HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-07-2011 WSMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
Date of Meeting: FEBRUARY 7, 2011
Time of Meeting: 7:00 P.M.
Location of Meeting: CONFERENCE ROOM 1
Purpose of Meeting: WORK SESSION
Present: Peterson, Nawrocki, Diehm, Schmitt
Absent: Williams
1. Discussion on Rental and Code Enforcement Ordinance Modifications
Scott Clark, Com. Dev. Director, stated that staff has looked to modify tools we have. The
changes are for code enforcement and inspections. The goal is to improve the housing stock
and maintain community health. Clark listed the history of work done over the last years to
improve neighborhoods through modification, purchase of properties, grants and loans,
Make Heights Your Home. He referred to the quarterly land lord meetings, citations,
abatements, and pro-active inspections. Results are: maintained neighborhoods even
through all the foreclosures, bond rating increase, decrease in the crime rate, stronger rental
community. Lenny Austin, Police Captain, referred to crime reduction and the three strike
rule. There are now about 700-800 rental properties in the city. Most of the violations are
from the same property owners. He gave the steps to handle violations. On the third
violation, the property owner is required to evict the tenant – there were eight last year. He
then spoke on drug free/crime free violations. If drugs are found on the property of felony
level, the tenant is evicted immediately. Officer Terry Nightingale stated there does not
have to be a conviction. Nuisance calls ordinance put in place in 2010 covering private and
commercial property can be invoiced $250. Austin stated that the property owner training
sessions started again in 2009. Nightingale stated there have been three training sessions.
Most communities do some type of training. Attendance is way up in numbers. About 33%
of our housing stock is rental. Most units are seven units or less. We have engaged in some
mitigation plans – one on Tyler and one on University. Chief Scott Nadeau stated the
mitigation on the worst properties is that it has started to cost them money, and we forego
the charges if they work with us. Nightingale referred to the Summer Initiative Program. He
gave statistics of the program.
Austin referred to the proposals including the Criminal background checks. Land lords were
asked if they did a background check and they often said know. Most indicated if they had
known the background, they would not have leased to them. We want them to take the time
to do this. Nadeau stated we are at a disadvantage if other communities have this and we
don’t. Diehm stated we would require the check but can’t stop them from renting to them.
Diehm stated we used to help with the check and they may not be able to do this
themselves, and suggested we inform them of other services that would give them more
information. Fehst stated we used to do the checking. Nadeau stated that we can no longer
to that by Statute. Nawrocki stated that some land lords would charge the prospective tenant
more than the cost to them. Diehm suggested rental license revocations include the
requirement for the land lord to attend one of these meetings. Austin indicated the
mitigation plan would include this. Schmitt indicated she has heard positive feedback on the
land lord meetings. Austin indicated this allows the property owners to network. Nadeau
referred to charging more for rental fees and give a reduction if they attend the meeting.
Austin stated that changes would include that an owner can not let the renter to live in
another of their properties for one year. Schmitt asked if we can give information on
individuals if requested by a land lord. Nightingale indicated he can do that if so requested.
Clark stated that the exterior of the properties is also important. Fire Chief Gary Gorman
referred to requested changes in grass and weed inspections. 2010 wrote up 983 properties
for long grass, and 210 were cut by the city contractor. 188 cut once, 52 cut twice, etc. and 2
properties were cut six times. We were able to take a more proactive approach as the City
Planner also helped with inspections. We want to have the posting serve as the notification
on the property. We want the posting to count for the four days notice given. Gorman stated
the policy change would include a second violation would not require another notice and we
could just order it cut again. This is if the grass is over nine inches. Gorman stated that we
go back on the seventh day after the notice. Under the new change we could go back in four
days. Schmitt asked where and how much of the grass has to be nine inches. Gorman stated
that mowing includes trimming. Nines inches of grass takes about three weeks to grow. Our
problem properties don’t change from year to year.
Gorman stated changes to garbage and recycling and the new changes are being
incorporated into our section of the property maintenance code. We wish to reduce the
language regarding screening.
Jeff Sargent, City Planner, referred to screening or enclosing dumpsters. We would like to
see the dumpsters in the side or rear yard and screened on three side with an opaque gate.
This is a key step in helping “what the property looks like”. This would require a dumpster
enclosure by a certain date. Nawrocki alley between Jackson and Van Buren there is a four
plex that has 7-8 residential dumpsters lined up in the alley. Kevin Hansen, Public Works
Director, listed the requirement for needing a dump. Clark stated that we would want to
meet with the property owners before this is brought back to the Council.
