HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-14-2015OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 14, 2015
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL HELD AT 7:00 PM ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER
14, 2015 IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 590 40TH AVENUE N.E., COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers Nawrocki, Schmitt, Williams and Murzyn Jr.
Also Present: Walt Fehst, City Manager; Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director;
Joe Kloiber, Finance Director; Katie Bruno, Council Secretary
3. INVOCATION
Invocation provided by Pastor Dan Thompson, Heights Church
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -
The Pledge of Allegiance was 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.)
6. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS
A. Constitution Week Proclamation.
Mayor Peterson read the proclamation. Sandra Connor, representing "Daughters of the American
Revolution" gratefully accepted the proclamation, and thanked the council for their continued
support.
B. Presentation from Julie Jeppson, representing Stepping Stone Emergency Housing.
Ms. Jeppson, Development Director of Stepping Stone Emergency Housing gave an overview of the
services provided, noting that they are the only homeless shelter serving Anoka County. It was
reported that approximately 5% of their clients are from Columbia Heights. Mayor Peterson thanked
Ms. Jeppson for the work they are doing in the community.
Mayor Peterson announced Police Chief Scott Nadeau will be speaking on Community Policing
strategies at the Compassion Action Network Connect Meeting. The event is at Unity Hospital on
Thursday September 24th at 10:00 AM.
Mayor Peterson announced the Science of Spirituality Meditation Center has recently opened for
business in the City. The center occupies the former Heights Church Building at 4054 Van Buren St
NE. Pastor Dan Thompson of Heights Church announced they have relocated to 560 40th Ave NE, and
are in preparing to open a coffee shop as well.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
(These items are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted as part of the
City Council Minutes
September 14, 2015
Page 2 of 8
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 worksession of September 8, 2015
MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council meeting of August 24, 2015
B. Accept Board and Commission Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Move to accept the Library Board Minutes from August 5, 2015
MOTION: Move to accept the EDA Commission Minutes from August 3, 2015
C. Change Order No. 1 for Library Bid Package CP -1. *Removed for discussion.
D. Adopt Resolution 2015 -62 being a Resolution ordering Preparation of a Report for Stinson Boulevard
Rehabilitation. *Removed for discussion.
E. Approve Business License Applications
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for September 14, 2015
F. 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 158036 through 158291 in the amount of $ 1,347,840.30
Councilmember Nawrocki requested items C and D be removed for discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Nowrocki, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. to approve items
A, B, E and F from the Consent Agenda. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
The following items were removed for discussion:
C. Change Order No. 1 for Library Bid Package CP -1
Public Works Director Kevin Hansen stated there were several items contributing to the change order, with
two of them being large. Because significant contamination was discovered, an additional 9,672 tons needed
to be trucked off site. Asbestos removal and disposal resulted in significant costs as well. The net change was
an additional $126,168.21 after deducts were factored in. The cost will be covered by the library's
contingency.
Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Schmitt to approve contract Change
Order No. 1 for Library Bid Package CP -1, Project 1410, to Veit & Company in the amount of $126,168.21 for a
new contract amount of $633,941.07. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
D. Adopt Resolution 2015 -62 being a Resolution ordering Preparation of a Report for Stinson Boulevard
Rehabilitation
City Council Minutes
September 14, 2015
Page 3 of 8
Public Works Director Kevin Hansen reported that the recent cooperative agreement with the City of St.
Anthony stipulates the City of Columbia Heights will cost share on a 50/50 basis. The requested feasibility
report would indicate necessity, payment options and project cost.
Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Schmitt to waive the reading of
Resolution 2015 -62, there being ample copies available for the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Schmitt to adopt Resolution 2015 -62,
being a resolution ordering preparation of a Feasibility Report for Stinson Boulevard Street Reconstruction.
All Ayes, Motion Carried.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions
1. Consideration of Resolution 2015 -59 adopting a proposed budget for the year 2016, 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 2016.
Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Schmitt to waive the reading of Resolution
2015 -59, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried
Finance Director Joe Kloiber gave a summary of the 2016 proposed levy, noting that the library referendum
resulted in a 4.4% levy increase for 2016. The remainder of the levy is a 1.9% increase, the lowest in nearly ten
years. Kloiber reported that tonight's action is the required first step in the truth in taxation process.
Councilmember Nawrocki stated he is opposed to certifying the maximum levy at tonight's meeting, and would
prefer to do so at the September 28th meeting in order to have more time for reviewing the proposed budget.
Councilmember Nawrocki asked why the HRA levy not being eliminated since Parkview Villa will be sold. Director
Kloiber clarified that the HRA levy also serves the EDA.
Councilmember Nawrocki questioned the debt levy increase. Director Klaiber explained that is for the new library,
specifically 7,000,000 in new debt was issued by the council in March 2015.
