Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-27-2015Minutes of City Council Meeting July 27, 2015 Page I of 9 JULY 27, 2015 THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL HELD AT 7:00 PM ON MONDAY JULY 27, 2015 IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 590 40TH AVENUE N.E., COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA I.CALL TO ORDER Mayor Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. 2.ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers Nawrocki, Schmitt, Williams and Murzyn, Jr. Also Present: Walt Fehst, City Manager; Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Kelli Bourgeois, Human Resources Director /Assistant to the City Manager; Joe Kloiber, Finance Director; John Larkin, Assistant Fire Chief, Katie Bruno, City Clerk/Council Secretary 1INVOCATION Invocation provided by Malcom O. Watson 4.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Recited 5.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.) Mayor Peterson announced that item 8B will be removed, as all conditions have been rectified. 6.PROCLAMATIONS PRESENTATIONS RECOGNITION ANNOUNCEMENTS GUESTS 7.CONSENT AGENDA (These items are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted as part of the Consent Agenda by one motion. Items removed from consent agenda approval will be taken up as the next order of business.) A. Approve Minutes of the City Council MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council meeting of July 13, 2015. B. Consideration of Resolution 2015 -54 transferring the remaining 2014 General Fund surplus of $500,000 to the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund 431, to offset Minutes of City Council Meeting July 27, 2015 Page 2 of 9 the cost of the fire truck purchase included in the 2015 budget. * Removed for discussion C. Accept Proposals and Award Contract RAP Implementation and Construction Contingency Plan for Construction of the New Library, Project No. 1410. *Removed for discussion. D. Accept Proposals And Award Contract For Construction Testing and Special Inspections for Construction of the New Library, Project No. 1410. * Removed fo r° discussion. E. Approval of the attached list of rental housing licenses MOTION: Move to approve the attached list of rental housing licenses. F. Approve Business License Applications MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for July 27, 2015 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 number157499 through 157664 in the amount of $ 1,035,624.08. Councilmember Nawrocki requested that items B, C and D be removed from the Consent Agenda for Discussion. Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Nawrocki to approve Consent Agenda items A, E, F and G. All Ayes, Motion Carried. Councilmember Nawrocki requested that the following items be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion: B. Consideration of Resolution 2015 -54 transferring the remaining 2014 General Fund surplus of $500,000 to the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund 431, to offset the cost of the fire truck purchase included in the 2015 budget Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. to waive the reading of Resolution 2015 -54, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried. Councilmember Nawrocki asked if the purchase of the fire truck was budgeted for. City Manager Walt Fehst stated that it was included in the budget; however the Equipment Replacement fund did not include the replacement of fire equipment. Councilmember Nawrocki asked what the current balance is in the Equipment Replacement fund. Finance Director Joe Kloiber reported the balance was about $4,000,000 in the beginning of the year, noting that the balance is expected to be exhausted by 2021. City Manager Walt Fehst explained the account was set up to replace equipment as necessary, with the exclusion of fire equipment. Minutes of City Council Meeting July 27, 2015 Page 3 of 9 Councilmember Nawrocki questioned why it is necessary to change the funding source. It was explained that it is necessary to keep the Equipment fund solvent for the long term. Councilmember Nawrocki stated that he is opposed to the transfer, noting he thinks the surplus should be used to reduce the 2016 tax levy. Councilmember Schmitt clarified that this item was approved in 2014, as part of the 2015 budget. Councilmember Schmitt asked why fire trucks are not included in the Capital Replacement plan. Director Kloiber explained that the Capital Equipment fund was created about 15 years ago, since that time only one fire truck was purchased, primarily through grant funds. Additionally, the city created a separate fund for other fire equipment from an overfunded pension plan, this was allowed by PERA, provided the funds were used for other fire equipment. Over the last twelve years, this has been the source for fire equipment, this fund is nearly depleted. Councilmember Schmitt asked what steps are being taken to correct this. Director Kloiber stated that fire equipment will be incorporated into the City's replacement schedule. Councilmember Schmitt questioned how much we will have to increase the fund to make it sustainable. Director Kloiber explained it will be an on -going funding source. Councilmember Nawrocki stated he feels that moving the surplus money is a disservice to the budgetary function, and he is opposed to the item. Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. to adopt Resolution 2015 -54, transferring the remaining 2014 General Fund surplus of $500, 000 to the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund 431, to offset the cost of the fire truck purchase included in the 2015 budget. 