HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/09/2013 Regular OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY,SEPTEMBER 9,2013
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL HELD AT 7:00 PM
ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9,2013 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 7:02 PM.
Members Present: Mayor Peterson, Council Member Schmitt, Council Member Williams, Council
Member Diehm, and Council Member Nawrocki.
Staff Present: City Manager Walt Fehst, Public Works Director Kevin Hansen, City Attorney Jim
Hoeft, Finance Director Joseph Kloiber, and City Clerk/Council Secretary Tori Leonhardt
Pastor Dan Thompson of Heights Church gave the invocation.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Recited
3. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA
Council member Nawrocki indicated he has some items he would like to address under the City
Manager's Report.
Nawrocki announced that the VFW has a flag burning ceremony every year to get rid of old and
tattered flags in a respectful manner and they will be doing so this coming Saturday at the VFW at
10:00 AM.
4. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS
A. Proclamation - Patriot Day Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Mayor Peterson read the proclamation declaring Wednesday, Septemberl lth as Patriot Day in
Columbia Heights. He presented the proclamation to Deb and Roger Johnson in honor of their
daughter who was in the Navy. Deb Johnson recalled that day in 2001 when she received a call
from her daughter who was stationed in Guam. Her daughter's unit was told to get to their battle
stations and were told New York City had just been bombed. Johnson stated the people that had
their lives on the line had no idea what they were getting into, unlike civilians that could see
what was happening on TV. Peterson thanked the Johnson's for accepting the Proclamation and
for their daughter's service to our country. He asked that we all keep our service men and
women in our thoughts and prayers and never forget what happened on September 11, 2001.
B. Proclamation - Constitution Week - September 17th - September 23rd
Mayor Peterson read the proclamation declaring September 17`x'— September 23'd as Constitution
Week stating that this week marks the two hundred twenty-sixth anniversary of the framing of
the Constitution of the United States by the Constitutional Convention.
C. Proclamation - September is Library Card Sign-Up Month 2013
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Peterson read the proclamation and presented the proclamation to Library Director Renee
Dougherty. Dougherty thanked the Mayor and Council and encouraged anyone who does not
have a library card to stop in and get one. Mayor Peterson acknowledged the presence of the
Library Board members in the audience and asked if any of them would like to say anything.
Catherine Vesley, 5135 Matterhorn, also a member of the Library Board, informed everyone
about the Spaghetti Fundraiser dinner and silent auction this Wednesday evening from 4:30—
7:00 PM at Murzyn Hall. The cost is $8 for Adults and $5 for children. She encouraged
everyone to attend and she also thanked the Mayor and Council for their continued efforts in the
need for a new library.
D. Proclamation- October has Domestic Violence Month—Peterson read the proclamation.
Council member Diehm announced that on Saturday, September 21"there will be a Latino Arts
Festival at 11:00 AM—4:00 PM sponsored by the Columbia Heights School District at the
Columbia Heights Family Center located at 1440 49th Avenue NE. There will be art, dance, food
and lots of activities.
Council member Williams announced that the Columbia Heights Police Department is hosting
"Coffee with a Cop" on Thursday, September 19th at McDonalds from 9-1 OAM. If you have
anything you would like to discuss with the police,please attend.
Peterson stated our Police Chief received the "Above and Beyond Award" from the School
District. He was invited there for a function and was not aware that he was going to be receiving
this award. There were over 400 people in attendance and Chief Nadeau received four standing
ovations. Peterson congratulated Nadeau on the wonderful job that he is doing.
Peterson announced that the engraved bricks have been delivered for the Legacy Garden and he
and Leonhardt looked over the bricks one by one and they should be set in place in the next week
or so. Peterson thanked Hansen for working with him on this project.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Nawrocki asked that items C and D be removed for further discussion. City
Manager Fehst took the Council through the remaining Consent Agenda items.
A. Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2013
MOTION: Move to approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2013.
B. Accgpt Board and Commission Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Move to accept the August 7, 2013 Library Board Meeting Minutes.
