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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/25/2013 Regular OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 25,2013 THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL HELD AT 7:00 PM ON TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 25,2013 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: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Diehm, Councilmember Schmitt, and Councilmember Nawrocki. Members Absent: None Staff Present: City Manager Walt Fehst, Assistant to City Manager/HR Director Linda Magee, Fire Chief Gary Gorman, Recreation Director Keith Windschitl, City Attorney Jim Hoeft, 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 Mayor Peterson asked that Resolutions 2013-109 and 2013-110 be removed under the Public Hearings as they have been brought into compliance in accordance to the Property Maintenance Code. 4. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS,RECOGNITION,ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS Councilmember Nawrocki presented the City Clerk with a check for$10.00 for his portion of the City luncheon that will be on December 10, 2013. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Nawrocki asked that items C, D, E, F, and G be removed for further discussion. City Manager Fehst took the Council through the remaining items on the Consent Agenda. A. Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of November 12 2013 MOTION: Move to approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2013. B. Accept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes MOTION: Move to Accept the Library Board Meeting Minutes of October 2, 2013. MOTION: Move to Accept the Park and Recreation Meeting Minutes of August 28, 2013. MOTION: Move to Accept the Charter Commission Meeting Minutes of October 17, 2013. C. Approve Resolution 2013-104,being a Resolution canceling the regular Cijy Council meeting_of Monday, December 23, 2013 -REMOVED City Council Meeting Minutes Monday,November 25,2013 Page 2 of 11 D. 2014 Seasonal and TemporarWage Adjustments -REMOVED E. Approve John P. Murzyn Hall rental rates for 2015 -REMOVED F. Approve City Park rental rates for 2014 -REMOVED G. Approve City Event Wagon rental rates for 2014 -REMOVED H. Approval of attached list of rental housing applications. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for November 25, 2013 in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. L Approve Business License Applications MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for November 25, 2013 as presented. J. 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 150177 through 150345 in the amount of $2,722,618.15. Motion by Diehm, seconded by Schmitt, to approve the Consent Agenda items with the acception of items C, D, E, F, and G that were removed for further discussion. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. Items removed for discussion: Item C: Approve Resolution 2013-104, being a Resolution canceling the regular City Council meeting of Monday, December 23, 2013 Councilmember Nawrocki indicated that on the first meeting in December it will be a public hearing for the budget and we will be discussing end of the year items. There may be some questions that may need to be carried over to the second meeting. He indicated he received his preliminary tax statement and his taxes went down 12.5%. Fehst indicated that taxes were down throughout the city. Motion by Diehm, seconded by Schmitt, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2013-104, there being ample copies available for the public. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. Motion by Diehm, seconded by Williams, to approve Resolution No. 2013-104,being a Resolution canceling the regular City Council meeting of Monday, December 23, 2013. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. Item D: 2014 Seasonal and Temporary Wage Adjustments Motion by Diehm, seconded by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution 2013-106, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. City Council Meeting Minutes Monday,November 25,2013 Page 3 of 11 Motion by Diehm, seconded by Williams, to adopt Resolution 2013-106, adopting changes in wage ranges and establishing wages for seasonal and temporary employees for calendar year 2014. Councilmember Nawrocki questioned the last seasonal adjustment in 2012 and wanted to know if the adjustments included an increase for 2013. Magee replied that we did not grant an increase to seasonal and temporary employees for 2013. Nawrocki indicated we should have information on salary adjustments in other communities for the comparable positions. