HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08-2016OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 8, 2016
The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 PM on Monday August 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.
A. Appoint Secretary Pro Tem
Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Nawrocki to appoint Nancy Becker as
Council Secretary Pro Tem. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers Nawrocki, Williams, Schmitt and Murzyn, Jr.
Also Present: Walt Fehst, City Manager; Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Scott Nadeau, Police Chief; Joseph Kloiber,
Finance Director; Elizabeth Holmbeck, Planner; and Nancy Becker, Council Secretary Pro Tem.
3. INVOCATION
Invocation provided by Dan Thompson, Heights Church
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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. Mayor Peterson introduced Sarah Burghardt, the new Sun Focus Reporter for the City of Columbia Heights.
B. Sal Di Leo commented on the great accomplishment of Columbia Heights being awarded the All- America
City Award and the positive attention that has been focused on our community because of it. He invited the
Council and the public to attend the third annual City of Peace Awards event which will be held at Murzyn Hall
on September 11, 2016, the fifteenth anniversary of the attacks on the United States. In response to those
attacks, the City of Peace movement was started by citizens and led by Mayor Peterson with the mission of
regaining the peace the City had enjoyed prior to September 11, 2001, and to empower all people within the
City, recognizing them as individuals, not categories.
C. Councilmember Schmitt requested the addition of a report of a meeting that she attended at the Mississippi
Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) on August 4, 2016. It was part of a Planning Seminar
cosponsored by Barr Engineering.
Donna Schmitt reported on the meeting she attended at MWMO regarding stormwater infrastructure. Key
points were: the importance of volunteers in managing stormwater runoff, the incorporation of faith
communities, and the advantages of narrowing streets. She stated that it was a great learning experience and
MWMO offers many opportunities to the public to learn about a variety of interesting topics.
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 25, 2016
B. Accept Board and Commission Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Move to accept the minutes of the EDA meeting of June 6, 2016
MOTION: Move to accept the minutes of the EDA Special meeting June 13, 2016
MOTION: Move to accept the minutes of the EDA meeting of July 21, 2016
MOTION: Move to accept the minutes of the HRA meeting of March 14, 2016
C. City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota Resolution 2016 -65, Accepting a contribution from the Columbia
Heights Activity Fund in the amount of $17,373 and amending the 2016 Budget for the City's
Contributions Fund 883 for the same amount.
Councilmember Nawrocki asked the City Manager what impact this has on the budget. City Manager Walt
Fehst responded that the budget revenue will be increased and that this action simply itemizes, recognizes,
and accepts the revenue.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2016 -65, there being ample copies available to the
public.
MOTION: Move to adopt City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, Resolution 2016 -65, being a resolution
accepting a contribution of $17,373 from the Columbia Heights Activity Fund, and amending the 2016
budget for the City's Contributions Fund 883 for the same amount.
D. Resolution 2016 -66 Awarding the Purchase of a Police Vehicle and Radio, and Amending the Related
2016 Budgets. *Removed for Discussion
E. An Ordinance opting out of the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Section 462.3593.
*Removed for Discussion
F. Approve Business License Applications
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for August 8, 2016.
G. Payment of Bills
Councilmember Nawrocki said he had asked previously for a breakdown of revenues and expenditures for
the new library building, beyond what had come out of the bond issue. Finance Director Joseph Kloiber
responded that we had provided initial numbers for his previous inquiry, and will now furnish the updated
numbers.
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 162225 through 162407 in the amount of $ 1,611,981.83.
Councilmember Schmitt requested items D and E be removed for discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Murzyn Jr., seconded by Councilmember Nawrocki to approve the consent
agenda items A, 8, C, F, and G. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
The following items were removed for discussion:
D. Resolution 2016 -66 Awarding the Purchase of a Police Vehicle and Radio, and Amending the Related
2016 Budgets.
Police Chief Scott Nadeau explained that there was an accident involving a 2013 marked police vehicle in the
Columbia Academy parking lot in June, 2016. The League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT)
determined that the vehicle was totaled. The cash value of the vehicle was less than the cost of a
replacement vehicle, so this budget amendment covers the difference between the amount paid out by
LMCIT and the cost of the new vehicle. In addition, this is an opportunity to purchase a new squad car radio.
In 2018 the current radio will become obsolete and would need to be replaced at additional cost, so it is
preferable to install the new encrypted signal style radio in the replacement vehicle now. Councilmember
Nawrocki asked which driver was responsible for the accident and whether the other driver's insurance
would cover the damages. Chief Nadeau stated the accident was considered primarily the other driver's fault,
but with no -fault insurance your own insurer typically covers your damages and then may attempt to recover
costs from the other insurance company.
