Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-27-2016OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 27, 2016 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 PM on Monday June 13, 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 7:03 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers Nawrocki, Williams, Schmitt and Murzyn, Jr. Also Present: Walt Fehst; City Manager, Jim Hoeft; City Attorney, Kelli Bourgeois; Human Resource Director /Assistant to the City Manager; John Larkin; Assistant Fire Chief, Joe Kloiber; Finance Director, Elizabeth Holmbeck; City Planner and Katie Bruno; City Clerk /Council Secretary 3. INVOCATION Invocation provided by Bob Lyndes, Crest View Senior Communities 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.) Mayor Peterson announced item 8A is being removed; the property was brought into compliance. 6. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Presentation of All America City Award City Manager Walt Fehst reported that 38 -39 delegates attended the event in Denver, CO June 16 -20, 2016. Fehst reported all twenty cities nominated made informative presentations. The City's financial obligation for the trip is approximately $7,900 for the roundtrip bus service, and $2,300 in registration fees for the delegation. Copies of the application were distributed to the council for review. The following representatives from the delegation were present and spoke highly of the experience; Gary Peterson, Walt Fehst, Kelli Bourgeois, Scott Nadeau, John Larkin, Liz Bray, Dave Larson; Columbia Heights Resident, Degha Shabbeleh; Columbia Heights Resident, Dawn Hoium; Columbia Heights School District, John Kulick; High School Principal, Kristen Stuenkel; Columbia Heights School District, Kim Berling; Columbia Heights School District, Victoria Campoverde; Columbia Heights Royalty, Justin Larkin; Columbia Heights High School Student. The general consensus was that it was a very positive experience for everyone involved, and they intend to continue their efforts. Sal Di Leo congratulated the City. Frost Simula asked the council if they have any planned initiatives resulting from the conference. City Manager Walt Fehst noted the group will get together and review the summaries from the conference. Police Chief Scott Nadeau stated he participated in a variety of discussions including racism discussions, implicit bias, and school attendance. Other ideas included mobile health centers. Connie Buesgens congratulated the City Council and suggested the City create a program to build stronger communities, and suggested sharing the findings from the conference with the public. Mayor Peterson invited the community to find a group to volunteer with, noting it is very rewarding. Councilmember Schmitt encouraged discussions to continue in the community, noting National Night Out would be a good opportunity for residents to have conversations with City Leaders. 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 June 13, 2016 B. Resolution designating Election Judges for the 2016 Primary and General Elections Councilmember Nawrocki questioned how the number of judges compares with the 2014 Election. City Clerk, Katie Bruno explained the number of judges is close to the number in the previous election cycle, noting some judges are working shorter shifts on Election Day. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2016 -59, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution No. 2016 -59, being a resolution designating election judges and salaries for the 2016 Primary and General Elections. C. Approval of Rental Housing Applications MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for June 27, 2016, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. D. Approve Business License Applications MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for June 27, 2016 E. 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 161645 through 161856 in the amount of $ 841,968.93. Motion by Councilmember Nawrocki, seconded by Councilmember Williams to approve the consent agenda. All Ayes, Motion Carried. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Revocation of the license to operate a rental unit within the City of Columbia Heights is requested against rental properties at 4515 Fillmore Street NE (Resolution No. 2016 -55) for failure to meet the requirements of the Property Maintenance Codes. (Removed, property owner has made required corrections.) B. Adopt Resolution for Emergency Abatement for property at 4237 Quincy St NE. John Larkin, Assistant Fire Chief explained the property was uninhabitable, as the entrance could not be secured. Motion by Councilmember Nawrocki, seconded by Councilmember Williams to dose the public hearing and to waive the reading of Resolution Number 2016 -49, being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried. Motion by Councilmember Nawrocki, seconded by Councilmember Williams to Adopt Resolution Number 2016- 49, being declarations of nuisance and emergency abatement of violations within the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights regarding property 4237 Quincy Street N.E. All Ayes, Motion Carried. 9. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions a. Second Reading of Ordinance 1631, Conveyance of Certain Real Property to the EDA Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1631, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. to adopt Ordinance No. 1631, being an ordinance authorizing the conveyance of certain real property located at 4011 5th Street. All Ayes, Motion Carried. b. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1629 amending Chapter 10, Sections 95, 96, 98 & 99 of the City's Charter Pertaining to Franchises; and Ordinance No. 1630 amending Chapter 4, Section 28a pertaining to Candidate Filing Fees City Attorney James Hoeft explained the Charter Commission has been reviewing the Charter, looking for language that may be outdated, or no longer applicable. The franchise Attorney, Mike Bradley met with the Charter Commission and discussed the proposed amendments. Motion by Councilmember Nawrocki, seconded by Councilmember Williams to waive the reading of the Ordinance No. 1629, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried. Motion by Councilmember Nawrocki, seconded by Councilmember Williams to schedule the second reading of Ordinance No.1629, being an ordinance amending Chapter 10, Sections 95, 96, 98 & 99 of the City's Charter pertaining to Franchises for July 11, at approximately 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. All Ayes, Motion Carried. City Attorney James Hoeft reported that filing fees have not been changed since early in the 1980's. The Charter Commission has discussed options, and agreed that an inflationary index adjustment would be appropriate. Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Nawrocki to waive the reading of the Ordinance No. 1630, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried. Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. schedule the second reading of Ordinance No. 1630, being an ordinance amending Chapter 4, Section 28a pertaining to Candidate Filing Fees for July 11, at approximately 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. All Ayes, Motion Carried. B. Bid Considerations C. New Business and Reports Presentation By David Mol Of Redpath and Company, the City's Independent Auditors, on the highlights of the City's 2015 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Presentation only, no action requested. Finance Director Joe Kloiber reported the full CAFR is available on the City's website. David Mol, Redpath and Company gave an overview of the 2015 Audit Review. The following five reports were shared with the Council; 1. Opinion on the Fair Presentation of the Financial Statements. A "Clean Opinion" was given for 2015. 2. Report on Internal Controls. No items were noted for 2015. 3. Report on Minnesota Legal Compliance. No items of noncompliance noted. 4. Report on Financial Data Schedule. No items of noncompliance noted. 5. Communication to Those charged with Governance. The following change was made to the City's accounting policy; the City's proportionate share of PERA's net pension liability is now reported in the financial statements. Director Kloiber reported he will be talking more about the change in future budget discussions with the council. Mayor Peterson asked why the change was made. Kloiber explained the change was instituted by the Government Accounting Standards Boards, a National Body. Mol reported the ending fund balance was $29,646.00 (December 31, 2015). A slight decrease in Liquor Operations occurred from 2014 -2015. Councilmember Nawrocki questioned if the net profit accounts for debt service. Mr. Mol reported income from operations was $511,000, of that; $384,000 was needed for debt service. Councilmember Schmitt questioned if bonding rates are expected to decrease. Kloiber stated that is unknown at this time. Kloiber noted the debt on the liquor operation is available for refinance in February, 2017. Kloiber indicated other options include using fund balance transfers for the Public Safety Bonds in 2018. Councilmember Nawrocki noted he would prefer to get the CAFR Report prior to the presentation. Councilmember Schmitt questioned if Park View Villa will be included in the city's budget. Kloiber stated it will not be in the budget, although there may be some remaining transactions in the future. