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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-10-2019OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 10, 2019 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 pm on Monday, June 10, 2019, in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota. 1. CALL TO ORDER /ROLL CALL Mayor Schmitt called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Present: Mayor Schmitt, Councilmember Buesgens, Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., Councilmember Novitsky, Councilmember Williams Also Present: Lenny Austin, Chief of Police; Kelli Bourgeois, City Manager; Lydia Campbell, Anoka County; the Chatham Gals; Sue Doll, Anoka County; Laurie Edlund; the Eisenbise Family; Juan Garcia and Danielle Pebbles; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Brian Hasti; HeightsNEXT representatives; Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; KT Jacobs; Veronica Johnson; Rev. Bob Lyndes, Crest View Senior Communities; Joyce Meier; Catherine Miske and family and friends; the Nelsons; Dan O'Brien, Fire Captain; Bob Odden and others from the Fridley- Columbia Heights Kiwanis; Ben Sandell, Communications Coordinator; Dale Schuetz; Joe Schluender; Michelle Schluender; Amada Simula; Frost Simula; Scott, Ann, Bella and Mae Skaja; Malcolm Watson 2. INVOCATION Invocation provided by Rev. Bob Lyndes, Crest View Senior Communities 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 manner. 5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to approve the agenda as amended. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5 -0. 6. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Presentation of Outstanding Citizen of the Year 2019 Award to Catherine Miske Mayor Schmitt presented the Outstanding Citizen of the Year 2019 Award to Catherine Miske. The award publicly recognized her work as a Cub Scout volunteer at Immaculate Conception Church; liturgy coordinator for deaf and hard -of- hearing youth at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church; hosting Boy Scout programs at her home; regularly arranging to bring children to area nursing homes to sing songs, play games and do projects with the residents; providing daycare out of her home; and volunteering for the Columbia Heights Schools and Public Library. City Council Minutes June 10, 2019 Page 2 B. Recognition of Recycling Champions Director Hansen introduced Sue Doll of Anoka County Recycling and Amada Simula of HeightsNEXT, present to recognize Columbia Heights citizens who were good stewards for the 2018 recycling program. Ms. Doll, accompanied by Lydia Campbell of Anoka County, acknowledged the work done in 2018 by Columbia Heights, citing in particular the new waste and recycling contract, being one of the first curbside organics programs (1,000 households signed up for the program), installing new labels on carts, offering larger recycling carts for households; offering curbside electronics pickup at a reduced cost and allowing one free appliance pickup per year, and revising the refuse services code and solid waste management operations policy to focus more on waste reduction and not so much on garbage. She also recognized the recycling work done by Kiwanis over the past 35 years, the Columbia Heights High School Key Club and the Lions Club, HeightsNEXT for the first Fix -It Clinic in the County, the Citywide Garage Sale, Night to Unite, starting the new Master Recycling course and quoted over 1,700 tons of materials collected by Columbia Heights in 2018. Mayor Schmitt accepted the Anoka County Recycling Champion plaque on behalf of the City. Ms. Doll recognized Sue and Rick Larson (who own an 11 -unit complex housing 15 -20 residents) and Barb Babekuhl (in her townhome complex) for their outstanding work helping others in their recycling and composting efforts and presented them with their Anoka County Recycling Champions certificates. Ms. Simula then presented the Columbia Heights Recycling Champion certificate to the Fridley- Columbia Heights Kiwanis for their 35 years of service to the City at the Recycling Center as well as the Master Recycling course. Director Hansen said the Kiwanis deserve special recognition because the Recycling Center has been manned by them despite inclement weather over the years and said the City greatly appreciates the work done by the group. Bob Odden, Fridley- Columbia Heights Kwianis, said the group sells compost most Saturdays at $3 per bag and all funds go to the High School Key Club. She next presented the Columbia Heights Recycling Champion certificate to Councilmember Novitky for his dedication in increasing recycling at Citywide events and initiating the film classic "Challenge." The following citizens, from 20 households who had already received their Columbia Heights Recycling Champion certificates, were then recognized by Ms. Simula for improving their properties' recycling and for being neighborhood recycling leaders: the Chatham Gals; John Bauer; Rollin and Michelle Brask; Crestview Senior Communities; Megan Corcoran and Dylan Swanson; Duenkause Davis; Laurie Edlund; the Eisenbise Family; Bruce and Sharon Ellis; Barbara Goodwin; Brian Hasti; Veronica Johnson; the Nelsons; Mark and Elizabeth Odegard; Danielle Pebbles and Juan Garcia; Dale Schuetz; the Simulas; Scott, Ann, Bella and Mae Skaja; the Sobolik Household; and others from the Sullivan shores townhouses organic group. Mayor Schmitt encouraged all citizens to work together to increase the City's recycling efforts and acknowledged Director