Motion by Councilmember Murzyn Jr., seconded by Councilmember Nawrocki to waive the reading of
Resolution 2016 -66, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
Motion by Councilmember Murzyn Jr., seconded by Councilmember Nawrocki to adopt City of Columbia
Heights, Minnesota, Resolution 2016 -66, being a resolution awarding the purchase of a police vehicle to Ford
of Hibbing in the amount of $24,178, the purchase of a police radio through Anoka County in the amount of
$4,550, and amending the 2016 budgets of the Insurance Fund 884 and the Capital Equipment Fund 431 to
appropriate these amounts. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
E. An Ordinance opting out of the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Section 462.3593.
At Councilmember Schmitt's request, Planner Elizabeth Holmbeck gave an overview of the requirements
of Minnesota Statutes, Section 462.3593 as well as the opt out provision which is available to the City.
She stated that if the City would like to expand housing to include accessory structures, the
recommended procedure is to opt out of this requirement now and adopt an Ordinance later that would
better suit our City. Councilmember Schmitt commented that she thinks this is a unique idea, but she has
concerns given the small lot sizes throughout much of Columbia Heights. She stated that she thinks it is a
good idea to opt out at this point, but bring it back later in a different version.
Eric Mosman, 3906 3rd Street, stated that as he reads the statute, the City does not have the right to opt
out of this requirement. He believes that only the county can opt out and this is an emergency measure
because it is a health issue and it should not be delayed. City Attorney Jim Hoeft responded that the City
does indeed have the authority to opt out. This is a state enacted provision and each city needs to
evaluate it for their community and consider how it works with their current zoning.
Motion by Councilmember Nawrocki, seconded by Councilmember Schmitt to waive the reading of Ordinance
No 1632, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
Motion by Councilmember Nawrocki, seconded by Councilmember Schmitt to approve Ordinance No 1632,
being an Ordinance opting out of the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Section 462.3593, on first
consideration. The second consideration will take place on August 22nd, 2016 at approximately 7 :00pm in the
Council Chambers of Columbia Heights City Hall. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions
B. Bid Considerations
C. New Business and Reports
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Councilmember Nawrocki asked for clarification about a Greensheet item from the Community Development
Department about "Open to Business, 1St and 2 "d Quarter Results." Elizabeth Holmbeck replied that Open to
Business is a free service offered by the Consortium of Community Developers through Anoka County for
business owners or those who are interested in starting a business. A representative has office hours at City
Hall once per month.
City Manager Walt Fehst reported that he met with the School District Superintendent, Mayor, Police Chief,
and several members of the school administration to discuss the plans which are being made for honoring
Medal of Honor recipients this fall. The School District is preparing for many activities, one of which will be
rededicating a flagpole on October 6th. The City also has a flagpole which will be rebuilt in the next week or two
and will be moved closer to the water at LaBelle Park (James LaBelle from Columbia Heights, was a Medal of
Honor recipient). We would like to rededicate our flagpole within a day or two of the School District's
rededication ceremony and will see if we can get a Medal of Honor winner to come and participate, since there
are many coming to Minneapolis for the Congressional Medal of Honor Convention, on October 4 -8.
Councilmember Nawrocki asked if they talked about joining together on one memorial event. Fehst replied that
the School District is intent upon going ahead with their own dedication, so there will be two separate
memorials.
Councilmember Nawrocki thanked and complimented Mayor Peterson on the thank you letter he wrote to the
resident who helped the people who were trapped on University Avenue during the last heavy rainfall.
Councilmember Nawrocki stated he appreciated that the Jamboree parade was now showing on Cable TV
Channel 16.
Councilmember Nawrocki followed up on a question he had previously asked about the elevation of the
property at 4860 Monroe. Because the house is so low, he inquired as to whether the house was built before or
after the street was constructed. City Manager Walt Fehst said he thought the house was probably built low to
begin with. Nawrocki requested that he double check on it.
City Manager Walt Fehst reminded everyone that the primary election is tomorrow for candidates for City
Council and Mayor. Polls will be open for voting from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
11. CITIZENS FORUM
Frost Simula, 1700 491h Avenue, expressed concern about a property in his neighborhood with major
construction going on and with no permits displayed in the windows. Mr. Simula stated that he has contacted
the City numerous times regarding this, and has been told that this project does have permits. He is concerned
about the quality of the work being performed and now the property has been put back on the market, even
though the permits have not been closed out. What guarantee does the purchaser of this property have that
the permits have been completed, closed out, and the home meets our codes? Mayor Peterson responded that
in order to get a certificate of occupancy, the inspections will need to have been completed and the permits
signed by the building inspector, but a property can be sold before the work has been completed.
