HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-08-2016CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 1 ,
The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 PM on Monday
February 8, 2016 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 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, Kevin Hansen; Public Works Director,
Renee Dougherty; Library Director, Liz Bray; Recreation Program Director and Katie Bruno; City
Clerk /Council Secretary
3. INVOCATION
Invocation provided by Bob Lyndes, Crest View Senior Community
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
S. 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.)
Councilmember Nawrocki announced the recent passing of John Stopka, who served as Mayor in the
1950's. Mayor Stopka was at the time, the youngest Mayor in the United States, 22 years old.
Councilmember Nawrocki also announced Jean Guzy, wife of Bob Guzy recently passed away. The Guzy's
were both very active in the community.
Mayor Peterson congratulated Principal Jane Bona, Immaculate Conception School, who was recently
named the "Catholic School Principal of the Year."
6. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS
1. Introduction of winners from the 10th Annual Sister City Young Artist Showcase.
First Place: Nathan Smoka "Unity ", Runners Up: Mona Reddad "Reliance" and Sherouk Mohamed "Peace
Through Touch." Dolores Strand, representing Sister Cities gave an announcement during Citizens Forum.
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 January 25, 2016
B. Accept Board and Commission Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Accept Traffic Commission minutes from January 4, 2016.
MOTION: Accept Unapproved Traffic Commission minutes from February 1, 2016.
MOTION: Accept Library Board minutes from January 6, 2016.
C. Resolution 2016 -16 Approving Plans And Specifications And Ordering Advertisement For Bids For
45th Avenue Improvements. Manger Fehst noted this was approved at the February 1, 2016 Public
Hearing.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2016 -16 there being ample copies available to the
public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2016 -16 approving Plans and Specifications and ordering
Advertisement for Bids for 45th Avenue Improvements, City Project 1607.
D. Resolution 2016 -17 Approving Plans And Specifications And Ordering Advertisement For Bids For Seal
Coat Improvements. Manger Fehst noted this was approved at the February 1, 2016 Public Hearing,
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2016 -17, there being ample copies available to the
public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2016 -17 approving Plans and Specifications and ordering
Advertisement for Bids for Seal Coat Improvements, City Project 1501.
E. Resolution 2016 -18 Approving Plans And Specifications And Ordering Advertisement For Bids For
Central Avenue Median Reconstruction At Library
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2016 -18, there being ample copies available to the
public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2016 -18 approving Plans and Specifications and ordering
Advertisement for Bids for Central Avenue Median Reconstruction, City Project 1410.
F. Remove The "No Parking Saturday 4 Pm To 6 Pm" And "No Parking Sunday 6 Am To Noon"
Designations On The East Side Of Jackson Street. Manger Fehst noted the Traffic Commission considered
this request at their February meeting.
MOTION: Move to remove the "No Parking Saturday 4 PM to 6 PM" and "No Parking Sunday 6 AM to
Noon" designations on the east side of Jackson Street from 41st Avenue to approximately 230' south of
41st Avenue.
C. Consideration of Radio Frequency Identification Implementation.
Manger Fehst noted this is subject to the Library Foundation granting the money to the City to purchase
the necessary equipment.
Councilmember Schmitt questioned how long the process will take. Renee Dougherty; Library Director
reported she anticipates working on the project the entire month of March. The library has about 75,000
items to tag. Councilmember Schmitt asked if volunteers are needed. Dougherty stated volunteers are
welcome.
Councilmember Nawrocki questioned if the grant from the Library Foundation is a single dotation, or on-
going. Dougherty responded that the $63,000 is to cover the costs of three self -check stations, security
gates, staff equipment and all of the tags for materials. A three year service contract is also included. The
service contract will cost approximately $5,000 annually.
MOTION: Move to award a contract for purchase and installation of security gates, staff workstations, self -
check stations, RFID tags for books and media discs, one month rental of a conversion station, and a 3 -year
maintenance contract on the system to Bibliotheca (formerly 3M Library Systems) for a base cost of
$63,509 contingent upon receiving a grant from the Columbia Heights Foundation Library Foundation for
the entire cost of the project ; and furthermore to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a
contract for the same.