C. Establish Date for 2013 Public Special Assessment Levy Hearing for: Zone 7 Street
Rehabilitation and Delinquent Accounts-REMOVED
D. Authorize the Capital Equipment Replacement of Unit#300 Pickup Truck-REMOVED
E. Authorization to Seek Bids for the 2013 Miscellaneous Sanitary Sewer Repairs
MOTION: Move to authorize staff to seek bids for the 2013 Miscellaneous Sanitary Sewer
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Repairs Project.
F. Approve Business License Applications
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for September 9,
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 149215 through 149396 in the
amount of$557,013.41.
Motion by Nawrocki, seconded by Williams, to approve the Consent Agenda items with the
exception of items C and D, which were removed for further discussion. Upon Vote: All ayes.
Motion Carried.
Discussion Items:
Item C. Establish Date for 2013 Public Special Assessment Levy Hearing for: Zone 7 Street
Rehabilitation and Delinquent Accounts:
Councilmember Nawrocki asked Hansen if we could let people know where this work is being done
and who will be affected and stated we should do this hearing at a regular council meeting as
opposed to a separate meeting.
Hansen stated the 2013 Street Rehab project is in the northeast quadrant of Innsbruck Pkwy. This is
currently where all the concrete streets are located. In terms of the assessment amount, they will be
at the noticed amounts which are under the estimated amount. The total project is $710,000 and the
assessed amount is $350,000. This breaks down to just over$3,000 being assessed per lot.
Nawrocki asked about the delays and or problems with the project. Hansen stated it was delayed at
the start by two weeks and the contractor is hustling to complete it by the end of the month.
Nawrocki wanted to know why the meeting is not held at the next council meeting. Hansen stated
past history is that we pass this the first Monday in October. Hansen also stated that more residents
would more than likely come for a special meeting that is dealing with their issues than just a regular
council meeting and we have done it this way for the last 15-16 years.
Motion by Diehm, seconded by Williams, to establish Monday, October 7, 2013 at 6:30 PM as the
Public Special Assessment Levy Hearing for City Project#1302 Zone 7 Street Rehabilitation, to be
held in the City Council Chambers. Upon Vote:
Motion by Diehm, seconded by Williams, to establish Monday, October 7, 2013 at 6:45 PM as the
Public Special Assessment Levy Hearing for Delinquent Accounts, to be held in the City Council
Chambers. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried.
Item D: Authorize the Capital Equipment Replacement of Unit#300 Pickup Truck:
Hansen stated the request before the Council tonight is a 2013 budgeted item. This vehicle is
primarily used by our utility foreman and is used on a daily basis. We typically pass down the used
vehicle for other seasonal use and get rid of the oldest vehicle in the fleet.
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Nawrocki expressed his concern with it costing more to maintain vehicles then to purchase new. He
asked; if we are going to continue to use them, why replace them. Hansen stated the current vehicle
is 17 years old. It will not be used as a daily use vehicle; instead it would be used by seasonal
employees which is appropriate as transport vehicle only. Nawrocki indicated that 60,000 miles are
not a lot of miles. Hansen stated it is also a 17 year old vehicle that is starting to rust and it should
not be used for emergency service. Nawrocki asked Hansen how long the department would
continue to use it for. Hansen replied approximately another two years.
Motion by Williams, seconded by Schmitt, to authorize the replacement of Unit#300 and purchase
one (1) new Ford F250 Super Cab 4x4 3/ ton pickup truck from Roseville Midway Ford in the
amount of$28,842.38 plus sales tax. Funding shall be equally from the Utility Capital Equipment
funds 432 and 433. Upon Roll Call Vote: Schmitt; aye, Williams; aye, Diehm; aye, Nawrocki; nay,
Peterson; aye. 4 ayes: 1 nay. Motion Carried.
Peterson asked Hansen if he could give the Council a list of vehicles in their fleet and the ages of
vehicles. Hansen stated he will include that in the Public Works Budget Book. Schmitt asked if they
could also include when the anticipate replacing them. Hansen replied that is also included in the
Budget Books.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
7. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions
Adopt Resolution 2013-75, being a resolution adopting a proposed budget for the year 2014,
setting the proposed City, approving the HRA levy, approving a tax rate increase, and
establishing a budget hearing date for property taxes in 2014.
