page 8 of 8 ORDER OF COUNCIL 1. The rental license belonging to the License Holder described herein and identified by license number F11548 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. Passed this 22nd day of April 2013.