Hansen and the Public Works Department's work. C. Update Community Picnic and Art & Craft Fair Coordinator Sandell reported the Community Picnic and Art & Craft Fair will be held 4:30 -7:30 pm on Thursday, June 27, at Huset Park West and Murzyn Hall. Ten openings remain for vendors interested in selling art, crafts, food products, etc. at the fair and should contact Recreation at 763 - 706 -3730. Participation is $15, and a tax ID and table are required. Jodi Griffin was acknowledged for her help in organizing the 24 booths signed up around the splash pad. To register for the event's fishing clinic, citizens should visit the Recreation Department's website at columbiaheightsmn.gov. City Council Minutes June 30, 2019 Page 3 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 Special Meeting of May 28, 2019 MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of May 28, 2019 MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council Work Session of June 3, 2019 B. Accept Board and Commission Meeting Minutes MOTION: Move to accept the Traffic Commission minutes of March 4, 2019 MOTION: Move to accept the EDA Commission minutes of April 1, 2019 MOTION: Move to accept the EDA Commission minutes of April 30, 2019 MOTION: Move to accept the Library Board minutes of May 1, 2019 C. Adopt Resolution 2019 -46, being a resolution accepting bids and awarding a contract for Silver Lake Water Quality Pond Reconstruction, City Project 1808 MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2019 -46, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2019 -46, being a resolution accepting bids and awarding the Silver Lake Water Quality Pond Reconstruction, City Project 1808, to Sunram Construction of Corcoran, Minnesota, based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $322,462 with $45,900 to be appropriated from Fund 653 - 51808 -5185; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. D. Approve Resolution 2019 -47 for Point Source Implementation Grant Program (PSIG) MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2019 -47, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to approve Resolution 2019 -47 authorizing the City of Columbia Heights to execute a Point Source Implementation Grant (PSIG) Agreement with the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority for eligible funds in the amount of $318,521 for reconstruction of the storm water pond at the Silver Lake Boat Landing; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. E. Award of Professional Services for Silver Lake Water Quality Pond Reconstruction, City Project 1808 MOTION: Move to approve the Professional Services Agreement with WSB for engineering consultant services for Silver Lake Boat Landing Pond Reconstruction in an amount not to exceed $24,500 appropriated from Fund 415 - 51808 -3050. F. Amend the Paid On -Call Firefighter rates to add a Temporary Full -Time Paid On -Call Firefighter Classification MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2019 -50, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2019 -50, amending Resolution 2019 -07 adding a Temporary Full -Time Paid On -Call Firefighter Classification. City Council Minutes June 10, 2019 Page 4 G. Approve Business License Applications MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the Business License agenda for June 10, 2019, as presented. H. Review of Bills MOTION: Move that in accordance with Minnesota Statute 412.271, subd. 8, the City Council has reviewed the enclosed list of claims paid by check and by electronic funds transfer in the amount of $739,660.83. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to approve the Consent Agenda. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5 -0. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS None 9. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions None B. Bid Considerations a. Adopt Resolution 2019 -43, being a resolution accepting bids and awarding a contract for the 2019 Concrete Alley Construction Project, City Project 1906, and Jefferson Street Median Restoration, City Project 1905 Director Hansen reported the City Council had reviewed the subject at the previous City Council Work Session and prices are very high for bids at the current time because of full schedules. He recommended that the bids be rejected and, though no guarantee, seek better bids next January and all neighborhoods would be notified should the current bids be rejected. He said there is a follow -up in getting the Jefferson wall divide taken care of through another contractor and he would be coming back to the Council for that. Councilmember Buesgens inquired as to what would happen if the bids wouldn't decrease come next January. Director Hansen said the City has 12 months from the time of the Improvement hearing to award a contract, under State Statute 429; and if no contract would be awarded within that time period, a new hearing would be required. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to reject all bids for the 2019 Concrete Alley Construction Project, City Project 1906, and Jefferson Street Median Restoration, City Project 1905, and authorize staff to seek new bids. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5 -0. b. Authorize Anoka County to replace water main on 49th Avenue (CSAH 4) from 7th Street to Washington Street Director Hansen said the project was originally in the overall water main program for 2019, but the County has plans to rehab 49th Avenue from University to Central Avenue; and the County has asked that they bid the water main as part of their project, to coordinate and make sure the work gets done prior to their contractor moving in to get the street work done. City Council Minutes June 10, 2019 Page 5 He said the numbers are 20% over the engineer's estimate of where the water main's numbers would come in; but because the work, involving a 4" water main that has corrosion, needs to get done. A June 19 or June 20 public hearing will be scheduled by the County for the road and sidewalk portions, and that information will be both mailed and posted by Public Works. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to authorize Anoka County to replace water main on CSAH 4 (49th Avenue) from 7th Street to Washington Street under Anoka County Pavement Rehabilitation and Bituminous Overlays, Highway Project C.P. 19- 01 -00, at an estimated cost of $112,135.67, to be appropriated from Water Fund 651 - 51910 -5185. All Ayes, Motion carried 5 -0. c. Reject all bids for 2019 Water Main Construction, City Project 1903 Director Hansen reported four bids were received for the 2019 Water Main Construction Project but contractors had difficulty getting subcontractors to give them pricing, and he recommended rejecting all bids now and seeking lower bids next January. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to reject all bids for the 2019 Water Main Construction, City Project 1903, and authorize staff to seek new bids. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5 -0. C. New Business and Reports None 10. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Councilmember Buesgens attended the County's Local Government Officials Meeting, where demographics and the 2020 Census were discussed. She shared that the number of people expecting to move into the Metro area within the next 10 -20 years is 700,000 (mostly Minnesotans), so the County is focusing on housing needs. She also attended the Library Board meeting, where the search continues for a strategic planning consultant and determining meeting dates for the strategic planning for the future of the Library; the well- attended Perennial Plant Exchange and bike Fix -It Clinic at the Library; and saw the grounds work done at the Church of All Nations on Stinson, which received a $20,000 grant from the Presbyterian Church headquarters to create a permaculture garden. Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., reminded citizens about the Dad's Waffle Breakfast from 9 am to noon on Sunday, June 30, at Murzyn Hall, at a cost of $8 for adults, $5 for children aged 5 -12, and free to children under 5. Juice and coffee will be provided. Councilmember Novitsky reminded citizens about the Boosters Merchandise Bingo that follows the Dad's Waffle Breakfast. Presale Jamboree presale ride tickets for children are being sold at a cost of $17 for a strip of 10, at Bobby & Steve's Auto World, El Tequila Mexican Grill & Bar, Embroidery & More, Financial One, Heights Bakery, Holiday Station Stores, Miller's Corner Bar & Grill, Roman's Cafe, Sportsmen's Barbers, Tasty Pizza, the VFW, as well as the City's Park & Recreation Department. Mayor Schmitt also attended the County's Local Government Officials Meeting and met new Metropolitan Council representative Reva Chamblis, who will meet with City staff and Council next week. She helped distribute reflective wrist bands at the crosswalk on 49th to students on their last day of school and participated, along with her husband, in the annual Columbia Heights Citywide Garage Sale. City Council Minutes June 10, 2019 Page 6 There was a good turnout for the free summer lunch program at Murzyn Hall, which Mayor Schmitt participated in along with the Parks & Recreation Department, and Loaves & Fishes provided the food. Volunteers are needed, and signup is available online. Manager Bourgeois reported that grant funding was received for the Silver Lake Boat Landing for $250,000 from the Department of Natural Resources, which is 50% of the total project cost, and thanked Director Hansen and the Public Works staff for their work. Director Hansen reported the pond was cleared for the Silver Lake project; and the preconstruction will be on Wednesday, so that work will be done this year and the lift station and boat landing access work funding are expected in 2020 or 2021. 11. COMMUNITY FORUM Michele Schluender, Columbia Heights resident, expressed concerns about Huset Park, with there being no date(s) identified on the sign for the recently chemically- treated grounds and that she saw only one sign, about the size of a Post -It note, placed on Huset Park East and one on Huset Park West. Additionally, she said the notes were green, which were difficult to notice in relation to the green grass. She inquired as to why chemicals are needed to treat the grass, as lawn pesticides and herbicides have a history of dangerous consequences for the environment, pets and humans. She acknowledged it is good to have a welcoming lawn for playing games, soccer and tag, and lounging with friends but thinks there should be a balance between having a chemically- treated golf course -type lawn and having a weedy mess and asked the City of Columbia Heights to find that balance. Joyce Meier, Columbia Heights resident, reported she is restoring her home to sell and is concerned about the July 4th firecrackers nuisance after 10:00 pm on her block, which she believes will make residents move out of the area, and asked the City to analyze and Council to discuss. 12. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5 -0. Meeting adjourned at 7:56 pm. iitted, �r