H. Consideration of the Minnesota Court Data Services Master Subscriber Agreement. Manger Fehst
noted this system has been enacted by Anoka County, there is no cost to Columbia Heights.
Councilmember Schmitt asked who will be authorized to access the information. City Attorney Jim Hoeft
stated he would have access in addition to his para- legal.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2016 -19, there being ample copies available to the
public
MOTION: Approve Resolution 2016 -19 and authorize the City Manager to sign the Master Subscriber
Agreement between the City of Columbia Heights and the Minnesota Court Data Services Division for the
purposes of the City Attorney being able to access court records.
1. Approve Business License Applications
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for February 8, 2016.
J. 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 159949 through 160100 in the amount of $ 811,686.89.
Motion by Councilmember Nawrocki, seconded by Councilmember Schmitt to approve the Consent Agenda
as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
9. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Manager
City Manager Fehst reported there are currently vacancies on the Planning & Zoning Commission and the
Traffic Commission, two applications have been received. Councilmember Nawrocki suggested advertising
the vacancies in the upcoming City Newsletter, Councilmember Schmitt reported she thinks Eric Penniston
would be a good addition to the Planning & Zoning commission. Schmitt also reported she has talked to the
Traffic Commission regarding their vacancy, and they think Adam Schill would be a good addition.
Mayor Peterson asked if the council would like to interview the applicants, at their February 22nd meeting.
Councilmember Nawrocki suggested letting the public know the application process. City Manager Fehst
announced interested applicants should contact the City Clerk.
Councilmember Nawrocki asked for an update regarding doing business with Financial One Credit Union.
City Manager Fehst indicated he hasn't an update at this time, noting he Finance Director is looking into it.
Report of the City Attorney
Mr. Hoeft reported the City was recently sued for violations pertaining to the rental license program. We
were recently informed The Federal Judge granted summary judgment in favor of the City on all counts.
Hoeft reported the City has spent a lot of time and effort with the Rental License Program, and it is
something to be proud of.
11. CITIZENS FORUM
Dolores Strand —1145 Polk Place reported that the recent Sister Cities Showcase for Young Artist was held
January 26th, 45 pieces of art were showcased. The three winners were announced, and their artwork was
displayed for the council.
Pat Sowada — 4990 Johnson Street reported she works with the elementary students for a greeting card
exchange with students in Lomianke.
Diane Mayer- 4821 2nd Street expressed concern with the property at 40th and University, reporting that
seven cars have been parked for a long period of time, and snow has not been cleared from the sidewalk.
Councilmember Nawrocki stated the Building Department has reported the property owners have been
making some progress, noting it appears to be slow progress.
City Manager Walt Fehst commented that as long as work continues, there are no violations. Mayor
Peterson stated he will ask the Police and Community Development Departments look into it.
City Manager Walt Fehst stated he will have an update included in the upcoming Greensheet.
Public Works Director Kevin Hansen reported the library project is on schedule for a May 30th completion.
Councilmember Nawrocki noted it will be important to coincide the closing of the current library with the
opening of the new library.
Mayor Peterson reported the Fire and Ice Plunge was once again a huge success, likely raising more money
than past events.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Peterson reminded us to remember our service men and women, and our police officers and fire
fighters, and to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
I
Respectively Submitted,
Katie Bruno, Council Secretary /City Clerk
2016 -16
A resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota,
Whereas, on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights, the City of Fridley has prepared plans and specifications for
2016 Street Resurfacing project including 45t'Avenue from Main Street to the dead end at University Avenue;
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. Such plans and specifications identified as City of Fridley 2016 Street Resurfacing (Columbia Heights Project
Number 1607) are hereby approved.
2. The City of Fridley shall prepare and cause to be inserted in their official paper and in a trade journal an
advertisement for bids upon the making of such improvement under such approved plans and specifications.
