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.