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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 SCI *919FAR11 *11MT►1 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.