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried Item E. Approve John P. Murzyn Hall rental rates for 2015 Motion by Diehm, seconded by Schmitt, to adopt the 2015 John P. Murzyn Hall rental rates as outlined by the Park and Recreation Commission at their meeting of October 23, 2013. Councilmember Nawrocki asked how these rates compare to the present rates. Windschitl indicated the rates are the same and have not increased in several years. Nawrocki asked if we could get a comparison to what other cities charge. Windschitl replied he has done that every year except for this year as a lot of the other places do not offer the same amenities therefore; you are not getting a true comparison. Nawrocki wanted to know how the rent has been compared to previous years. Windschitl indicated that rent has been down this year compared to previous years as we used to have the preschool room that was charged to the school district in the amount of$16,000. Saturday rentals appear to be holding steading with Friday and Sunday rentals down slightly,possibly due to the economy. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. Item F: Approve City Park rental rates for 2014 Motion by Diehm, seconded by Schmitt, to adopt the Park Rental Rates, as outlined by the Park and Recreation Commission at their meeting of October 23, 2013. Nawrocki objected to the residents paying more to use the park, as the residents have already paid for the land the parks are on with their property taxes. He feels this is out of line. Fehst commented that people are able to use this all day every day free of charge. This charge is for the exclusive use of the park shelter without interruption from the public on a reserved date and time. Windschitl added that they have to have people come in on the weekends and clean it so that residents can use it. This fee pays for that, along with the costs for the electricity and the upkeep. All we trying to do is offset the cost for these things. Roll call Vote: Schmitt; aye, Williams; aye, Diehm; aye, Nawrocki; nay, Peterson; aye. 4ayes:Inay. Motion Carried. Item G: Approve City Event Wagon rental rates for 2014 Motion by Diehm, seconded by Schmitt, to adopt the Event Wagon Rental Rate of$35.00 plus tax, as outlined by the Park and Recreation Commission at their meeting of October 23, 2013. City Council Meeting Minutes Monday,November 25,2013 Page 4 of 11 Nawrocki stated that gas is a little less than it has been the last couple of years. When does the wagon get hauled out to the resident who is renting it? Windschitl replied that it is hauled out on Friday and picked up on Monday so they do not have to pay employee overtime. Nawrocki asked how long the resident is charged for. Windschitl responded they are only charged for one day rental. Diehm pointed out this is a great option and a great deal we offer to residents. Schmitt indicated that these items were purchased a long time ago and they do have to be maintained and replaced over time. Windschitl stated that people have already been calling to reserve the wagon and do not seem to mind if the price increases a little bit. Roll call Vote: Schmitt; aye, Williams; aye, Diehm; aye, Nawrocki; nay, Peterson; aye. 4ayes:Inay. Motion Carried. Nawrocki asked if the pool hall on 40th Avenue has a billboard license. Fehst stated that they been informed they are in violation of our sign ordinance and they have until spring to get the front of the building cleaned up. Mayor Peterson indicated that he has had several calls on it from people that think that it looks nice and that it is not noticeable until you are right up to it. Peterson commented further stating that it is done nicely and the owner has indicated that it has helped his business. Schmitt commented that it could be considered as possible art as it depicts part of the business in the signage. Nawrocki asked if we should then let every other business along 40th depict their interpretation of art on their buildings. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Adopt Resolutions 2013-107, 4954 6th Street N.E., and 2013-108, 4030 Quincy Street N.E. beiniz declarations of nuisance and abatement of violations within the City of Columbia Heights. Fire Chief Gorman indicated that an inspection was conducted on September 17, 2013 at 4954 6"' and found the property had an overhead garage door that was deteriorated and needed to be repaired/replaced. A reinspection was completed on October 21, 2013 and again on November 7, 2013 and the violation remained uncorrected. He also stated this property is vacant. Gorman indicated that an inspection was conducted on September 24, 2013 at 4030 Quincy Street and found the property had a broken window that needed to be repaired/replaced. A reinspection was completed on October 24, 2013 and again on November 5, 2013 and the violation remained uncorrected. He also stated this property may become vacant. Mayor Peterson asked if there was anyone here tonight representing these properties. There was no one in the audience representing either of the properties. Motion by Diehm, seconded by Williams, to close the public hearing and to waive the reading of Resolution Numbers 2013-107 and 2013-108 there being ample copies available to the public. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. Motion by Diehm, seconded by Williams, to adopt Resolution Numbers 2013-107 and 2013-108 being resolutions of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights declaring the properties City Council Meeting Minutes Monday,November 25,2013 Page 5 of 11 listed a nuisance and approving the abatement of violations from the properties pursuant to City Code section 8.206. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. 7. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions—Nothing to report B. Bid Considerations -Nothing to report C. New Business and Reports—Nothing to report 8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager: City Manager Fehst brought up that they have scheduled a meeting on behalf of the Met Council on Thrive MSP 2040 on December 11, 2013 from 7:00 to 10:00 PM at the Columbia Heights High School in their Board Room. This meeting is open to the general public. Schmitt added that she has been to a couple of the Thrive meetings in the area and you can get together in groups to determine what you would like to see in your city. She encourages citizens as well as business owners in our community, as well as surrounding communities, to attend this meeting. Fehst stated at the Met Council's regional meeting last Wednesday the general discussion was on health care reform and they had someone from Gallagher Benefit Services there that identified some of the things to be aware of. Fehst commented that he is glad we have someone like Magee on board to help us with this as it does get complicated. They also talked about what the League does and offers as far as comparable information from other cities. You can get as educated as you need to be and recommends that you get involved and call them if you have questions. Fehst informed the Council he wanted to schedule an Executive Session on December 2nd immediately following the HRA and EDA meetings for discussion on contract negotiations, followed by a City Council work session. Nawrocki stated as the past president of the LMC and as a current finance committee member, it is good to be represented whenever possible. Nawrocki asked the City Manager if there was any follow up in regards to the copper grounding wires on light poles. Fehst stated they did following up on it and gave that information to him. Nawrocki stated he is looking for some follow up on it. Fehst reiterated he gave him the follow up on it. Nawrocki indicated he will keep asking for follow up. Nawrocki commented on the building on 40d' and University has been in a state of rebuilding again and he has had some complaints on how bad it looks. Fehst responded by saying they are going to the next planning and zoning meeting in December and they are no longer going to be a gas station, instead they are going to be a small grocery store and deli. Nawrocki commented he received a copy of a letter in regards to a plaque on the clock tower from a resident and wanted to know what the outcome was. Mayor Peterson replied that he was aware of it and indicated the Activity Fund continues to have fundraisers in order to replace items like this and they will look at it in spring as snow piles up on it during the winter. They may have to look at replacing it with a different type of material. Report of the City Attorney City Attorney Jim Hoeft indicated he had nothing to report at this time. City Council Meeting Minutes Monday,November 25,2013 Page 6of11 9. CITIZENS FORUM Mayor Peterson stated the Taste of Heights was a huge success on Friday night. They had a great turn out and everyone enjoyed the wonderful food and music. Peterson also commented on how beautifully decorated the hall was, which was all donated. Peterson reminded everyone that SACA food shelf needs donations as well has help this time of the year. He encourages people to stop on by, as donating of oneself is very rewarding. Councilmember Nawrocki stated that the Lions will be having their annual Christmas Dinner/meeting the third Monday of December and they will be accepting donations for SACA and the Lions will match donations up to $500. Mayor Peterson stated the Booster Club also volunteers their time at SACA on December 11th by packaging and delivering food items. Mayor 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 7:47 PM. Tori Leonhardt, City Clerk/Council Secretary RESOLUTION NO. 2013-104 BEING A RESOLUTION CANCELING THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 WHEREAS: The City of Columbia Heights offices are closed on Tuesday, December 24, 2013 and Wednesday, December 25, 2013, and; WHEREAS: The City Council has agreed to cancel the regular Council meeting scheduled for Monday, December 23, 2013; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that all interested parties be advised of this change. Passed this 25th day of November, 2013 City Council Meeting Minutes Monday,November 25,2013 Page 7of11 RESOLUTION 2013-106 ADOPTING CHANGES IN WAGE RANGES AND ESTABLISHING WAGES FOR TEMPORARY PART-TIME LIBRARY POSITIONS, SEASONAL PUBLIC WORKS POSITIONS, SEASONAL/TEMPORARY RECREATION POSITIONS, AND INTERNS WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights adopted a Wage Compensation Program for Non-Unionized City Employees effective January 1, 1980 (Resolution 80-47), which indicated that on an annual basis, changes may be adopted in Wage Ranges. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Columbia Heights establishes wage ranges for non- unionized temporary part-time Library positions, seasonal Public Works positions, seasonal/temporary Recreation positions, and interns, as indicated on Schedule 1, 11, 111, and IV, which are attached and on file in the office of the City Manager; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such schedules be effective January 1, 2014. Passed this 25ti,day of November, 2013. 2014 PART TIME TEMPORARY LIBRARY EMPLOYEES SCHEDULE/ PAGE Entry $9.99 6 months $10.58 12 months $11.16 24 months $11.75 LIBRARY AIDE Entry $10.22 6 months $10.85 12 months $11.49 24 months $12.13 36 months $12.77 LIBRARY SUPERVISORS Entry $18.78 6 months $19.83 18 months $20.87 City Council Meeting Minutes Monday,November 25,2013 Page 8 of 11 2014 PUBLIC WORKS SEASONALS SCHEDULE II Entry 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years 5 Years 6 Years Seasonal $10.26 $10.50 $10.74 $10.98 $11.35 $11.71 $12.07 Laborer (Including Rink Maintenance) Warming $10.26 $10.50 $10.74 $10.98 $11.35 $11.71 $12.07 House Attendant Warming $11.28 $11.54 $11.81 $12.08 $12.47 $12.87 $13.27 House Lead Attendant Engineeri $12.61 $12.90 $13.20 $13.50 $13.94 $14.39 $14.83 ng Aide 2014 RECREATION SEASONALS SCHEDULE III Movement through the wage schedule is contingent upon satisfactory performance as adjudged by the Employer. POSITION ENTRY 6 MONTHS 1 YEAR 2 YEARS 3 YEARS 4 YEARS Summer $8.00 $8.19 $8.37 $8.65 $8.92 $9.20 Playground Asst. After School $8.00 $8.19 $8.37 $8.65 $8.92 $9.20 Instructor Trip $8.00 $8.19 $8.37 $8.65 $8.92 $9.20 Chaperone Facility $9.00 $9.20 $9.41 $9.72 $10.03 $10.34 Supervisor Baseball Umpire -House League(Youth) $17/game -Traveling (Plate) $30/game -Traveling (Base) $25/game Soccer Officials (Youth) $15/game Softball Umpires (Youth) -Youth Slow Pitch $17/game -Youth Fast Pitch $25/game Basketball Officials (Youth) - House League $17/game -Traveling $20/game Football Officials (Youth) $25/game Adult Athletics $25/game Umpire/Officials (Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, & Football) Scorekeeper $8.46 $8.65 $8.85 $9.14 $9.43 $9.72 (per game) Performing $8.51 $9.93 $11.35 $12.77 $14.18 $15.76 City Council Meeting Minutes Monday,November 25,2013 Page 9 of 11 Arts Instructor (Gymnastics, Cheerleading, and Ballet) Summer $8.76 $10.22 $11.69 $13.15 $14.61 $16.23 Playground Supervisor Trip $8.76 $10.22 $11.69 $13.15 $14.61 $16.23 Supervisor Program Instructor (Market rate--contingent upon approval of the Recreation Director and the Assistant to the City Manager.) 2014 INTERNS SCHEDULE IV Rate 1 $11.74 Rate 2 $12.30 Rate 3 $12.86 Rate 4 $13.42 Rate 5 $13.98 RESOLUTION 2013-107 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 Mariam F May(Hereinafter "Owner of Record"). Whereas, the owner of record is the legal owner of the real property located at 4954 6th 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 October 21, 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 September 17, 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 October 21, 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. 3. That on November 7, 2013 inspectors re-inspected the property and found that violations remained uncorrected. City Council Meeting Minutes Monday,November 25,2013 Page 10 of 11 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 overhead garage door. 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 4954 6th 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 4954 6th 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 25th day of November 2013 RESOLUTION 2013-108 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 Walter Azizi (Hereinafter "Owner of Record"). Whereas, the owner of record is the legal owner of the real property located at 4030 Quincy 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 October 24, 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 September 24, 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. City Council Meeting Minutes Monday,November 25,2013 Page 11 of 11 2. That on October 24, 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. 3. That on November 5, 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 broken window. 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 4030 Quincy 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 4030 Quincy 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 25th day of November 2013