Fehst stated at the work session staff made a presentation to the Council and it basically
summarized what was in his budget message to Council. Nawrocki asked Hansen if he had
looked into the street light being out at the intersection of Mulcare and Polk Place. Hansen
indicated he would try and get a status update for him. Fehst stated he was a little surprised by
the fact that is still out as the utility company generally addresses these issues within a week or
two. Fehst continued and stated the City will be staying with a five year plan and the City is
proposing to use the LGA funds as part of their long term plan. We are asking Council that out of
the $500,000, that the City put $300,000 towards the Capital Building Fund for a new library and
$200,000 towards the Park program to be used in making our waiting pools handicap accessible
or by possibly making one big nice pool at the Murzyn Hall site and removing the other pools as
it would be more expensive to make them all compliant. Fehst went on to say, there is a
proposed tax increase in the levy of 3.68%. Twenty eight percent is the burden of fiscal
disparities. Three quarters of the city, for the last 3 years prior to this year, have experienced a
zero percent increase. Last year we had a large spike in the northeast section due to property
valuations, this according to the County will be rebalanced to some degree this next year. This is
the last year of the 5 year plan.
We have proposed a 1.5% increase in expenditures and this does raise the levy,but a tax holiday
may seem like a good idea at the time, but you can't count on the State to finance the City in the
future. If you give a zero percent increase and want to maintain the same level of service the
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Monday, September 9,2013
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following year we would have to raise taxes by 8.8%. It is better to be consistent. Over the long
run, the holiday fund does not stop raising taxes. We are hoping that the Council acts tonight so
we can report to the County.
Nawrocki commented that property taxes levied between 2003 and 2012 have almost doubled
from 5 million to almost 10 million. He acknowledges that there have been some changes in aid
to help reduce the impact to tax payers. The debt to the City has almost quadrupled from 6
million to 24 million. The City's concern is about increases to levy,but does not hear any
discussion about decreases in expenditures. The Columbia Heights tax payers pay pretty high
taxes compared to the rest of the county, plus we have the lowest household income in the 180
cities. We have had over 1,200 families in Columbia Heights that have lost their homes, in part
to the high property taxes. We need to help the residents with this burden. There should be no
need for a levy increase nor should the LGA money be used for the library. For those who think
we need a new library because of mold, he has talked to Hansen and the Librarian and they have
indicated there is no mold in the library. There is a $100,000 in sales tax that we will not have to
pay next year, plus we have a$500,000 increase in LGA. We should be able to make some
reductions and provide general services that people expect.
Diehm felt it was important to understand that this is really a multi-step process. What we do
tonight is adopt a maximum levy amount and we go into work sessions and have presentations
from our department heads on their department's budget and then in December we adopt the
final actual budget.
Nawrocki stated he hears this same thing year after year that we can reduce the budget before we
adopt it, but it has always stayed the same.
Peterson stated we have three months to work on the budget to shave off any extras.
Motion by Diehm, seconded by Williams to waive the reading of Resolution 2013-75, there
being ample copies available for the public. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried.
Motion by Diehm, seconded by Williams, to adopt Resolution 2013-75,being a resolution
adopting a proposed budget for the year 2014, setting the General, Library, and EDA proposed
levy, approving the HRA levy, approving a tax rate increase, and establishing a budget hearing
date for property taxes payable in 2014 of December 9, 2013 at approximately 7:00 PM in the
City Council Chambers.
Discussion:
Motion by Nawrocki to amend the motion to eliminate the 3.68% levy increase. Motion dies for
lack of second.
Motion by Nawrocki to amend the motion to eliminate the $300,000 LGA funds being
transferred to the Library Capital Building Fund. Motion dies for lack of a second.
Peterson stated we have not decided to move ahead for a new library at this point. It is not a new
idea that we need a new library; we have been trying to move ahead since 1999. Nawrocki stated
a new library would be nice to have but it is not necessary at this time. Diehm added that we
have not made the decision to add a new library, but we have had a majority understanding that
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our existing library cannot remain in its existing state and we should be smart and set money
aside.
Motion by Nawrocki to amend the motion to reduce the levy by$100,000. Motion died for lack
of a second.
Motion by Nawrocki to amend the motion to reduce the property tax levy by$500,000. Motion
died for lack of a second.
Diehm called the question on the original motion.
Roll Call Vote: Schmitt; aye, Williams; aye, Diehm; aye, Nawrocki; nay, Peterson; aye. 4 ayes, 1
nay. Motion Carried.
B. Bid Considerations
Award bid to All Metro Excavating for demolition of Mady's at 3927 Central Avenue NE
Clark stated the City purchased the Mady's property in 2012. In January the City applied for a
Community Development Block Grant, which we received an allocation of$123,215 in July.
There was a lot of interest in the property and seventeen people were there and did walk through
the property and we ended up with nine companies that actually did submit a bid. All Metro
Excavating received the low bid. This bid is for taking down the building, removing 2 pylon
signs, abandonment of sewer line, and filling a large hole on property. Staff is recommending All
Metro Excavating with a total bid of$136,333.
Schmitt asked what ground cover meant. Clark stated they will not be taking up any additional
black top because of soils, but will be backfilling and putting in grass. Nawrocki asked if there
will be soil corrections done. Clark replied no, it does not include that. It centers on the building
and refilling where the property is. The item before you tonight is just getting rid of the building.
Peterson asked what the costs would be to remove some of the black top and make it look like a
little metro park like the Burger King site until it is developed. Clark stated the consultant they
have worked with stated we should not disturb the black top at all because of the contamination
in the soils below.
Peterson asked what the status of the Burger King site was. Clark stated it has a very minor level
of contamination that it really starts at the Mady's site. Peterson said he would like to make it
presentable in the interim. Schmitt asked what the next step was and if it was to start looking for
builders. Clark stated yes, we would do a request for qualifications as the next step.
Motion by Williams, seconded by Schmitt, to approve the bid award to All Metro Excavating in
the amount of$136,333 for the demolition of Mady's using CDBG funds and Fund 420 for the
remaining amount. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried.
Peterson asked when Sheila Cartney's last day with the City is. Clark stated on Thursday,
September 12`h. Peterson announced that Cartney has accepted a job with the City of Rogers and
commended her for the great job she has done and stated she will be missed. Nawrocki wanted
to know who the new person in the Community Development Department was. Clark stated she
is the new intern who was hired at $12.61 per hour for up to 40 hours a week for September
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Monday, September 9,2013
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through mid-December. Nawrocki asked if that was it part of the budget. Clark stated that it
definitely was to deal with the cuts that were made.
C. New Business and Reports
8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Manager
Fehst reminded the Council that there is an Executive Session after the meeting tonight to discuss a
proposal the City received on the property at 40th and Central Avenue.
Report of the City Attorney
The building at 40t" and Central has experienced a significant tenant change recently and has brought
the City into discussions on the building. The City has expressed an interest to see if it can
participate in the future of that property. The owners provided a proposal for City to purchase the
property and there was an executive session on August 26th, pursuant to state law; the Council has
the authority to close that meeting. That meeting was held and his understanding is that we will
have additional meetings on this subject.
9. CITIZENS FORUM
Mayor Peterson asked if there was anyone in the audience at this time that would like to address the
Council to come forward.
Catherine Vesley, 5135 Matterhorn Drive, commented on pocket parks stating it is a nice strategy by
cities and what they do is plant inexpensive things that can thrive in contaminated soils. You create
an attractive area instead of an open area that has to be mowed or black top that has to be
maintained. The cost in minimal, a few benches and it would be appropriate for the Burger King site.
It also does enhance the street scape and is fairly cheap to do.
Nile Harper, 1437 Glacier Avenue NE, saluted the Council and Mayor for allocating funds in the
budget for the library. Harper indicated he feels that is progress, a good start, and encouraged the
Council to keep going. He expressed that there are hundreds of people in the immediate area that
support the Council and a new library.
Peterson reminded the Council and residents that on Sunday evening from 4-8 PM our Fire House
Gym will be have a boxing match at Murzyn Hall and invited everyone to come down. Mayor
Peterson asked that we don't forget our service men and women and thanked the Johnsons for
accepting the proclamation on behalf of their daughter.
10. ADJOURMENT
Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 8:26 PM.
h ) 5
Tori LeonhardOlCity Clerk/Council Secretary
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Monday, September 9,2013
Page 8 of 9
RESOLUTION 2013-75
RESOLUTION ADOPTING A PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2014, SETTING THE PROPOSED CITY
LEVY, APPROVING THE HRA LEVY, APPROVING A TAX RATE INCREASE, AND ESTABLISHING A BUDGET
HEARING DATE FOR PROPERTY TAXES PAYABLE IN 2014.
NOW,THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA:that the following
is hereby adopted by the City of Columbia Heights.
Section A.The budget for the City of Columbia Heights for the year 2014 is hereby approved and adopted with appropriations
for each of the funds listed below.
Expense
General Fund 11,231,718
Community Development Fund 234,334
Economic Development Fund 272,332
State Aid 187,839
Cable Television 104,931
Library 810,143
Infrastructure 145,064
Capital Improvement 1,022,599
Capital Equipment Replacement Funds 107,850
Construction Funds 1,895,000
Central Garage Fund 725,463
Liquor Operating 8,636,500
Liquor Capital/Non-Operating 583,386
Water Utility Fund 2,772,737
Sewer Utility Fund 2,188,125
Refuse Fund 1,860,513
Storm Sewer Fund 411,214
Data Processing 329,385
Debt Service Fund 2,415,570
Total Expense Including Interfund Transfers
35,934,703
Section B.The estimated gross revenues to fund the budget of the City of Columbia Heights for all funds, including
general ad valorum tax levies and use of fund balances, as hereinafter set forth for the year 2014.
Revenue
General Fund 11,231,718
Community Development Fund 234,334
Economic Development Fund 272,332
State Aid 187,839
Cable Television 104,931
Library 810,143
Infrastructure 145,064
Capital Improvement 1,022,599
Capital Equipment Replacement Funds 107,850
Construction Funds 1,895,000
Central Garage Fund 725,463
Liquor Operating 8,636,500
Liquor Capital/Non-Operating 583,386
Water Utility Fund 2,772,737
Sewer Utility Fund 2,188,125
Refuse Fund 1,860,513
Storm Sewer Fund 411,214
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Data Processing 329,385
Debt Service Fund 2,415,570
Total Revenue Including Interfund Transfers
35,934,703
Section C.The following sums of money are levied for the current year,collectable in 2014 upon the taxable property in
said City of Columbia Heights,for the following purposes:
Estimated General Fund Levy 8,328,896
Estimated Library Levy 784,770
Estimated EDA Fund Levy 84,000
Total 9,197,666
Section D.The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights hereby approves the Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Tax Levy for the fiscal year 2014 in the amount of$185,000.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:That the public budget hearing is scheduled for December 9, 2013 at approximately 7:00
p.m. in the CityCouncil Chambers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:That the County Auditor is authorized to fix a property tax rate for taxes payable in the year
2014 that is higher than the tax rate calculated for the City for taxes levied in 2012 collectable in 2013.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:That the City has adequate fund balances and reserves to pay bond principal and interest
payments on General Obligation Bond Series 2006A in the amount of$99,202 and that the County Auditor is
authorized to cancel the related Bond Levy in its entirety for taxes payable 2014.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:That the City has adequate fund balances and reserves to pay bond principal and interest
payments on General Obligation Bond Series 20086 in the amount of$300,000 and that the County Auditor is
authorized to cancel$300,000 of the related Bond Levy for taxes payable in 2014, leaving a balance of$357,087 to be
levied for taxes payable in 2014 for Series 2008B.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:That the City has adequate fund balances and reserves to pay bond principal and interest
payments on General Obligation Bond Series 2009A in the amount of$3,803 and that the County Auditor is authorized
to cancel$3,803 of the related Bond Levy for taxes payable in 2014, leaving a balance of$225,854 to be levied for taxes
payable in 2014 for Series 2009A.
The City Clerk is hereby instructed to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the County Auditor of Anoka County,
Minnesota.
Approved this 9th day of September, 2013.
Offered By: Diehm
Seconded By: Williams
Roll Call: Schmitt,aye;Williams, aye; Diehm, aye; Nawrocki, nay;Peterson,aye
Ayes:4 Nays: 1