Councilmember Nawrocki questioned the Cable TV budget increase. Director Kloiber reported the increase is for
upgrades to equipment. Staff noted that there will be detailed department budget worksession meetings in the
coming weeks.
Councilmember Nawrocki questioned the upcoming State Aid construction projects. Public Works Director Kevin
Hansen reported anticipated projects include safety improvements on Central Avenue, Stinson Blvd, and mill and
overlay on state aid streets.
Councilmember Nawrocki asked why the Public Arts Commission is receiving $1,400, it was thought they were
going to be a self - supporting commission. City Manager Fehst clarified that the decision of whether or not to fund
the commission was never made.
Councilmember Nawrocki had questions regarding the liquor store profits. Manager Fehst reported there will be a
detailed discussion at the scheduled worksession to address the liquor store operations.
Councilmember Nawrocki questioned if the $55,000 included in the capital improvement is included in the library
construction budget. City Manager Fehst reported it is not because it was not part of the bonding, and would note
that Councilmember Nawrocki requests it be moved to the general budget.
Councilmember Nawrocki stated that he thinks the $195,595.00 increase in the proposed levy should be
eliminated, noting there is enough of an increase in the library levy.
City Council Minutes
September 14, 2015
Page 4 of 8
Motion by Councilmember Nawrocki to decrease the property tax levy by $195,595.00. Motion failed for lack
of a second.
Councilmember Nawrocki suggested waiting until the September 28th meeting to adopt the preliminary levy,
to allow more time for review. City Manager Walt Fehst noted that to assure publication in the City's
Newsletter, the item would need to be acted on this evening.
Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Schmitt to adopt Resolution 2015 -59, being a
resolution adopting a proposed budget for the year 2016, 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 2016 of
December 14, 2015, at approximately 7:00 p.m. in the city council chambers. 4 Ayes, 1 Nay Motion Carried. Ayes:
Peterson, Williams, Schmitt, Murzyn, Jr. Nay: Nawrocki
B. Bid Considerations
1. Library Sewer And Water Services, City Project No. 1410
Public Works Director Kevin Hansen reported four bids were received, and the low bid was from St. Paul Utilities
in the amount of $84,900. Hansen explained the project.
Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. to accept bids and award Water and
Sewer Services for the New Library, City Project No. 1410, to St. Paul Utilities, Inc. of Little Canada, Minnesota,
based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $ 84,900.00 from Fund 450- 51410 -5185; and,
furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. All Ayes, Motion
Carried
2. Chatham Road Lift Station Rehabilitation, City Project 1414
Public Works Director Kevin Hansen reported Chatham Rd. is the fourth of four lift station rehabilitated in the past
twelve years. Nine alternates were included in the bids. Material costs have increased significantly, resulting in
higher than anticipated bids. The low bid was received from Meyer Contracting, Inc., none of the alternates were
included. Councilmember Schmitt questioned if any of the alternates can be completed by the City. Director
Hansen stated they will be considered in future budget years.
Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. to accept bids and award Chatham
Road Lift Station Rehabilitation, City Project No. 1414, to Meyer Contracting, Inc. of Maple Grove, MN, based upon
their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $456,238.00 from Fund 652 -51414 -5185; and, furthermore, to
authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. All Ayes, Motion Carried
C. New Business and Reports
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Manager
City Manager Walt Fehst reported the Rice Creek Watershed District is seeking members, noting the City
has a very small area in Silver Lake served by the RCWD.
Manager Fehst reported the City is receiving the Anthony Sutin Civic Imagination Award for collaborative
City Council Minutes
September 14, 2015
Page 5 of 8
efforts with the school district, commenting that the Police Department has made significant
improvements in recent years.
It was announced that both the Splash Pad at Huset Park and improvements at LaBelle Park are complete.
The council was reminded of the Chamber of Commerce's Movie Night coming up on September 24th at
the Heights Theater.
Report of the City Attorney
Nothing to report
11. CITIZENS FORUM
Councilmember Nawrocki asked Frost Simula (1700 49th Ave NE) if there has been any updates to his
predatory remodeling issue. Mr. Simula stated that there have been no changes.
Mayor Peterson reminded residents to remember our servicemen and women, and our police and
firefighters, and to try to enjoy life, and to do a random act of kindness.
Meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
Respectively Submitted
Katie Bruno, City Clerk /Council Secretary
RESOLUTION 2015 -59
ADOPTING A PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2016, 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 2016.
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 2016 is hereby approved and adopted with
appropriations for each of the funds listed below.
Expense
General Fund
11,336,117
Planning & Inspections
296,498
Economic Development Authority
Admin.
