Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980 09-17 CCM Special Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA SPECIAL SESSION SEPTEMBER 17, 1980 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in special session and was called to order by Mayor Dean Nyquist at 7:10 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Dean Nyquist, Councilmembers Tory Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and Celia Scott. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Public Works Sy Knapp, Superintendent of Public Utilities Cap Smith and Administrative Assistant Tom Bublitz. INVOCATION The invocation was offered by Councilmember Lhotka. RESOLUTIONS The City Manager introduced a resolution authorizing execution of an agreement with Orr- Schelen- Mayeron and Associates, Inc. for review of preliminary design for 57th Avenue North storm sewer extension. He explained, the preliminary design for this project was prepared and submitted by a developer's engineering consultant and pointed out the analysis of this system is complex because it involves a pressure pipe system, review of flood plain requirements, and a review of the adequacy of the upstream system which is in place. Because it is proposed to levy special assessments against all properties served by this storm sewer system, he stated, it is recommended that an independent firm be hired to review the preliminary design. The cost of this review, he pointed out, will be charged to this project. The Director of Public Works stated, there are special factors in this system because it is a pressure system rather than a gravity system and these special factors present unique problems with regard to design. He added, the system would also be located in the 100 -year flood plain which also presents additional problems. Mayor Nyquist inquired whether the firm would also be involved in the next j phase of the project. The Director of Public Works stated that the consulting firm would probably be involved in the final design of the plans and specs. RESOLUTION NO. 80 -222 Member Gene Lhotka introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: i j RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH ORR- SCHELEN- MAYERON AND ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR REVIEW OF PRELIMINARY DESIGN FOR 67TH AVENUE NORTH STORM SEWER EXTENSION The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Bill Fignar and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. 9 -17 -80 -1- The City Manager introduced a resolution authorizing execution of a negotiated contract with Shafer Contracting Company, Inc. for installation of a water main casing pipe crossing under I -94 at westerly edge of Central Park. He explained, the City's consulting engineers, Black and Veatch, have completed their preliminary review of the City's water supply system and one of the major elements of their recommendations is to install a 16" water main across I -94 near the westerly edge of Central Park. He added, it would obviously have been better to do this work ahead of the I -94 construction, however, the 1972 study of the water distribution system did not include this recommendation and the staff was not aware of the need for this until now. Because I -94 is under construction, he pointed out, the City is not able to interfere with that construction by this work under a separate contract without the consent of the I -94 contractor, and that contractor has advised the City that he will not allow any contractor other than his own subcontractor to work within his construction limits. Accord- ingly, he explained, we have negotiated a proposed contract with that subcontractor, Shafer Contracting Company, Inc. to install this crossing and the Director of Public Works has reviewed the proposal from Shafer and has determined that the price is fair. He added, the Director of Public Works also advises that if this work is not done now, the cost for installing it at some future date would be considerably higher, because it is now still possible to place a "jacking pit" in the center median, jacking both ways for that pit under the in place pave- ments and open trenching under areas where the pavement has not yet been constructed. In the future, he explained, it would be necessary to jack more than 220 feet from one direction. Accordingly, he explained, it is estimated that the cost savings will be in excess of $10,000. The Director of Public Works stated Black and Veatch is recommending a system improvement, that being the 16" water main on Freeway Boulevard crossing I -94 along 63rd'to Beard Avenue where it will tie into a heavy water main. He explained this project will assume full utilization of the three water towers at peak demand times. He explained this is necessary to meet future peak demands and Black and Veatch has recommended this as the most economical way to reinforce the water system. He explained it is proposed to install a 30" casing pipe now and install the carrier pipe later. Councilmember Fignar inquired what the $30,000 represented in the resolution. The Director of Public Works explained the $30,000 is the cost of installing the casing pipe. Councilmember Lhotka inquired what the staff's concern was regarding a future peak demand. The Director of Public Works stated, with a peak demand, adequate levels in the water towers may not be maintained for fire fighting purposes