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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Monday,November 25,2013
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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.
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Monday,November 25,2013
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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