HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-28-2015OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL HELD AT 7:00 PM ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER
28, 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 7:01 pm.
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Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers Nawrocki, Williams and Murzyn Jr.
Absent: Councilmember Schmitt
Also Present: Walt Fehst, City Manager; Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director;
Joe Kloiber, Finance Director; Gary Gorman, Fire Chief; John Larkin; Assistant Fire Chief; Kelli
Bourgeois, Human Resource Director /Assistant to the City Manager; Katie Bruno, Council Secretary
3. INVOCATION
Invocation provided by Pastor Bob Lyndes, Crest View Senior Community
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. Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation
Mayor Peterson read the Proclamation in its entirety.
B. Introduction of Jessica Kemp, Accounting Clerk 11
Finance Director Joe Kloiber introduced Jessica Kemp, explaining she has filled the position
vacated when Nancy Becker transferred to the Administration Department.
C. Introduction of two recently hired Firefighters, Emily Cramble and Zachery Picard
Fire Chief Gary Gorman introduced Emily Cramble and Zachary Picard, both were paid -on -call
firefighters and were hired for two years as fulltime firefighters with funding obtained from a the
SAFER grant.
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 September 14, 2015
City Council Minutes
September 28, 2015
Page 2 of 7
B. Accept Board and Commission Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Move to accept the Park & Recreation Commission Minutes from April 22, 2015
MOTION: Move to accept the Park & Recreation Commission Minutes from May 27, 2015,
MOTION: Move to accept the Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes from June 2, 2015.
C. Authorization to seek bids for 2015 Sanitary Sewer Pipe Lining Project. *Removed for Discussion
D. Adopt Resolution 2015 -68 being a Resolution establishing amount of City Share and amount of
Special Assessments on projects to be levied. *Removed for Discussion
E. Consideration of approval of attached list of rental housing applications.
MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for September
28, 2015, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code.
F. Consideration of Resolution 2015 -69, Regarding the 2015 -2016 Collective Bargaining
Agreement Between the City of Columbia Heights and Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS)
Local No. 311— Police Officers. *Removed for Discussion
G. Approve Gambling Permits, Immaculate Conception Church, Bingo events Nov 15, 2015 and
March 20, 2016
MOTION: Move to direct the City Manager to forward a letter to the State Charitable Gambling
Control Board indicating that the City of Columbia Heights has no objection to a gambling permit for
Immaculate Conception Church to conduct bingo and a raffle at their events being held November
15, 2015 and March 20, 2016 at 4030 Jackson Street NE, Columbia Heights; and furthermore, that
the City of Columbia Heights hereby waives the remainder of the thirty -day notice to the local
governing body.
H. Approve Business License Applications
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for September 28,
2015
I. 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 158292 through 158476 in the amount of
$1,074,480.12.
Councilmember Nawrocki requested items C, D and F be removed for discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Nawrocki, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr, to approve items
A, 8, E, G, Hand t from the Consent Agenda. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
The following items were removed for discussion:
City Council Minutes
September 28, 2015
Page 3 of 7
C. Authorization to seek bids for 2015 Sanitary Sewer Pipe Lining Project
Director of Public Works Kevin Hansen reported that staff has been concentrating on the lining
program in District 3, extending from Reservoir Boulevard to Stinson Boulevard between 37th
Avenue and 49th Avenue. Hansen reported that this process will extend the life of the sanitary
sewer mains.
Motion by Councilmember Nawrocki, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. to authorize staff to
seek bids for the 2015 Sanitary Sewer Pipe Lining project for the pipe segments identified herein. All
Ayes, Motion Carried.
D. Adopt Resolution 2015 -68 being a Resolution establishing amount of City Share and amount of
Special Assessments on projects to be levied
Director of Public Works Kevin Hansen reported that this request is done annually and is consistent
with Minnesota Statutes and City Code. The pricing remains consistent with what was presented at
the Improvement Hearing. Councilmember Nawrocki asked what streets are included in project
1402. Director Hansen reported the following three alley segments are included;
th �h
Van Buren Street to Central Avenue, 39 Avenue to 40 Avenue
Id d
Van Buren Street to Central Avenue, 42 Avenue to 43 Avenue
nd rd
Monroe Street to Quincy Street, 42 Avenue to 43 Avenue
Motion by Councilmember Nawrocki, seconded by Councilmember Williams to waive the reading of
Resolution 2015 -68, there being ample copies available for the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Nawrocki to adopt Resolution
2015 -68 being a resolution establishing amount of City share and amount of special assessments on
projects to be levied. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
F. Consideration of Resolution 2015 -69, Regarding the 2015 -2016 Collective Bargaining Agreement
Between the City of Columbia Heights and Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Local No. 311— Police
Officers.
Councilmember Nawrocki questioned how the contract compares to other unions represented in the City.
City Manager Walt Fehst explained that wages and insurance are consistent with other groups, and that
the contract is within the parameters established by the council.