without a system improvement. Councilmember Lhotka then inquired what the total cost of the entire system improvement would be. The Director of Public Works stated, the total cost would be between one and a half and two million dollars. Councilmember Fignar inquired whether this would be paid out of the utilities fund and the Superintendent of Utilities stated this would be the case, that it would be paid out of the utility fund. RESOLUTION NO. 80 -221 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution. and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A NEGOTIATED CONTRACT WITH SHAFER CONTRACTING COMPANY, INC. FOR INSTALLATION OF WATER MAIN CASING PIPE UNDER I -94 The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Tony Kuefler, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said resolution: was declared duly passed and adopted. 9 -17 -80 -2- CORRECTION DISCUSSION ITEMS REQUEST FROM CEAP REGARDING PAYMENT FOR NEW CEAP BUILDING The City Manager referred Council members to a letter from Reverend Daniel Lowry requesting the Council to amend their resolution concerning the payment time for the $135,000 which was allocated to CEAP for payment of services and to request that the interest on the insurance money in escrow be given to CEAP for the building fund. Mayor Nyquist questioned whether this request would conflict with condition no. 6 in the Council's original resolution which stated the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement would not again be considered by the Council. Councilmember Kuefler stated, the intent of that condition was that the amount not be increased during the life of the contract. Mayor Nyquist stated that he does not have a problem with paying the fund to CEAP now, but that he did have a problem with paying the interest. Councilmember Kuefler inquired how far along the project was. Mr. Howard fleck, representing CEAP, stated that the building walls are now up and that they are hoping to occupy the building in late November or early December. Councilmember Fignar inquired whether CEAP had looked into interim financing for the project. Mr. Heck stated that CEAP has made the first payment to the contractor and they now have-only $5,000 left in the building fund. He explained further, interim financing will be necessary if CEAP cannot get money from the City of Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Lhotka stated that his original understanding was that CEAP had examined this agreement very carefully before they entered into it. Council- member Kuefler stated that CEAP's board.is a citizen group and apparently someone did not look to the resolution to determine the payment schedule. Mr. Heck stated that we were under the understanding that the money would be avail - able when the building permit was issued. Mayor Nyquist inquired whether it was logical for CEAP to receive interest on money that the City is paying to CEAP for services to be received five years in advance. Mr. Heck stated it was his understanding that CEAP would ask for the interest on the $115,000 received from the insurance after the fire. Councilmember Kuefler stated, the interest on the previously committed funds of $135,000 has been held in the bank because the project was not completed. He pointed out, the project would have been completed earlier if CEAP would have been able to procure a site sooner; there- fore, he stated he has no problem with giving CEAP the additional money they are requesting. The City Manager stated he would recommend making one payment since CEAP would be required to provide the City a descending lien on the property. He stated the Council could make a motion amending the original resolution which authorized the payment to CEAP. There was a motion by Councilmember Kuefler and seconded by Councilmember Scott to amend Resolution No. 79 -256, a resolution authorizing execution of an agree - ment between the City of Brooklyn Center and the Community Emergency Assistance Program Inc. for the provision of services to allow immediate payment of the funds allocated for services and to add to the amount the interest accrued on the $135,000.00. In discussion of the motion, Councilmember Lhotka stated that he has problems with increasing the $135,000 in consideration of the sixth condition of the original resolution which stated the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement will not be reconsidered by the Council during the life of the contract. Councilmember Kuefler stated the $135,000 originally allocated has decreased in value because of inflation and that adding the additional amount makes up for 9 -19 -80 -3- CORRECT= the inflation and the fact that CEAP was unable to procure land for the building: earlier. Councilmember Figanr stated he would be in favor of tying the additiona1 funds to the $115,000 but not to the $135,000. Councilmember Kuefler stated that he would accept an amendment to the motion from Councilmember Fignar to calculate the interest on the $115,000 rather than the $135,000. Mayor Nyquist stated there appears to be a question of legality in adding the additional funds to the executed contract. He stated, if the City is to give CEAP additional funding, the Council should amend the original amount and not give the interest on the contract amount. Councilmember Lhotka suggested giving the $135,000 now and resolve the interest problem later. The