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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-03-2015 Work SessionMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL Date of Meeting: August 3, 2015 Time of Meeting: 7:00 PM-Following the EDA Meeting Location of Meeting: Conference Room #1 Purpose of Meeting: WORK SESSION CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:55 PM Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers Murzyn Jr, Nawrocki, Schmitt and Williams. City Manager Walt Fehst, Director of Community Development Joe Hogeboom, Assistant Community Development Director Loren Wickham, Building Official Larry Pepin, Community Development Specialist Shelley Hanson, Scot Nadeau Police Chief, Lenny Austin Police Captain, Public Works Director Kevin Hansen, Library Director Renee Dougherty, City Clerk Katie Bruno. Discussion regarding Residential Point of Sale Inspections: Director of Community Development Joe Hogeboom introduced Frost Simula, a resident at 1700 49th Ave NE. Mr. Simula reported that he purchased his home in 2013, and was unaware the home was “flipped.” Mr. Simula presented a power point, detailing many of the substandard home repairs and renovations. Repairs are estimated at about $100,000. Mr. Simula explained that predatory remodeling is a type of fraud, and would like the City to put practices in place to protect future home buyers. City Manager Fehst thanked Mr. Simula for his presentation, and asked the council of they would like to revisit a point of sale program; noting it could serve to protect home buyers as well as maintain and improve the city’s housing stock. Community Development Director Hogeboom reported that there are two ways some metropolitan areas are addressing the issue. Some cities have a City Official complete the inspection, other cities contract with an Independent Home Inspector. Hogeboom estimated the cost to be between 104,000 and 156,000 annually, noting the cost could be incorporated into the price of the permit. Director Hogeboom suggested it would beneficial to offer permit applications on-line, as well as property records. City Manager Fehst explained some of the pros and cons in implementing a point of sale program and suggested contacting those individuals who had expressed opposition in the past. Councilmember Schmitt suggested offering an incentive program for first time home buyers, to include a home buying seminar/class. Mayor Peterson stated that he likes the idea of a voluntary disclosure statement from the seller. Director Hogeboom noted this would need to be completed by a city sanctioned inspector in order to avoid inconsistencies. Mayor Peterson suggested residents check on permit activity if they see renovations taking place. Director Hogeboom stated he will continue to research, and bring more information to the council in September. FBI Academy application for 2018 or 2019 City Manager Fehst explained the FBI Academy provides an excellent opportunity for professional development and growth, as well as benefiting the community. Fehst stated he is in full support of the program. Chief Scott Nadeau thanked Manager Fehst for his endorsement, and shared how the course has benefited his career. Nadeau reported that “good things are happening” in the Columbia Heights Police Department. Nadeau described Captain Austin as a dependable leader, and this program would be a great next step for him. Captain Austin stated he understands the value of continued education, as he has recently completed his Master Degree and this academy would be a valuable next step. Councilmember Nawrocki commented that Captain Austin has been a real valuable asset to the community, and would not like to see him leave. Captain Austin commented that he is vested in Columbia Heights and has no intention of leaving the department. Motion by Councilmember Murzyn Jr., seconded by Councilmember Nawrocki to authorize Captain Lenny Austin to attend the FBI Academy in 2018. All Ayes, Motion Carried. Library CP-2 Bid Results / Review Director of Public Works Kevin Hansen reported that the bids were split into the following four sections; General Construction, Fire Protection, Electrical and Mechanical. For the General Construction bid, the lowest bid came from Ebert, with a base bid of $500,048. Director Hansen provided an overview of the alternates, including; Generator and transfer switch, sidewalk snow melt system, free standing fire place, wall mounted display case, unique bench in the children’s area, alternate brick, exterior stone benches, low profile floor (pdm), fire sprinkler piping, HVAC controls, property insurance and storm water treatment device. Bids were described as very good. The Fire Protection bid came in at $47,330, there were two bids received. Five bids were received for the mechanical bid; the low bid was $758,000. Two bids were received for the electrical portion; the low bid was $750,000. Director Hansen distributed an overall project budget sheet, identifying funding and revenue. Current revenue was reported as $10,154.850. Costs incurred since 2014 were reported as $10,261,241. Current contingencies are $745,000, for unforeseen issues during construction, if not used it will remain in the project at the end. Hansen reported the Library Foundation has indicated they may interested in providing funds for a new book collection, as well as a donor wall. Hansen indicated that city staff is continuing to look for additional grants. Meeting Adjourned at 10:14 PM Respectively Submitted, _________________________________ Katie Bruno, City Clerk/Council Secretary