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS City Manager Walt Fehst encouraged the sharing of ideas for community involvement at the upcoming National Night Out events. Councilmember Nawrocki requested the draft version of the newsletter be given to council for review when available. Councilmember Nawrocki discussed options for the James LaBelle memorial, suggesting a joint project between the City and the School District. Mayor Peterson reported the School District is doing a project at the school, and the City's project is at LaBelle Park. Councilmember Nawrocki asked for a report on the Jamboree carnival. City Manager Fehst indicated the Police Chief informed him that there were several incidences on Friday night, including fighting. Saturday night was less eventful. The City will continue to work who the Lions towards a solution. Overtime costs were estimated to be $9,000 for the parade and carnival. City Manager Walt Fehst reported that 1800 people attended the Library Grand Opening on June 24tH Gratitude was expressed to Public Works Director Kevin Hansen, Library Staff, and the Library Design Task Force. Councilmember Nawrocki suggested a wheelchair be available for use, as the distance from one end of the building of the other is long. Councilmember Nawrocki stated a resident was upset because a proposed public works project on Jefferson St. was not completed when anticipated. Nawrocki suggested we do a better job informing the public of projects, and adhering to the schedule. 11. CITIZENS FORUM Malcom Watson -1717 49th Ave NE Congratulated the City on the new Library, and thanking Director Kevin Hansen for his constant attention to the construction project. 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 adj�yrned at 9:10 p.m. Respectively Submitted, Katie Bruno, Council Secretary /City Clerk 2016 -49 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 Ben Jacobson (Hereinafter "Owner of Record "). Whereas, the owner of record is the legal owner of the real property located at 4237 Quincy Street 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 June 14, 2016 the Fire Department responded to a complaint at the address listed above. Inspectors noted that the structure was open and unsecured. 2. That on June 14, 2016 the Fire Chief ordered that Advance Companies secure the vacant structure. 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 4237 Quincy Street N.E. CONCLUSIONS OF COUNCIL 1. That the property located at 4237 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 the emergency abatement of the hazardous situation located at 4237 Quincy Street N.E. is hereby approved. ORDER OF COUNCIL 1. The property located at 4237 Quincy Street N.E. constitutes a nuisance pursuant to City Code. 2016 -59 BEING A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING ELECTION JUDGE SALARIES AND ELECTION JUDGES FOR THE 2016 PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTION WHEREAS: There are scheduled elections in the City of Columbia Heights and the State of Minnesota; and WHEREAS: Pursuant to City Charter, Section 30, and M.S.S. 204A, the Council shall appoint the following qualified voters to be judges for the 2016 Primary and General Election. Columbia Heights P -1 Robert Petty, Head Judge Lee Bak, Assistant Head Judge Samira Adam, Election Judge Darlene Bielejeski, Election Judge Gene Forseide, Election Judge Kathy Fossum, Election Judge Veronica Johnson, Election Judge Charles Kewatt, Election Judge Joyce Shellito, Election Judge Dolores Strand, Election Judge Columbia Heights P -2 JoAnn Kewatt, Head Judge Marilyn Vaughan, Assistant Head Judge Ann Carder, Election Judge Dianne Cummings, Election Judge Mark Emme, Election Judge Bev Holub, Election Judge Melanie Mammen, Election Judge Robert Peltier, Election Judge Patricia Powell, Election Judge Joe Schluender, Election Judge Clifford Shedlov, Election Judge Dennis Stroik, Election Judge Columbia Heights P -3 Dan Steiskal, Head Judge Marna Gomez, Assistant Head Judge Dwaine Anderson, Election Judge Dolores Fowler, Election Judge John Logacz, Election Judge Sherri Macko, Election Judge Barbara Miller, Election Judge David Sims, Election Judge Catherine Vesley, Election Judge Columbia Heights P -4 Gretchen Gallagher- Weinstein, Head Judge Joel Andrychowicz, Assistant Head Judge Stephanie Avalos, Election Judge Shirley Browning, Election Judge Soundra Burgoyne, Election Judge Naly Chang, Election Judge Namgyal Dorjee, Election Judge Shirley Hartley, Election Judge Kathleen Johnson, Election Judge Marsha Stroik, Election Judge Columbia Heights P -5 Clara Schmidt, Head Judge Latresia Thompson, Assistant Head Judge Marjorie Dow, Election Judge Debra Grisco, Election Judge Joan Kinde, Election Judge Kent Lee, Election Judge Lorrie Nalezny, Election Judge Rheta Nelson, Election Judge Marjorie Scott, Election Judge Sharon Shedlov, Election Judge Columbia Heights P -6 Michelle Ferreira, Head Judge Michael McGee, Assistant Head Judge Kevin Doty, Election Judge Tom Greenhalgh, Election Judge John Hanson IV, Election Judge Diana McDonald, Election Judge Mary Meier, Election Judge Deborah Osgood, Election Judge Bruce Shellito, Election Judge Doris Sunheim, Election Judge Sophia Walker, Election Judge Columbia Heights P -7 Kathryn Morales, Head Judge Linda Cichomski, Assistant Head Judge Janet Belstler, Election Judge Fatuma Elmi, Election Judge Carol Felland, Election Judge Barbara Nundahl, Election Judge Grace Osterbauer, Election Judge Renee Sawyer, Election Judge Michele Schluender, Election Judge John Vachuska, Election Judge Columbia Heights P -8 Teresa Carson, Head Judge Susan Betzold, Assistant Head Judge Laurel Best, Election Judge Mary Dowdle, Election Judge Steve Emme, Election Judge Carol Geier, Election Judge Mary Ann O'Brien, Election Judge NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does appoint the afore mentioned as election judges, by precinct, for the Primary Election on August 9, 2016 and the General Election on November 8, 2016 with an hourly compensation of $11.00 for Head Judge, $10.75 for Assistant Head Judge, $10.50 for an Election Judge and $6.75 for student judges. The City Clerk may designate additional and /or emergency judges, as necessary. Ordinance 1629 SECTION 1: Chapter 10, Sections 95, 96, 98 and 99 of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights is amended as follows: Section 95. PUBLICATION OF FRANCHISES. Every ordinance granting or extending any franchise shall contain all the terms and conditions of the franchise. A franchise shall be without any validity whatever until it has been accepted by the grantee, and until it has been given adequate publicity, either by publication of the fraRehise YeFbatim a summary franchise ordinance in the official paper of the City at least eRee a week for 4)4F two successive weeks publications after its passages, e+ and by toe posting of authentic cepies 9 the summary ordinance in City Hall and the City Library for a period of thirty days after its passage. Section 96. TERM OF FRANCHISES LIMITED. No perpetual franchise shall ever be granted, nor shall any franchise be granted for a longerterm than twenty five fifteen years. Section 98. IREET-11-1.1 -1 - ­_ "1.- -11, ­­­ 1I.1 corperatieRs, Go paFtRerships, and perseRs exeF i i _ 4aneNses in the city of Columbia Heights, shall give eeuFteeus, efficieRt and adequate serviee at FeaseRable s Section 99. SECTION 2: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. Ordinance 1630 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 4, SECTION 28a OF THE CITY CHARTER OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PERTAINING TO CANDIDATE FILING FEES The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: SECTION 1: Chapter 4, Section 28a of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights is amended as follows: Section 28a. THE PRIMARY ELECTION. A primary municipal election shall be held on the date established by Minnesota State Law of any year in which a municipal general election is to be held for the purpose of electing officers, at the same place or places as general elections are held and like officers shall preside at such elections. The purpose of such primary election shall be to select candidates to be voted for at the general municipal election. The candidates for nomination to each office who shall receive the greatest number of votes in such primary election shall be placed upon the ballot of the next general election in numbers not to exceed double the number of vacancies to be filled, and no other name shall be placed upon the ballot for such general election than the candidates selected at said primary election. When not more than twice the number of individuals to be elected to a municipal office file for nomination to any municipal office, no primary shall be held, and the names of those having filed shall be placed on the municipal general election ballot as the nominee for that office. Any person desiring to become a candidate for an elective office in the general municipal election shall file with the city clerk at least fifty -six days prior to but not more than seventy days prior to said primary municipal election an affidavit of such candidacy as set forth in Minnesota Statutes 2046.06, subd. 1, and shall pay to the City Clerk the sum of dive Fifteen Dollars for which the City Clerk shall give a receipt expressing the purpose of the payment. Such City Clerk shall forthwith pay all fees so received to the City Treasurer. Upon compliance with the provisions of this section the City Clerk shall place such name upon the primary election ballot as a candidate for the office named. At least fifteen days notice shall be given by the City Clerk of the time and place of holding such primary election and of the officers to be nominated, by posting a notice thereof in at least three of the most public places in each election district in the city or by publication of a notice thereof at least once in the official newspaper, or both, as the City Council may ordain, but failure to give such notice shall not invalidate such election. (Ordinance No. 1300, passed April 10, 1995) (Ordinance No. 1596, passed on May 9, 2011) Ordinance 1631 BEING AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY BY THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TO THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LOCATED AT 40115th STREET. The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: SECTION 1: The City of Columbia Heights, a Minnesota municipal corporation, may convey unto the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority, the real property described as follows, to wit: 40115th Street: Lot 18, Block 52, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, Anoka County, Minnesota SECTION 2: The Mayor and the City Manager are herewith authorized to execute a deed to effectuate the conveyance of said real property.