2. City Hall renovations and Security Improvements
Fehst stated that over the last several years we have included improvements for security of
city hall. The $100,000 budgeted in 2010 was carried over to 2011. Fehst described the
changes that would take place. The security issues have been reviewed and updated several
times over the last several years. This would include a bullet proof window for the reception
area. We will ask permission to seek quotes to do this work. Peterson asked if there are
funds for carpet. Nawrocki asked how much time/money has been spent on this. Fehst
stated only staff time. Nawrocki questioned the need for this. Schmitt stated this has been
talked about security when the police moved. Diehm indicated the number of times this has
been discussed. Fehst stated that this is a general precaution. Only one occurrence and you
would regret not doing this. Nadeau referred to people found in employee only areas and
purse robberies. Peterson stated that we have dragged our feet since the Police Department
moved. Nawrocki referred to tax dollars. Clark stated that the majority of the people that
come into the building come to the utilities area and permitting. Lets keep those people
down there.
3. Electronic Signs/ Additional information on Driveway and Fence ordinances
Fehst stated that there are digital signs available (used). Nawrocki did not agree with doing
this at the liquor store on Central. Clark stated this would be a universal application,
including change of the time period and increasing the sign area. Sargent stated that three
years ago we took a very conservative approach. We propose to go from 10 minutes to 1
minute. Fehst referred to different applications in various cities. Schmitt stated that with all
the snow some monument signs are hard to see. Peterson asked the reason to be against the
LED signs. Schmitt stated that 10 minutes is too long. Sargent stated that in three years
there have only been three sign requests and would still require a conditional use ordinance.
Peterson stated that someone wanted a LED sign on the side of their building and they could
not. Diehm stated the schools would love LED signs as would city hall, library, etc. Mounds
View encourages LED signs. In emergencies the signs switch over to announce the
emergencies. Fehst stated that the Auto World sign works great and the liquor store sign is
not working. Nawrocki referred to the citizens advisory committee made recommendations
to the Council and it was adopted. Subsequently, Council made changes. Peterson gave the
history of sign changes that were required. Fehst stated that with a CUP they could be
required to give up some of their old signs. Peterson stated we will check into a sign for city
hall. Schmitt asked that this be presented to the business owner’s meeting.
Sargent referred to the fences and barbed wire fences. He described what the barbed wire
fence includes of a CUP and only at the top. The driveway request was possible fees for a
permit. This will not over lap the shoreland overlay district.
Nawrocki questioned outside storage, i.e. the fence from around his garden is put there as is
his lawnmower. Sargent stated there is a level of subjectivity. This is usually on a
complaint basis. Clark referred to incidental/customary use. Schmitt indicated that the 24
hour for refuse containers may not be practical. Clark indicated that the Circle Terrace area
people leave them out all summer long. Clark stated this is only for reasonable or
problematic issues. The Police CSO issues citation on Circle Terrace for garbage on curbs.
Nawrocki questioned Clark on GHMIC. Clark stated it was not renewed. Nawrocki
questioned the reason for this as they have a broader ability to serve. Clark stated this would
save $15,000. The grant and loan program is straightforward program that our office can
handle. It is more convenient for them to be serviced at our office. Joe Kloiber, Accountant
stated that it cost us more than that and it would only be about 40 to 50 transactions. Fehst
stated it is not what it used to be. Clark stated that we will still work with them in other
areas, but their whole direction has changed.
4. Status of Six Cities WMO
Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, gave the history of WMO or WMD. Water shed
district has taxing authority and governing body is appointed. The other is funded from
member cities and members are representative. Plan updates are required every ten years.
Blaine requested to withdraw as have Coon Rapids and Fridley now wanting to withdraw.
Staff recommends if the WMO is dissolved, that we look at the Mississippi WMO. This
would make geographic sense as our water flows to the Mississippi River. They are
receptive to looking at Fridley and us joining them. It is done through petition of the County
and reviewed by state agency “Bowser”. The financial result to us is that they have taxing
authority. The amount on $150,000 is only $1.23 more a year but they have taxing
authority and the rate may come down. This would be dissolved with in the next six months.
Hansen explained the large cost to do this by ourselves. No other city our size does this.
Hansen referred to the problems at Jackson pond – it does not meet 100 year flood and the
retaining wall is deteriorating. Hansen stated he will get the engineering report to Nawrocki
and Schmitt. Fehst stated that we have applied for grant money, but have not got it.
5. Suburban Rate Authority
Fehst stated this was not budgeted last year and this year. Nothing against them. Nawrocki
stated it is $1,600 a year based on size of community. Nawrocki gave percentages of
increases in electric rates. Nawrocki gave the history of our participation of the SRA. We
grant franchises but have no way to watchdog them. The savings would be for the rate
payers of the community. He requested we again rejoin the SRA. Diehm indicated that we
benefit if we are a member or not.
Peterson closed the meeting at 9:35 p.m.
____________________________
Patricia Muscovitz CMC City Clerk