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Columbus Council OK's DNR land buy |
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Wednesday, 16 April 2008 |
Mary Bailey
Columbus Reporter
The final vote recommending sale of the Yost property to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources took place at the Columbus City Council regular meeting on Wednesday, April 9.
City Attorney Bill Griffith, Jr., incorporated in the resolution the findings of staff and council, including the property’s limited development potential, its location adjacent to the wildlife management area and several miles from the commercial district, its limited access, and the fact that the DNR will own property on both sides of this parcel.
Council members Denny Peterson and Jeff Duraine opposed the resolution. Mayor Mel Mettler, and Council members Renae Fry and Mark Walsh supported it.
The Anoka County Board must vote within 90 days of the DNR request, but Dan Rhode of the DNR said there is no rush.
“The county doesn’t want to start their 90 days until they have a better idea of the legislation,” he said, referring to a proposal in the state legislature that would allow the DNR to purchase the land without county approval. A bill to that end has been introduced in the Minnesota State Senate but as of April 14 has no companion bill in the House.
Rezoning
The city council on April 9 also approved a rezoning request for six acres at 13915 Lake Drive from part rural residential, part commercial/industrial, to all commercial/industrial.
The request was made by Charlie Wilson, president of Minnesota Utilities & Excavating.
The neighbors to the south have expressed concerns about the contractor’s proposal to crush concrete and paving materials on the site. Wilson’s application for a conditional use permit will be discussed at the next meeting on April 23.
Tax hearing
The council continued the annual board of appeal and equalization meeting from April 7. City Assessor Ken Tolzmann presented his findings on six properties, recommending no change for four and reductions in the appraised value for two.
The council accepted the appraiser’s recommendations.
Rezoning
A variance to store diesel fuel 20 feet from the well instead of the usual 50 feet has been granted.
Construction is on schedule: The exterior brick and block are done, the membrane roofing is on, and doors and louvers are being installed.
The council accepted a change order for an automatic transfer switch that will provide automatic start if the power is out. The additional cost is $2766.
Ditch work
City Engineer Larry Bohrer discussed the Anoka County repair report for Ditch 10-22-32. This public drainage system flows south from Jodrell Road and Pine Street in Columbus into Marshan Lake in Lino Lakes.
The ditch was built in the 1890s and repaired in 1915. Now, in some places, water stands three feet higher than when the ditch was built.
Bohrer cited drainage problems on Zodiac Street across from Waldoch Farm. One culvert under Pine Street is completely covered over, he said, while one is still visible. “The only drainage we have now is what seeps through.”
If Columbus were to seek a permit to replace the buried culvert, Bohrer said, they would work with the Rice Creek Watershed District to determine the size, elevation, and slope.
Mayor Mettler said, “I think we should replace culverts. Let’s keep this on the agenda.”
Council member Fry recommended the entire drainage area should be covered under one plan, and wondered whether Pine Street could be paved during the culvert repair.
Defibrillator
At the public open forum, Myron Organ asked the council whether anything more has been done about purchasing a defibrillator.
City Administrator Elizabeth Mursko said “We intend to work on this. You have to adopt a policy and plan some oversight.”
Speed zones
Is there a speed problem in Columbus? If so, in what areas of the city should speed zones be changed?
City Administrator Mursko explained that as a city, Columbus has jurisdiction over roads that are a half mile long and roads that go through a park.
Public Works Employee Josh Pepin presented a map showing where the city currently has speed signs, and a cost analysis for adding signs.
The total cost for 121 speed limit signs would be $10,555.
The council discussed the process by which speed limits can be changed. Residents of any road in the community can petition for a speed study.
Council member Duraine said, “If the residents say they want the speed limit lowered, we should look at it.”
“Signage is not enough. We also need enforcement,” Council member Walsh pointed out.
Pet clinic
A pet clinic for residents of Columbus City will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Columbus Fire Station, 16339 Kettle River Blvd. Dog licenses can be purchased at that time for $4 with proof of a current rabies certificate.
Dog and cat owners can also take advantage of the pet clinic to obtain rabies and distemper vaccinations and heartworm tests. Heartworm medication and other shots will be available.
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