4 Ayes, I Nay, Motion Carried. Ayes: Peterson, Williams, Murzyn, Jr. and Schmitt. Nay: Nawrocki C. Accept Proposals and Award Contract RAP Implementation and Construction Contingency Plan for Construction of the New Library Project No. 1410 Councilmember Nawrocki requested an update be given to the public. Kelli Bourgeois; HR Director /Assistant to the City Manager explained the RAP (Response Action Plan) is required by the PCA as this is a Brownfield Site. Requests for proposals were sent out to five geotechnical firms, two firms responded. The Public Works Director /City Engineer Kevin Hansen's recommendation is to award to the lowest bidder; ProSource in the amount of $25,830. Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Schmitt to award the Geotechnical Services for the RAP Implementation and Construction Contingency Plan for the new City Library, Project 1410, to the firm of ProSource Technologies based upon their proposal dated July 15, 2015 for a lump sum. fee of $25,830, plus reimbursables, appropriated from Fund 450 -51410 -3050. All Ayes, Motion Carried. D. Accept Proposals And Award Contract For Construction Testing and Special Inspections for Construction of the New Library Project No. 1410 Minutes of City Council Meeting July 27, 2015 Page 4 of 9 Kelli Bourgeois; HR Director /Assistant to the City Manager reported that requests for proposals were sent out to five geotechnical firms, two firms responded. The Public Works Director /City Engineer Kevin Hansen's recommendation is to award to the lowest bidder; Braun Intertec in the amount of $67,040. Motion by Councilmember Nawrocki, seconded by Councilmember Williams to award the Geotechnical Services for the Construction Testing and Special lnspections for the new City Library, Project 1410, to the firm of Braun bntertec based upon their proposal dated July 15, 2015 for a lump sum, fee of $67,040, plus reimbursables, appropriated from Fund 450 -51410 -3050. All Ayes, Motion Carried. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Adopt Resolution 2 Me Assistant Fire Chief John Larkin reported that the property has been found to be unsecured on more than one occasion. A contractor has been sent out to secure the property. Councilmember Nawrocki commented that the grass is overgrown as well. Assistant Chief Larkin confirmed that the property has not been maintained for a while, and the owner has been unresponsive. Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Nawrocki to close the public hearing and to waive the reading of Resolution 2015 -48, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried. Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Nawrocki to adopt Resolution Number 2015 -48, being resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights declaring the property listed a nuisance and approving the emergency abatement Of violationsftrom the property pursuant to City Code section 8.206. All Ayes, Motion Carried. B. This item has been removed from agenda. Corrections were made and re- inspection fees were paid. C. Declaration of a nuisance and abatement of violations within the City of Columbia Heights is requested regarding properties at 4110 Jefferson Street NE (2015 -52) and 3865 Tyler Street NE (2015 -53) for failure to meet the requirements of the Residential Maintenance Code Assistant Fire Chief John Larkin reported that letters have been sent out to both property owners. Mr. Larkin stated that the department attempts to work with the property owners, and would prefer the property owner make the required corrections. This action gives the City the authority to make the corrections in the event the property owner does not. Councilmember Schmitt requested photos be submitted with council reports on the future. Minutes of City Council Meeting July 27, 2015 Page 5 of 9 Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Williams to close the public hearing and to waive the reading of Resolution Number 2015 -52, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried. Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Williams to adopt Resolution Number 2015 -52 being resolutions of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights declaring the properties listed a nuisance and approving the abatement of violations from the properties pursuant to City Code section 8.206 All Ayes, Motion Carried. Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Williams to close the public hearing and to waive the reading of Resolution Number 2015 -53 there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried. Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Williams to adopt Resolution Number 2015 -53 being resolutions of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights declaring the properties listed a nuisance and approving the abatement of violations from the properties pursuant to City Code section 8.206 All Ayes, Motion Carried. 9. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions B. Bid Considerations C. New Business and Reports 10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS City Manager Walt Fehst encouraged residents to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday August 4th, noting this is a good opportunity to meet their neighbors, as well as elected officials and city staff. Mayor Peterson stated that there will be "City of Peace" t -shirts distributed at the parties. Councilmember Nawrocki requested city staff provide detailed voice -mail messages, indicating when they will be available. 