301,193
Cable
Television
141,522
Library
856,431
After School Programs
44,000
Special Project Fund
25,000
Public Safety - Other
169,412
City Council Minutes
September 14, 2015
Page 6 of 8
Capital Project Funds
3,350,933
Planning & Inspections
296,498
Debt Service
1,928,500
Admin.
300,027
Funds
1,755,169
Television
253,500
Library
856,431
Capital
Bond
Special Project Funds
25,000
Assets
Principal
Water Fund
3,073,042
935,290
241,028
Sewer Fund
2,352,584
82,290
35,000
Refuse Fund
1,981,991
0
0
Storm Sewer
Fund
781,625
933,000
120,256
Liquor Fund
9,264,061
0
180,000
Central Garage
715,088
0
0
Building Maintenance
163,432
0
0
Information Systems
372,452
0
0
Total Including Interfund Transfers
36,980,550
1,950,580
576,284
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 2016.
Revenue
General Fund
11,292,117
Planning & Inspections
296,498
Economic Development Authority
1,928,500
Admin.
300,027
Cable
709,600
Television
253,500
Library
856,431
After School Programs
-
Special Project Funds
25,000
Public Safety - Other
169,412
Capital Project Funds
3,411,599
Debt Service
Funds
1,828,947
Water Fund
3,210,400
Sewer Fund
1,849,500
Refuse Fund
1,928,500
Storm Sewer
Fund
709,600
Liquor Fund
9,473,050
Central Garage
708,370
Building Maintenance
163,500
Information Systems
335,000
169,099
Total Including Interfund Transfers
36,980,550
City Council Minutes
September 14, 2015
Page 7 of 8
Section C. The following sums of money are levied for the current year, collectable in 2016 upon the taxable
property in said City of Columbia Heights, for the following purposes:
Estimated General Fund Levy 8,964,101
Estimated Library Levy
824,499
Estimated EDA Fund Levy 84,000
Tota 1 9,872,600
Section D. The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights hereby approves the Housing and Redevelopment
Authority Tax Levy for the fiscal year 2016 in the amount of $202,364.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the public budget hearing is scheduled for December 14, 2015 at approximately
7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the County Auditor is authorized to fix a property tax rate for taxes payable in the
year 2016 that is higher than the tax rate calculated for the City for taxes levied in 2014 collectable in 2015.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City, pursuant to Resolution 2015 -07, has previously called and redeemed all
bond principal and interest payments on General Obligation Bond Series 2007A applicable for taxes payable in
2016 in the amount of $137,255 and that the County Auditor is authorized to cancel the related Bond Levy in its
entirety for taxes payable 2016.
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 2008B in the amount of $324,945 and that the County
Auditor is authorized to cancel $324,945 of the related Bond Levy for taxes payable in 2016, leaving a balance of
$332,825 to be levied for taxes payable in 2016 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 $4,091 and that the County Auditor
is authorized to cancel $4,091 of the related Bond Levy for taxes payable in 2016, leaving a balance of $223,872 to
be levied for taxes payable in 2016 for Series 2009A.
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 2013A in the amount of $104,787 and that the County
Auditor is authorized to cancel the related Bond Levy in its entirety for taxes payable 2016.
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 2015A in the amount of $5,454 and that the County Auditor
is authorized to cancel $5,454 of the related Bond Levy for taxes payable in 2016, leaving a balance of $480,000 to
be levied for taxes payable in 2016 for Series 2015A.
The Finance Director /Treasurer is hereby instructed to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the County
Auditor of Anoka County, Minnesota.
City Council Minutes
September 14, 2015
Page 8 of 8
RESOLUTION 2015 -62
A resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota,.
WHEREAS, the City Council of Columbia Heights is proposing to rehabilitate local streets in Zone 2 that have not
been rehabilitated under the street program, and
WHEREAS, Stinson Boulevard from 37th Avenue to north of 40th Avenue is part of Zone 2 scheduled for 2016, and
WHEREAS, A Cooperative Agreement has been approved between the cities of Columbia Heights and St.
Anthony (attached) that defines the responsibilities of each city for the project work, and
WHEREAS, the City Council intends to assess the benefitted property for all or a portion of the cost of the
improvement, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 429.011 to 429.111 (Laws 1953, Chapter 398, as
amended), and Section 10313.201 to 103B.251, as follows:
1508 STINSON BOULEVARD RECONSTRUCTION FROM 37TH TO NORTH OF 40TH AVENUES
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
That the proposed improvements be referred to Mr. Kevin Hansen, City Engineer, for study and that he is
instructed to report to the Council with all convenient speed advising the Council in a preliminary way as to
whether the proposed improvements are necessary, cost effective, and feasible and as to whether it should best
be made as proposed or in connection with some other improvement, the estimated cost of the improvement as
recommended and a description of the methodology used to calculate individual assessments for affected parcels.