Councilmember Nawrocki requested that the City Manager check with the Building Department to get more
information and check to see if the permits are posted as required and whether the work is being properly
done.
Connie Buesgens, 102144th Avenue NE, stated she thinks the City has an awesome staff, and she wanted to
especially thank the Community Development Department for their work in bringing a Hy -Vee store to the City.
Secondly, she wanted to report on the MWMO workshop she attended with Councilmember Schmitt. Two
things she took away from the meeting were (1) She saw some interesting designs that combine improving
stormwater drainage with deterring speeding traffic and (2) Although there are advantages to these designs,
there are also costs to consider, such as fewer parking spaces. Her third comment was about the parking ramp
across from El Tequila. She said it was very dirty and wondered who was responsible for it. City Manager Walt
Fehst responded that presently the ramp belongs to the City, but we have contracted with a management
company to maintain it, so we will check with them about the condition.
Todd Kruse, President of the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce, thanked the City for working with them
and announced that the Second Annual Chamber Movie Night would be at the Heights Theater on September
20th
Harold Hoium, 4200 P Street NE, shared his concerns about cleanup after storms, unlicensed workers, tree
stumps, and snow plowing.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Peterson reminded us to remember our service men and women, and our police officers and
firefighters, and to keep them in our thoughts and prayers. Try to enjoy life and do a random act of kindness.
Meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
Respec ' ely Submitted,
Nancy Becker, Council Secretary Pro Tern
RESOLUTION NO. 2016 -65
A resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, accepting a contribution from the
Columbia Heights Activity Fund in the amount of $17,373; and amending the 2016 budget for the City's
Contributions Fund 883 for the same amount.
Whereas, City Council adopted an initial 2016 budget by resolution 2015 -97; and
Whereas, the City was subsequently awarded a contribution of $17,373 from the Columbia Heights Activity Fund
for food and lodging expenses related to participation in the National Civic League's 2016 All American City event;
and
Whereas, the acceptance of this additional revenue and the related expenditure were not included in initial 2016
budget;
Now, therefore, in accordance with all ordinances and regulations of the City of Columbia Heights, the City Council
of the City of Columbia Heights makes the following:
ORDER OF COUNCIL
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the City of Columbia Heights accepts a contribution of $17,373 from the Columbia
Heights Activity Fund, and amends the 2016 budget for the City's Contributions Fund 883 for the same amount.
RESOLUTION NO. 2016 -66
A resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, awarding the purchase of a police
vehicle to Ford of Hibbing in the amount of $24,178, the purchase of a police radio through Anoka County in the
amount of $4,550, and amending the 2016 budgets of the Insurance Fund 884 and the Capital Equipment Fund 431
to appropriate these amounts.
Whereas, City Council adopted an initial 2016 budget by resolution 2015 -97; and
Whereas, a subsequent event led to the total loss of a certain police vehicle; and
Whereas, the replacement of this vehicle was not included in the initial 2016 budget; and
Whereas, replacement at this time is advisable to maintain current service levels; and
Whereas, City staff have met the City and state requirements for appropriate selection of vendors and pricing for
this replacement purchase;
Now, therefore, in accordance with all ordinances and regulations of the City of Columbia Heights, the City Council
of the City of Columbia Heights makes the following:
ORDER OF COUNCIL
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the purchase of a police vehicle is awarded to Ford of Hibbing in the amount of
$24,178, the purchase of a police radio is awarded to Anoka County in the amount of $4,550, and the 2016 budgets
of the Insurance Fund 884 and the Capital Equipment Fund 431 are amended to appropriate these amounts.
ORDINANCE NO. 1632
BEING AN ORDINANCE OPTING OUT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 462.3593
Whereas, on May 12, 2016, Governor Dayton signed into law the creation and regulation of temporary family
health care dwellings, codified at Minn. Stat. Section 462.3593, which permit and regulate temporary family
health care dwellings, and;
Whereas, subdivision 9 of Minn. Stat. Section 462.3593 allows cities to "opt out" of those regulations;
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
SECTION 1:
Pursuant to authority granted by Minnesota Statutes, Section 462.3593, subdivision 9, the City of Columbia
Heights opts -out of the requirements of Minnesota Statute, Section 462.3593, which defines and regulates
Temporary Health Care Dwellings.
SECTION 2:
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect immediately upon its passage and publication.