City Manager stated that this would be possible if the Council feels more comfortable in proceeding in this manner. Councilmember Scott withdrew her second from the motion and Councilmember Kuefler withdrew his motion to add the interest on the $115,000 and to`allow immediate payment of the $135,000 plus interest to CEAP. RESOLUTION NO. 80 -221A Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 79 -256 REGARDING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER AND THE COMMUNITY EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, INC., -. FOR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott; and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: Gene Lhotka, whereupon said resolution. was declared duly passed and adopted. The City Manager stated, when the lien document is prepared, the City can make payment to CEAP and that the City Attorney will draft the lien document for Council review. Resolution 80 -221A amended Resolution 79 -256 by increasing the dollar amount.to be paid to CEAP for services from $135,000 to $144,000 and to allow immediate payment of the $144,000 contingent on the preparation of lien documents on the CEAP property and building. RECONVENE PUBLIC HEARING ON 1981 CITY BUD Mayor Nyquist opened the meeting for the purposes of a public hearing on the 1981 City Budget. The City Manager stated he would like to clear up some of the issues related to the cut in State aids made by Governor Quie recently. He ex- plained there is still a question when the cuts will come. He noted the League of Minnesota Cities has requested that the State make the 1980 final. payment to cities on December 31, 1980. The City Manager stated that this would not pre- sent a great problem to the City and the staff does not object to the League's' request. In terms of revenue, he stated, the City will have enough revenue in 1980 to cover the $87,000 cut out of the 1980 Budget by the State. The City Manager stated that, as in past years, the simplest way to review the City Budget is to go through the Budget department by department. CITY COUNCIL BUDGET - NO. 11 The City Manager pointed out the Mayor has informed him that he feels membership in the U.S. Conference of Mayors would be beneficial and useful and that this membership would cost $1,000 per year. He pointed out, that since the Mayor does ,not take a salary, the funds could be transferred from the Mayor's salary allocation to pay for the membership in the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Council - member Kuefler stated he would support this, especially if the U.S. Conference of Mayors is as useful at the National League of Cities. Councilmember Fignar stated he believes it should be added to the Council portion of the Budget,' 9 -17 -80 -4- CHARTER COMMISSION - NO. 12 The'City Manager stated that the amount recommended by the staff for the Charter Commission has been accepted by the Chairman of-the Charter Commission as adequate. CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE - NO. 13 The City Manager proceeded to review the City Manager's Budget and Councilmember Lhotka questioned what Item 4310 in the Budget referred to. The City Manager explained Item 4310 funded such things as the labor consultant, industrial psychologist, and other information such as that received from Stanton Associates, Inc. ELECTIONS AND VOTERS REGISTRATION - NO. 14 The City Manager explained there is a reduction in the 1981 Budget from 1980 since there are fewer elections than in 1980. ASSESSING - NO. 15 The City Manager stated the procedure followed in the Assessor's Department is that once every four_ years, all property in the City is re- evaluated. He explained the staff is recommending modifications in the use of personal autos for this department and that two staff cars have been made available for the Assessing staff, these autos being made available by transferring them from the two existing staff cars. He explained the heaviest driving involving staff personnel, other than the Police Department, is from the two Building Inspectors and two Assessors. He explained, by using staff cars for these departments, the visibility of these employees will be increased and this procedure will be more economical than paying these individuals mileage on their personal cars since the staff cars will be between four and five years old. The City Manager proceeded to review the finance and independent audit portions of the Budget Nos. 16 and 17 respectively. LEGAL COUNSEL - NO. 18 Councilmember Lhotka inquired whether the $65,000 requested in the legal counsel budget would include the remainder of the Howe case. The City Manager stated there is not a specific portion of the $65,000 allocated to the Howe case, rather these expenditures would be paid as they come in. Councilmember Lhotka stated he would like to receive a break -down of the $65,000 in terms of cost allocation and the City Manager stated that he would provide this break -down. RECESS The Brooklyn Center City Council recessed at 8:55 p.m. and reconvened at 9:07 P.m. GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS - NO. 19 Councilmember Lhotka inquired what the telephone system enhancements on page 45 of the City Budget referred to. The City Manager explained this was a call forwarding system for the Street Department, since currently the phone must ring five times before the call is forwarded and some