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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/12/2013 Regular OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 12,2013 THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL HELD AT 7:00 PM ON TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 12,2013 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 7:05 PM. Members Present: Mayor Peterson, Council member Williams, Council member Diehm, and Council member Nawrocki. Members Absent: Council member Schmitt Staff Present: City Manager Walt Fehst, Finance Director Joseph Kloiber, City Engineer/Public Works Director Kevin Hanson, City Attorney Jim Hoeft, and City Clerk/Council Secretary Tori Leonhardt. Rev. Bob Lyndes of Crestview Communities gave the invocation 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Recited 3. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Nawrocki reported at the Anoka County Local Officials meeting they talked about ground water and more specifically, about the ground water in Columbia Heights. He had a pamphlet on the subject if anyone was interested. He also stated that he paid for his own meal at the event, as well as his mileage. Nawrocki indicated that he would like to pay for his lunch at the upcoming luncheon being sponsored by the police department and the employee luncheon. Fehst replied that the police luncheon is paid for by the association and he would have to check into the cost for the employee luncheon. Nawrocki expressed his disappointment that the City does not try and work with local companies on catering our events. He would like to address some items under the City Managers report. 4. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS,RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS Community Development Director Scott Clark introduced Joseph Hogeboom who is the new Assistant Community Development Director, replacing Sheila Cartney who took a job with the City of Rogers in October. Clark stated this is a combination position covering both the City Planner and the Community Development Assistant positions. Hogeboom stated he feels very fortunate to be here. He came from the City of Golden Valley where he started as an Intern in the Planning Department seven years ago and was promoted to an Assistant Planner. From there he was promoted to the City Planner and most recently he was promoted to the Housing and Redevelopment Coordinator. He study at the University of Wisconsin and received his Master's degree at Hamlin University. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Council member Nawrocki asked that items B, C, and D be removed for further discussion. City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 12,2013 Page 2 of 7 City Manager Fehst took the Council through the remaining items on the agenda A. Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of October 28, 2013 MOTION: Move to approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of October 28, 2013. B. Adopt Resolution 2013-101, being a resolution approving the terms of an inter-fund loan from the Community Development Capital Improvement Fund 420 to the Anoka County Community Development Programs Fund 202 - REMOVED C. Adopt Resolution 2013-102,being a resolution to transfer and appropriate $34,000 from the 2013 general fund budget to the capital equipment replacement eg_neral government fund 431 - REMOVED D. Adopt Resolution 2013-100 Approving Amendment No. 2 to Water Agreement with the City Of Minneapolis - REMOVED E. Final Payment for Argonne Lift Station Improvements, Project 1114 MOTION: Move to accept the work for Argonne Lift Station Improvements, City Project No. 1114, and to authorize final payment of$14,543.50 to Penn Contracting, Inc. of Blaine, Minnesota. F. Final Payment for MSC Floor Capacity Upgrade, Project 1310 MOTION: Move to accept the work for MSC Floor Capacity Upgrade, City Project No. 1310, and to authorize final payment of$4,867.52 to J.S. Cates Construction, Inc. of Hamel, Minnesota. G. Award Sanitary Sewer Main and Storm Catch Basin Replacement/Repair Project MOTION: Move to accept quotes and award the Sanitary Sewer Main and Storm Sewer Catch Basin Replacement/Repair project to Minger Construction from Chanhassen, MN in the amount of$48,700.00 from City Utility Funds 602 (Sanitary) and 604 (Storm); and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. H. Approve Business License Applications MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for November 12, 2013 as presented. I. Payment of Bills MOTION: Move that in accordance with Minnesota Statue 412.271, subd.8, the City Council has received the list of claims paid covering check number 149987 through 150176 in the amount of $791,791.78. Motion by Diehm, seconded by Williams, to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of items B, C, and D that have been removed for further discussion. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. Items removed for Discussion: Item B: Adopt Resolution 2013-101, being a resolution approving the terms of an inter-fund City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 12,2013 Page 3 of 7 loan from the Community Development Capital Improvement Fund 420 to the Anoka County Community Development Programs Fund 202 Kloiber stated in December 2012, the EDA purchased the Mady's property at 3927 Central Avenue using available funds from the Community Development Capital Improvement Fund 420. Prior to the purchase of the property, the City passed Resolution 2012-51 requesting Anoka County HRA levy funds from 2008-2012 be used towards the purchase. These funds were disbursed from the Anoka County HRA. Until the remainder is collected, the City is borrowing from the fund. Motion by Diehm, seconded by Williams to waive the reading of Resolution 2013-101, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. Motion by Diehm, seconded by Williams to adopt Resolution 2013-101,being a resolution approving the terms of an inter-fund loan from the Community Development Capital Improvement Fund 420 to the Anoka County Community Development Programs Fund 202. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. Item C: Adopt Resolution 2013-102,being a resolution to transfer and appropriate $34,000 from the 2013 general fund budget to the capital equipment replacement eg_neral government fund 431. Kloiber stated this item was discussed at the November 4th work session in regards to the City deferring certain equipment purchases (copy machines) budgeted in 2013 to 2014, so the City can take advantage of the new sales tax exemption effective in 2014 and save almost 7% on the cost of this equipment. Motion by Diehm, seconded by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution 2013-102, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. Motion by Diehm, seconded by Williams, to adopt Resolution 2013-102,being a resolution to transfer and appropriate $34,000 from the 2013 general fund budget to the capital equipment replacement general government fund 431. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. Item D: Adopt Resolution 2013-100 Approving Amendment No. 2 to Water Agreement with the City Of Minneapolis Hansen explained that this will only impact the purchase of water, not our rates. There are three components. 1). Rate Calculation: The current contract details that Columbia Heights will pay an "inside rate" or percentage of what Minneapolis customers pay. 2). Water supply: The City of Minneapolis will be able to drill groundwater wells in Minneapolis, if need be. 3). Frequency of the Cost of Service Study (COS): The current contract calls for updating the COS every five years, this changes it to every three years. This averages it out so not to impact residents as much if we have a really dry or really wet year. Nawrocki asked if this is an increase that we are paying to the City of Minneapolis, but not an increase that the residents are paying, and if not, when do we expect an increase to the residents will happen. Hansen replied it defines the rates; it does not impact the rates directly right now. In 2014 it will be the fifth year of a five year plan. Nawrocki stated somewhere along the lines, the cost will go up. Diehm stated this is consistent City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 12,2013 Page 4 of 7 with our five year plan. Hansen stated we already took the cost increase into account in our five year plan. Motion by Diehm, seconded by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution 2013-100, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. Motion by Diehm, seconded by Williams, to adopt Resolution 2013-100,being a resolution approving Amendment Number 2 to the Water Agreement between the cities of Minneapolis and Columbia Heights and authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute the amended agreement. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no public hearings. 7. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions B. Bid Considerations C. New Business and Reports 8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager Fehst recognized that the Council members each received a copy of a letter from a resident regarding the concrete repairs that were done along Argonne. The complainant stated that some areas were painted white and some of the panel replacements were not perpendicular. Hansen indicated the white paint was the sealant and it would all blend in after a year and the panel replacements have never been perpendicular as they are usually irregular. Hansen also stated most of these are astatic issues. There were some areas that were brought up about uneven spots in the pavement and the contractor has diamond ground those areas and the Public Works Department is keeping an eye on them and we will continue to monitor these issues in the spring. Nawrocki asked that Hansen reply to the complainant in writing. Hansen indicated that he will do so. Fehst indicated that Council member Schmitt attended the Met Council Thrive meeting and she talked with District 13 Representative, Jon Commers, about having the next meeting in Columbia Heights. Fehst followed up with Commers on some dates to meet and as soon as a date is confirmed, he will let the Council know and will advertise it so residents will be informed as to the when and where. It will be in the evening sometime between 6-1 OPM. Fehst stated a letter went to the County to consider appointment of Council member Schmitt to the Rice Creek Water Shed District. Fehst also stated the City continues to work with HUD and with Aeon on the purchase of the Parkview North and South. Fehst stressed that the City wants to preserve senior housing. Nawrocki brought up as to what the cost was for our annual fee for the MWMO. Hansen stated as soon as he gets a response from them, he will let Council member Nawrocki know. Nawrocki reiterated that no money would be distributed to the Arts Commission therefore; they should be told that they need to keep their own minutes and set up their own meetings, etc. He also brought up at the last meeting about the copper being removed from the light poles and the fact if City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 12,2013 Page 5 of 7 these lines get hit by lighting that it could be a serious thing. Hansen stated that staff has had conversations with Xcel and they are aware of the continuous cycle of copper theft and Hansen will inquire what their plan is to replace it in Columbia Heights. Peterson suggested that the resident that called Nawrocki call Xcel and report where the copper is missing. Nawrocki stated he would like to see a copy of our contract with Xcel. He would also like to know what follow up we are going to have on the diseased tree at 4440 5t1' Street. Hansen stated he would get that