Councilmember Nawrocki questioned how health insurance costs will be impacted in the future. Kelli
Bourgeois, Human Resources Director /Assistant to the City Manager reported she will be meeting with
our insurance broker this week, and that we will get bids for 2016.
Manager Fehst offered information regarding the change in status of some employees from part -time to
full -time. It was explained that some employees will be decreasing their hours, some will be increasing,
the net effect is expected to equalize.
Motion by Councilmember Nawrocki, seconded by Councilmember Williams to waive the reading of
Resolution 2015 -69, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Williams to adopt Resolution 2015-
69, regarding the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Columbia Heights and the Law
City Couneil Minutes
September 28, 2015
Page 4 of 7
Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Local No. 311 — Police Officers, Effective January 1, 2015 — December
31, 2016. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Consideration of Declaration of a nuisance and abatement of violations within the City of Columbia Heights is
requested regarding the property at 4321 University Avenue Northeast for failure to meet the requirements of
the Residential Maintenance Code.
Councilmember Nawrocki questioned the problem cited. Assistant Fire Chief John Larkin reported the gutter
requires cleaning.
Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. to close the public hearing and to
waive the reading of Resolution Number 2015 -63, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes,
Motion Carried.
Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. to adopt Resolution Number
2015 -63, being resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights declaring the property listed a
nuisance and approving the abatement of violations from the property 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
Report of the City Manager
Councilmember Nawrocki asked for a status update regarding 666 401h Ave NE. Manager Fehst stated he
will look into it and provide an update in the Greensheet.
Manager Fehst announced Park View Villa has been sold effective September 24, 2015, gratitude was
expressed to city staff for their dedicated effort in working with the sale. A celebration with the new
owners (AEON) is scheduled for September 29th from 2:00 -3:30 PM.
11. CITIZENS FORUM
12. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Peterson announced John Larkin will be indicted into the Columbia Heights High School Hall of
Fame this weekend, and reminded everyone 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 adjourn d at 7:38 p.m.
4� 0 U__
Respectively Submitted
Katie Bruno, City Clerk /Council Secretary
City Council Minutes
September 28, 2015
Page 5 of 7
RESOLUTION 2015 -63
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 Elizabeth Mekonnen (Hereinafter "Owner of Record ").
Whereas, the owner of record is the legal owner of the real property located at 4321 University Avenue 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 July 22, 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 July 13, 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 August 20, 2015, 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 September 16, 2015, 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 clean out gutters.
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 4321 University 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 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.
City Council Minutes
September 28, 2015
Page 6 of 7
ORDER OF COUNCIL
1. The property located at 4321 University Avenue 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 -68
A resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota,
th
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights by motion on the 10 day of August, 2015,
ordered a special assessment hearing to levy the cost of improvements and;
WHEREAS, the following projects will be specially assessed in October, 2015, and a portion of the costs
may be borne by the City,
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
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 429.061 and City Code 4.103, that the breakdown is as follows:
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes
ESTIMATED
ASSESSED
ESTIMATED TOTAL
429.061 and City Code 4.103, that the
CITY PORTION
PORTION
breakdown is as follows: PROJECT
2015 Concrete Alley Construction,
$134,930
$266,190
$401,120
Project 1402
2015 Concrete Alley Construction,
$270,270
- --
$270,270
Project 1402
State Aid, General, Capital, and Utility
Funds
2015 Street Rehabilitation — Zone 1,
$153,720
$412,600
$566,320
Project 1502
2015 Street Rehabilitation — Zone 1,
$ 28,000
- --
$ 28,000
Project 1502
State Aid, General, Capital, and Utility
Funds
2015 State Aid Overlays, Project 1505
$ 21,810
$107,840
$129,650
2015 State Aid Overlays, Project 1505
$142,840
- --
$142,840
State Aid, General, Capital, and Utility
Funds
City Council Minutes
September 28, 2015
Page 7 of 7
RESOLUTION 2015 -69
A resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, approving a collective
bargaining agreement and memorandum of understanding between the City of Columbia Heights and
Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Local No. 311— Police Officers
Whereas, negotiations have proceeded between Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. (LELS), Local No.
311, representing Police Officers of the City, and members of the City's negotiation team; and
Whereas, said negotiations have resulted in a mutually acceptable collective bargaining agreement for
calendar years 2015 and 2016, and a memorandum of understanding that does not expire; and
Whereas, changes to the current agreement and the memorandum of understanding are hereby attached
as Exhibit A, and a copy of said collective bargaining agreement and memorandum of understanding is
available for inspection at the Office of the City Manager and is made a part hereof by reference.
Now therefore, be it resolved that the collective bargaining agreement as negotiated, be and is hereby
established as the salary and fringe benefit program for calendar years 2015 and 2016 for LELS, Local No.
311— Police Officers, bargaining unit employees of the City; and
Be it further resolved that the Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized to execute this collective
bargaining agreement and memorandum of understanding.