HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-05-2017 Work SessionMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
Date of Meeting: June 5, 2017
Time of Meeting: 7:00 PM (Following the EDA Meeting)
Location of Meeting: Conference Room #1
Purpose of Meeting: WORKSESSION
CALL TO ORDER /ROLL CALL - The meeting was called to order at 8:35 PM
Present: Mayor Schmitt, Councilmembers Murzyn Jr, Williams, Buesgens and Novitsky
Also Present: Walt Fehst; City Manager, Kevin Hansen; Public Works Director, Joe Hogeboom; Community
Development Director, Jackie Zillmer; Assistant Finance Director, and Katie Bruno; City Clerk
Public Art Standards and Guidelines Discussion
Community Development Director Joe Hogeboom reported the City received a request by a local artist to
commission several pieces of public art using garbage receptacles. At the time, the City Council endorsed the
project and directed staff to create a set of guidelines to help guide and direct requests for public art in the
future. Hogeboom gave an overview of the proposed guidelines, indicating requests will be reviewed by the
City Council on a case by case basis.
Mayor Schmitt questioned who will be responsible for the maintenance of the items. Hogeboom explained
the current proposal is largely funded through a grant from the MWMO. Public Works will perform the
installation. Hansen reported maintenance on the existing public art areas is done by either the original
contractor or city staff.
City Logos and Taglines Usage Guidelines Discussion
Community Development Director Joe Hogeboom reported it had been recommended by the City Attorney
that a set of guidelines be established that guide both internal and external usage of the City's official logos
and taglines.
Mayor Schmitt commented that the All America City tagline may appear to be out of date. Manger Fehst
reported a neighboring city displayed the award for about five years. Hogeboom explained the All America
City does not have to be used, it is optional.
Review proposed change to late fee for delinquent utility charges
Assistant Finance Director Jackie Zillmer reported staff will need to amended the fee schedule to address late
fees on delinquent utility accounts. Staff is proposing a change from 5% of the current bill to 7% off the
outstanding balance.
Discussion of Refuse Rates — Disposal and tipping fees
Director of Public Works Kevin Hansen reported the contract with the current hauler is coming due.
Bids will be presented to the council soon. The City has operated our refuse and recycling collection as an
organized collector for over 30 years. For the initial 20 years, the same hauler (last known as Allied) provided
our service. When their contract was ending in 2009, the City utilized an RFP process to obtain the best
prices for service. In 2010, Veolia (now known as Advanced Disposal) began servicing the City. With the new
contract, in an effort to control costs, the City chose to pay for disposal by weight as a separate line item.
A resource recovery facility has operated in the county since 1990. This facility creates electricity by burning
trash. Initially called RRT, the facility was sold in 2010 to the electrical provider Great River Energy or GRE. For
City Council Worksession
June S, 2017
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a number of years, the County had subsidized the cost of operating the RRT to remain competitive with
landfill disposal costs. With the sale to GRE, the County subsidy was transitioned out. Costs have increased
about 50% since 2010.
Director Hansen reported for an organized city all municipal waste is required to go to GRE. Bringing 100% of
refuse to GRE, would result in a cost increase of approximately $70,000. Staff will need to prepare an RFP,
consistent with both statuary language and the Anoka County Solid Waste Management Plan.
Councilmember Buesgens questioned if costs would reduce if recycling increases. Hansen reported haulers
are paid based on number of pickups and tonnage.
Circle Terrace Park Building bids
Director of Public Works Kevin Hansen reported two builders were contacted to review the plans. The
builders estimate this to be a $275,000 project. The bids came in significantly higher. Hansen reported costs
are up about 20% in the building trades, contractors are very busy.
Options include rebidding with a more flexible completion date. Hansen reported the funding source of
$237,000 need to be requested by the end of the year, or we lose the funding. Currently staff is looking for
ways to reduce the cost of the project, and additional funding sources. Hansen hopes to bring this to the
council in June or July.
1087 Polk Circle Storm Water Overflow
Director of Public Works Kevin Hansen explained a joint storm sewer project was completed with the City of
Fridley in the 1980's. The area between the La Casita Parking lot and 1087 Polk Circle has a 30 foot easement
and is a relatively flat, low area and has repeatedly surcharged, overtopped and flooded during significant
storm events. With the platting of the three parcels and the addition of Planet Fitness, a small portion of this
overflow area will now become a parking lot. Due to the history of surface flooding, staff required all of the
storm water from Planet Fitness be directed out to existing piping on 51st Court. To improve and adequately
protect the property at 1087 Polk Circle, staff is proposing some minor storm sewer improvements along with
regrading to create an overflow.
Staff has been in contact with the owner of 1087 Polk Circle and he is agreeable to re- grading the rear of his
property to provide an overflow area during significant storm events. The cost of the improvements will be
shared with the City of Fridley under the existing storm sewer cost share agreement from when this system
was originally put in.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:32 PM
Respectively Submitted,
Katie Bruno, Council Secretary /City Clerk