11. CITIZENS FORUM There were not any residents wishing to speak. 12. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Peterson announced the Recreation department will be performing "A Family Reunion to Die For" on August 13th at Murzyn Hall. Mayor Peterson reminded us to remember our sen7icemen and servicewomen and not to take ourselves too seriously and to try to do a random act of kindness. Meeting adjou at 7:42 p.m. t atx Lyw o Respectively Submitted, Katie Bruno, City Clerk Minutes of City Council Meeting July 27, 2015 Page 6 of 9 RESOLUTION 2015 -48 Resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights declaring the property a nuisance and approving emergency abatement of ordinance violations pursuant to Chapter 8, Article II, of City Code, of the property owned by Michael Thoennes (Hereinafter "Owner of Record "). Whereas, the owner of record is the legal owner of the real property located at 666 40th Avenue N.E. Columbia Heights, Minnesota. 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 July 20, 2015 the Fire Department responded to a complaint at the address listed above. Inspectors noted that the structure was open and unsecured. 2. That on July 20, 2015 the Fire Chief ordered that Advance Companies secure the vacant structure. 3. That based upon said records of the Fire Department, the following conditions and violations of City Codes(s) were found to exist and have been abated, to wit: A. Approve the emergency abatement of the hazardous situation located at 666 - 401h Avenue N.E. CONCLUSIONS OF COUNCIL 1. That the property located at 666 40th Avenue N.E. is in violation of the provisions of the Columbia Heights City Code as set forth in the Notice of Abatement. 2. That the emergency abatement of the hazardous situation located at 666 40th Avenue N.E. is hereby approved. ORDER OF COUNCIL 1. The property located at 666 40th Avenue N.E. constitutes a nuisance pursuant to City Code. RESOLUTION 2015 -52 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 Greg Barbeau (Hereinafter "Owner of Record "), Whereas, the owner of record is the legal owner of the real property located at 4110 Jefferson St. N.E. , Columbia Heights, Minnesota. And whereas, pursuant to Columbia Heights Code, Chapter 8, Article II, Section 8.206, written Minutes of City Council Meeting July 27, 2015 Page 7 of 9 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 June 4, 2015, 2015. 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 April 30, 2015, 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 June 6, 2015 inspectors re- inspected the property listed above. Inspectors noted that the violation 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 June 23, 2015 inspectors re- inspected the property and found that violation 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: Repair /replace deteriorated driveway 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 4110 Jefferson St. 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 4110 Jefferson St. 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. RESOLUTION 2015 -53 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 Gonzalo Olojan (Hereinafter "Owner of Record "). Whereas, the owner of record is the legal owner of the real property located at 3865 Tyler St. N.E. Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Minutes of City Council Meeting July 27, 2015 Page 8 of 9 And whereas, pursuant to Columbia Heights Code, Chapter 8, Article 11, 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 June 9, 2015. 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 May 5, 2015, 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 June 8, 2015 inspectors re- inspected the property listed above. Inspectors noted that the violation 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 July 13, 2015 inspectors re- inspected the property and found that the violation 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: Repair broken front storm 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 3865 Tyler St 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 The property located at 3865 Tyler St. 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. RESOLUTION NO. 2015 -54 TRANSFERRING THE REMAINING 2014 GENERAL FUND SURPLUS OF $500,000 TO THE CAPITAL EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT FUND 431, TO OFFSET THE COST OF THE FIRE TRUCK PURCHASE INCLUDED IN THE 2015 BUDGET Minutes of City Council Meeting July 27, 2015 Page 9 of 9 WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights has adopted by resolution 2014- 94, a 2015 budget calling for the purchase of a fire emergency vehicle; and WHEREAS, the estimated cost of $500,000 for this vehicle is significantly more than the average annual expenditures for all purposes from the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund 431; and WHEREAS, the City Council of City of Columbia Heights judges that it is financially prudent to sustain the fund balance in the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund 431 over the long term, for substantially all of the annual equipment purchases made for its governmental activities; and WHEREAS, an unassigned surplus of 2014 revenue over 2014 expenditures of approximately $500,000 remains currently held in the City of Columbia Heights General Fund; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the 2015 City of Columbia Heights' budget is amended to appropriate an interfund transfer of $500,000 from the General Fund to the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund 431.