individuals calling do not wait the five or six rings it takes to forward the call. He added, the item also includes modification of the phones in the Assessor's Department, because of the LOGIS system an additional phone is needed. Mayor Nyquist inquired why the phone costs appear to be up from the 1979 Budget. He stated it was his understanding the phone costs would go down with the new phone system. The City Manager stated he would check on this item and return 9 -17 -80 -5- to the Council with an explanation. Mayor Nyquist stated that the Council would recess the Budget hearing at 10:00 p.m. and carry over what remains of the Budget review to the Monday night agenda since the Monday night meeting has a relatively short agenda. The City Manager reviewed the detached worker budget - No. 21 for Council members. POLICE PROTECTION - NO. 31 The City Manager proceeded to review the Police Department budget requests for Council members. Councilmember Lhotka questioned what the increase in Item 4322 accounted for. The City Manager explained this was the Citizen Aid Program which has been added to maintain a communications link to elderly, shut -in, or physically handicapped citizens. Councilmember Lhotka also inquired what Item 4412, miscellaneous investigation, referred to. The City Manager explained this was the fund for travel expenses for investigators required to perform investigations out of state. Mayor Nyquist inquired what Item 4312 represented. The City Manager explained this item involved lie detector tests and also.additional professional services. FIRE DEPARTMENT - NO. 32 The City Manager proceeded to review the Fire Department requests for the 1981 Budget for Council members. Councilmember Fignar inquired whether the fire hose in the budget was a replacement or new hose. The City Manager stated the fire hose was a replacement of 1,500 feet of hose lost in the Federal Lumber fire. Councilmember Lhotka inquired why new helmets were required for the Fire Department. The City Manager explained that the department's current helmets are not OSHA approved and this is an upgrading of the present helmets. Councilmember Lhotka inquired why there was such an increase in Item 4322 over last year. The City Manager stated he will check to verify this but he believes it is for a separate phone line into the fire stations which would provide a phone link to the stations when the City switch board is closed down. PLANNING AND INSPECTIONS - NO. 33 The City Manager reviewed the,Planning and Inspections Department budget and stated there are virtually no changes over the 1979 Budget except the addition of one vehicle for the inspectors. The City Manager proceeded to review the Emergency Preparedness Budget (No. 34) and the Animal Control Budget (No. 35). ENGINEERING DIVISION - NO. 41 The City Manager reviewed the requests made by the Engineering Division for 1981. He explained the $5,000 in the drafting budget was deleted but that Item 4130 should be $19,000 rather than $14,000. Councilmember Lhotka inquired whether the amount of page 71 listed for aerial mapping would complete coverage of the entire City. The City Manager explained that he did not believe this was the final phase but that he would check with the Engineering Department and find out if there is an additional phase beyond the one contemplated in 1981. Councilmember Kuefler inquired whether the staff had checked into Hennepin County's computer mapping equipment and how this would coordinate with the City's mapping. The City Manager stated that he would have the Director of Public Works explain Hennepin County's program at Monday night's meeting. 9 -17 -80 -6- CORRECTION Councilmember Lhotka inquired whether the amount requested for Item No. 4310, professional services, was adequate for 1981. The City .Manager explained this figure did not relate to specific projects -but it would be for such things as traffic studies, hydrology studies, and other special areas where the staff may not have expertise. STREET CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE DIVISION- NO. 42 Councilmember Scott requested an explanation of the jet rodder requested in the 1981 Budget. The City Manager explained the jet rodder was for storm sewer and sanitary sewer cleaning and was a system that would jet the material back to a manhole and vacuum it up. He stated that, supposedly, the jet rodder does the job of four to five pieces of separate equipment. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE DIVISION - NO. 43 The City Manager explained the only significant cost for this budget was the metric tools required for the squad cars. TRAFFIC SIGNALS - NO. 44 The City Manager explained the increased costs in this division was due to increased electric costs. He explained, governmental agencies above that of municipalities are billing cities for more and more services. He cited an example of the County charging the City $58 -per person for booking charges. He explained his intent was to meet with other cities in the metro area to develop a task force to review the rationale for County user fees. Council- . member Kuefler suggested having the Metro Association of Cities examine this. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Lhotka and seconded by Councilmember Scott to adjourn the meeting. Voting in.favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 10:07 p.m. Clerk Mayor 9 -17 -80 -7-