information for him. Nawrocki commented that the couch was picked up in the alley at 4911 Central Avenue,but now there were bags left by the dumpster and would like to know who is responsible for the trash container. Nawrocki indicated that a resident contacted him that they are not receiving the Focus paper and they live in an individual unit behind the old Kmart site. Fehst stated that the Focus will not deliver to apartment buildings, but they should be delivering to individual residential homes. Nawrocki informed Fehst that he would also like copies of the bids the City received for the City luncheon. Report of the City Attorney Hoeft indicated he had nothing to report at this time. 9. CITIZENS FORUM Mayor Peterson invited everyone to the Taste of Heights on November 22nd at Murzyn Hall starting at 6:OOPM and the event goes until 10:00PM. There will be food from Sarna's Classic Grill, Yaffa Grill and Pizzeria, Royal Orchid, Miller's Corner Bar& Grill, Tasty Pizza, Kevin Lindee the Chocolatier, Eldorado Restaurant, Adelita's Bakery, and Jalapeno's. There will also be music by accordionist Joe Macko, the Culver's Jammers, Little Ripley Band, and the Erverators. On Saturday, November 23rd at Murzyn Hall the Golden Gloves will be sponsoring the "Fight in the Heights". Doors open at 6:OOPM and fight starts at 7:OOPM with admission being$15.00. On December 11 th there will be a wrestling match at Murzyn Hall sponsored by the Lions. Peterson asked that we keep our service men and women in our thoughts and prayers and to do a random act of kindness. 10. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 7:59PM. Tori L on t, City Clerk/Council Secretary City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 12,2013 Page 6 of 7 RESOLUTION 2013-100 RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT NUMBER 2 OF WATER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITIES OF MINNEAPOLIS AND COLUMBIA HEIGHTS WHEREAS, the City of Minneapolis operates a municipal water system known as the Minneapolis Public Works—Division of Water Treatment and Distribution Services; and WHEREAS, on June 1, 2004 the City of Minneapolis and the City of Columbia Heights entered into an Agreement entitled "Minneapolis—City of Columbia Heights Water Agreement" for the City of Minneapolis to supply water to the City of Columbia Heights; and WHEREAS, the City of Minneapolis and the City of Columbia Heights deem it appropriate to make amendments to Section 2 and Section 10 of that agreement defining rate calculation, water supply and cost of service study; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that approving the amended agreement is reasonable, prudent, and in the best interest of the public; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota as follows: Amendment Number 2 to the Water Agreement is approved and the Mayor and City Manager are authorized and directed to execute the amended agreement. RESOLUTION 2013-101 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TERMS OF AN INTER-FUND LOAN FROM THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND 420 TO THE ANOKA COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS FUND 202 RECITALS A. The City of Columbia Heights ("City") and its Economic Development Authority("Authority"), by participation in the Anoka County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (the "ACHRA") economic development activities, can request funds to support the City's redevelopment and housing maintenance and improvement goals within the City. B. The Authority purchased 3927 Central Avenue NE (the "Property") in December 2012 using Community Development Capital Improvement Fund (fund 420). City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 12,2013 Page 7 of 7 C. The City adopted Resolution 2012-51, requesting that the ACHRA dedicate the annual ACHRA levy collection for fiscal years 2008-2012 for the purchase of the Property, $573,383.82. D. October 14,2013 the Council approved a grant agreement by and between the ACHRA and the City regarding the disbursement of levy funds. E. The grant agreement (Contract 2538) dedicates the annual ACHRA levy collected in the City for the tax levy payable in 2013 and 2014 towards the purchase of the Property. F. The City has determined to temporarily finance the remaining levy committed, $340,839.87, from fund 420 at 0%interest, until it is collected from the tax levy payable in 2013 and 2014. G. Upon annual receipt of ACHRA funds, payment will be made to fund 420, until the outstanding balance is paid. NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED, The City Council authorizes a loan to the Authority for $340,839.87, from the Community Development Capital Improvement Fund 420 until funds are disbursed from the ACHRA. RESOLUTION NO. 2013-102 TRANSFER AND APPROPRIATE $34,000 FROM THE 2013 GENERAL FUND BUDGET TO THE CAPITAL EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT GENERAL GOVERNMENT FUND 431 WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights has adopted a 2013 budget as required by the City charter and Minnesota statute, including a 2013 budget for the City's general fund; and WHEREAS, included within the total 2013 general fund budget is $34,000 for certain equipment purchases; and WHEREAS, a cost savings can obtained by the City of Columbia Heights if it were to defer the purchase of this equipment to 2014; and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has determined that an effective way to account for the extension of the budget authority for these purchases to 2014 is to transfer the 2013 authorization to the capital equipment replacement fund established for such purposes; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the 2013 City of Columbia Heights' budget be amended to transfer and appropriate $34,000 from the 2013 general fund budget to the capital equipment replacement general government fund 431.