HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-14-2017OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 14, 2017
The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 PM on Monday August
14, 2017 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Ave. N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota
1. CALL TO ORDER /ROLL CALL
Mayor Schmitt called the meeting to order at 7:24 p.m.
Present: Mayor Schmitt, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., Councilmember Buesgens and
Councilmember Novitsky
Also Present: Walt Fehst; City Manager, Jim Hoeft; City Attorney, Kevin Hansen; Public Works Director, Lenny
Austin; Interim Police Chief, and Katie Bruno; City Clerk /Council Secretary
2. INVOCATION
Invocation provided by Bob Lyndes, Crest View
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. MISSION STATEMENT, Read by Mayor Schmitt.
Our mission is to provide the highest quality public services. Services will be provided in a fair, respectful and
professional manner that effectively address changing citizen and community needs in a fiscally - responsible
and customer friendly manner.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Novitsky to approved the agenda as
presented. All Ayes, Motion carried.
City Manager Walt Fehst reported the council agenda has been modified in a couple of areas to make it easier
to follow. He also reported the council letter documents will be incorporating the City's Strategies and Short
Term Goals.
Mayor Schmitt reported just prior to the meeting the Council completed an Executive Session where the City
Manager's Performance Evaluation was completed.
6. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS
A. Acknowledgement and introduction of Teen Volunteers at the Library
Bri Belanger, Pat Sowada and Catherine Vesley reported that teen volunteers have provided over 300
volunteer hours this year. The following volunteers were recognized; Farah Abdulkadir, Hanan Ahmed,
Frannie Crego,
Catherine Cruz, Helen Desta, Brook Desta, Patrick Fink, Kali Folland, Ava Grotting, Lauren Hackett, Munira
Ibrahim
Dasy Inamagua, Gissel Inamagua, Jasmine Kaur, Matilda Duran Mesrobian, Hiba Minhas, Ramla Noor, Sam
Rinne, Olivia Salzwedel, Randeep Singh, Diana Truong, Don Truong, and Sandra Zamora. Many were in
attendance.
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B. Update from Sister Cities
Dolores Strand announced the Columbia Heights Sister City group has received the `Best Overall Program"
award, for populations less than 25,000. This was the second time in three years the award was received.
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.)
Mayor Schmitt requested the items C and F be removed for discussion. Councilmember Buesgens requested
the items E be removed for discussion.
A. Approve Minutes of the City Council
MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council meeting of July 24, 2017
MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council work session of August 7, 2017
MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council work session of July 19, 2017
B. Accept Board and Commission Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Move to accept the Park & Recreation commission minutes from May 24, 2017
MOTION: Move to accept the Library Board minutes from July 5, 2017
MOTION: Move to accept the EDA commission minutes from June 5, 2017
MOTION: Move to accept the EDA commission minutes from June 12, 2017
MOTION: Move to accept the EDA commission minutes from July 10, 2017
MOTION: Move to accept the HRA commission minutes from February 13, 2017
C. City Hall Master Plan *Removed for Discussion.
D. Establish date for 2017 Public Special Assessment Levy Hearing for: Seal Coat, Street
Rehabilitation, MSAS Mill & Overlay, Petition and Waiver, and Delinquent Accounts
MOTION: Move to establish Monday, October 2, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. as the Public Special Assessment
Levy Hearing for City Project #1601 Zone 1 Seal Coat, to be held in the City Council Chambers.
MOTION: Move to establish Monday, October 2, 2017 at 6:15 p.m. as the Public Special Assessment
Levy Hearing for City Project #1705 M.S.A.S. Mill & Overlay, to be held in the City Council Chambers.
MOTION: Move to establish Monday, October 2, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. as the Public Special Assessment
Levy Hearing for Delinquent Accounts, to be held in the City Council Chambers.
E. Keyes Park Final Plans *Removed for Discussion
F. Refuse Cart Purchase *Removed for Discussion
G. Authorization to seek bids for 2017 Sanitary Sewer Pipe Lining Project
MOTION: Move to authorize staff to seek bids for the 2017 Sanitary Sewer Pipe Lining Project.
H. Approve Business License Applications
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for August 14, 2017.
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1. 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 166714 through 167028 in the amount of
$4,911,606.44.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky to approve the Consent
Agenda items A, B, D, G, H and 1. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
The following items were removed for discussion:
C. City Hall Master Plan
Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director indicated that this is one of the Council's recently adopted Short
Term Goals. Since 2014 staff has looked at a variety of rehabilitation projects at the current building.
At that time an estimate of $650,000 was given to complete the major rehabilitation projects. Mayor
Schmitt stated that any necessary repairs will continue to be addressed.
Councilmember Buesgens requested the value of the current building be included in the forthcoming
proposal.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky to authorize staff to
prepare a City Hall Master Plan. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
E. Keyes Park Final Plans
Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director gave an overview of the proposed improvements, noting this is
the fifth major park redevelopment plan in the City. Plans include two new athletic fields, storm water
treatment, new parking lot, new playground set, and retaining the current sliding hill. Walking trails
will be included as an add - alternate. Hansen anticipates bids being considered at the August 28th City
Council meeting.
Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. to approve the final
Plans and Specifications and order Advertisement for Bids for Keyes Park Improvements, City Project
1610.
F. Refuse Cart Purchase
Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director reported the City will soon be seeking bids for waste service.
Hansen explained that by purchasing the refuse carts currently in use, the upcoming bidding process
will be more consistent. Mayor Schmitt questioned if this savings will passed on to the residents.
Hansen indicated that by removing the cart replacement form the bids, that savings will be passed to
the residents. Hansen reported the vendor will be responsible for storing, maintaining and replacing
the carts if necessary. Mayor Schmitt questioned the warranty period of the carts. Hansen indicated
he will look into it.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky to approve the purchase
of 12,836 carts from Advanced Disposal Services at a price of $10.00 each, with funding from the
Refuse Fund 603. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
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Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Williams to amend the 2017 Refuse
Fund Budget authorizing the expenditure of $128,360 from fund balance to purchase the carts. All
Ayes, Motion Carried.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Repeat Nuisance Call Service Fee Appeal
Lenny Austin, Interim Police Chief gave some background on the item, noting the most recent call for service
was made by a neighbor at the property located at 940 39th Ave. City Attorney Jim Hoeft reported he
reviewed the incident, and advised the Council that they have the legal right to impose the $250 Call for
Service Fee, or deviate from doing so, provided they offer their reasons for doing so.
Austin indicated he met with the building manager in June, at that time he was informed of steps being
implemented to address the issues. There have been no subsequent calls.
Mayor Schmitt opened the Public Hearing at 8:04 PM.
Michael Kemp; representing Ken Hertz reported the property owner has been working to improve the
problems at the property. Mr. Kemp, on behalf of Mr. Hertz requested the council consider rescinding the
$250 call for service fee.
Mayor Schmitt questioned if the ordinance excludes domestic calls. Hoeft indicated that if a domestic victim
makes the call, it is not considered a nuisance call.
Kathy Ahlers -4010 Hayes Street questioned how frequently the call for Service fee is imposed. Interim Chief
Austin reported less than 1% of the 950 -1000 rental properties in the City.
The Public Hearing was closed at 8:14 PM.
Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. to uphold the $250 Nuisance Call
for Service Fee imposed on Ken Hertz, owner of 940 39th Avenue NE. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
9. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions
B. Bid Considerations
C. New Business and Reports
10. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Council
Councilmember Novitsky and Murzyn, Jr. reported they attended the North Metro Fire Ops 101 training.
Councilmember Novitsky also attended the Northeast Ecuadorian parade and 13 National Night Out parties.
Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. announced the VFW Post 230 will be serving breakfast and lunch. They will also
hold a Flag Retirement Ceremony on October 13tH
Councilmember Williams attended the Heights Manor board meeting.
Councilmember Buesgens attended the Improving Local Economies through the League of Minnesota Cities,
the Park & Recreation Commission meeting, the Crest View luncheon, the Retirement Party for Scott Nadeau,
the Blooming Heights Garden Gala, a forum at Macalester College, a National Night Out party, the EDA
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meeting, a Metro Agency meeting, served as a volunteer for Becca's Trashcan Art, and participated in the first
Dog Day Afternoon event hosted by HeightsNext.
Mayor Schmitt attended the Improving Fiscal Futures meeting through the League of Minnesota Cities, the
Bridgeview Luau, the Crest View Picnic, the Anoka County Fair, the Ecuadorian Festival, the Crest View Block
Party & Car Show, a luncheon with Keith Ellison and other Mayors, and attended the State Capital Grand
opening, where she participated in the Mayor's March.
Report of the City Manager
City Manager Walt Fehst reminded the Council that the Anoka County League of Local Government will be
hosting an event on August 30th. Manger Fehst thanked the council for providing a performance review at
the preceding work session.
11. CITIZENS FORUM
DeWayne Morrell -4212 Reservoir Blvd. was concerned with the proposed refuse cart program, indicating he
would also like to see pricing options available to residents with less usage.
Mr. Morrell expressed concern with the proposed size of the HyVee fuel station. Director Hansen clarified
that the council has approved the convenience store and fuel station at the corner of 47th and Central Ave.
Mr. Morrell questioned why the council doesn't require more police officers to be residents of the City.
Mayor Schmitt indicated that residency requirements are illegal.
Mr. Morrell requested an update on the parking lot at 37th Ave. auto storage location. Councilmember
Buesgens reported the company may be hiring an engineer to assist with paving the lot.
Kathy Ahlers -4010 Hayes St. NE reported approximately 65 -70 people attended the Dog Day Afternoon event
held at Huset Park. A petition for a dog park was presented to the Council.
Malcom Watson -1717 49th Ave NE indicated he would like to talk with someone about the City Hall Master
Plan and the plans for Keyes Park.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Novitsky to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion
Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
Respectively Submitted,
Katie Bruno, Council Secretary /City Clerk