The advertisement shall be published a minimum of three weeks prior to the bid opening, shall specify the
work to be done, shall state that bids will be received by representatives of the City Councils of Fridley and
Columbia Heights until such date and time indicated in the advertisement for bids, at which time they will be
publicly opened at the place designated, will then be tabulated and will be considered by the Columbia Heights
City Council on Monday, March 28, 2016 in the Council Chambers. Any bidder whose responsibility is
questioned during consideration of the bid will be given an opportunity to address the council on the issue of
responsibility. No bids will be considered unless sealed and filed with the clerk and accompanied by a cash
deposit, bid bond, or certified check payable to the City of Columbia Heights for 5 percent of the amount of
such bid.
2016 -17
A resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota,
Whereas, on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights, the City of Coon Rapids has prepared plans and specifications
for 2016 Street Maintenance Program including Seal Coat Improvements for Zone 7B streets bounded by
California /Main Street on the west, University Avenue on the east, 37"Avenue on the south and 45thAvenue on the
north;
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. Such plans and specifications identified as City of Coon Rapids 2016 Street Maintenance Program (Columbia
Heights Project Number 1501) are hereby approved.
2. The City of Coon Rapids shall prepare and cause to be inserted in their official paper and in a trade journal an
advertisement for bids upon the making of such improvement under such approved plans and specifications.
The advertisement shall be published a minimum of three weeks prior to the bid opening, shall specify the
work to be done, shall state that bids will be received by representatives of the City Councils of Coon Rapids
and Columbia Heights until 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 11, 2016, at which time they will be publicly opened at
the place designated, will then be tabulated and will be considered by the Columbia Heights Council on
Monday, March 28, 2016 in the Council Chamber. Any bidder whose responsibility is questioned during
consideration of the bid will be given an opportunity to address the council on the issue of responsibility. No
bids will be considered unless sealed and filed with the clerk and accompanied by a cash deposit, bid bond, or
certified check payable to the City of Columbia Heights for 5 percent of the amount of such bid.
2016 -18
A resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota,
Whereas, the City Engineer has prepared plans and specifications for Central Avenue Median Reconstruction, City
Project 1410 for the following:
Now, therefore, in accordance with the foregoing, and all ordinances and regulations of the City of Columbia
-leights, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights makes the following:
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. Such plans and specifications identified as Central Avenue Median Reconstruction, City Project 1410, are
hereby approved.
2. The City Clerk shall prepare and cause to be inserted in the official paper and in a trade journal an
advertisement for bids upon the making of such improvement under such approved plans and specifications.
The advertisement shall be published a minimum of ten days prior to the bid opening, shall specify the work to
be done, shall state that bids will be received by representatives of the City Council of Columbia Heights until
10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at which time they will be publicly opened at the place designated, will
then be tabulated and will be considered by the City Council on Monday, March 28, 2016 in the Council
Chambers. Any bidder whose responsibility is questioned during consideration of the bid will be given an
opportunity to address the council on the issue of responsibility. No bids will be considered unless sealed and
filed with the clerk and accompanied by a cash deposit, bid bond, or certified check payable to the City of
Columbia Heights for S percent of the amount of such bid.
2016 -19
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF MASTER SUBSCRIBER
AGREEMENT FOR MINNESOTA COURT DATA SERVICES FOR GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES
WHEREAS, Anoka County, Minnesota Criminal /Traffic Court is converting to paperless court files and it
is necessary for municipal prosecutors to access electronic filings through the "Fast Access" for the purpose of
accessing court records and court documents at the court facility and detention area, as designated by County
Court Administrator, in cases scheduled on the first appearance, bail hearing, and arraignment calendars
where prosecutors and defense attorneys typically do not have a case file and need access to the documents
filed with the court; and
WHEREAS, access to the necessary court records and filings is through and authorized by the State of
Minnesota Office of State Court Administration; and
WHEREAS, in order to obtain access to the court records it is necessary to execute a Master Subscriber
Agreement for Minnesota Court Data Services for governmental agencies.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS,
MINNESOTA:
1. That the City Council hereby approves the aforesaid Master Subscriber Agreement for the City Attorney's
Office and hereby authorizes execution of the same by the City Manager.
2. That the City Council hereby determines that the Paralegal in the City Attorney's Office shall serve as the
Agency Account Manager on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights.