Council Minutes
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
April 19, 2010
The city council of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota met in the council chambers in City Hall on Monday, April 19, 2010 at the hour of 5:30 o’clock p.m. with Mayor Brown presiding. Opening the meeting were Isabel Krogh and Alexia Scott, fourth grade students at Century Elementary School and West Elementary School, who were the winners of the If I Were Mayor for a Day contest. Present at roll call were Council Members Bjerke, McNamara, Glassheim, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; absent: Council Member Gershman - 1.
Mayor Brown reported that April 19-23 is Municipal Government Week sponsored by the ND League of Cities to encourage cities to use this week as a chance to educate and inform residents about city government.
Announcements of various items held this past week and upcoming events were announced by Isabel and Alexia:
Wachipi event and thanks to the organizers of this year's event, that this is a wonderful opportunity to learn and experience more about the Native American culture that is part of our history and our future.
Another successful Hands on Learning Fair was completed this weekend, and had just short of 3,000 participants attend, children and adults.
April 22 is Earth Day and the Mayor proclaimed the week of April 17-23, 2010 as Earth Week and read the proclamation.
Next Monday, April 26, from 5:30 p.m. at the Alerus Center a new program will take place - Read Every Day, which is a local program that encourages parents to read to their children 20 minutes a day from prenatal on up. We have 82% adequacy in reading by our third, fourth and fifth grades and that Grand Forks should aim for 100% - is free and the kick-off day is at the Alerus Center next Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
There will be the first budget work session this Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall, Room A101.
Roxana Saberi is speaking at the Chester Fritz tonight.
Isabel Krogh and Alexia Scott read their essays. Mayor Brown presented each of the girls a gift from the City and that he would be visiting their classes.
Mayor Brown announced that anyone wishing to speak to any item may do so by being recognized prior to a vote being taken on the matter, and that the meeting is being televised.
PRESENTATION OF AWARD TO FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Mayor Brown presented a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the period ending December 31, 2008 to Saroj Jerath, director of finance and administrative services, and to members of her staff, including Candice Stjern, Maureen Storstad, Emily Fossen and Grace Stromli, who were present. Congratulations to Ms. Jerath and her staff.
LIBRARY UPDATE AND ANNUAL REPORT
Wendy Wendt, Librarian and Susan Mickelson, president of Library Board, presented information relative to the annual report and update, with copies of the annual report to be distributed to council members.
Information was provided as to the progress of the task force which as been in existence for nearly two years, 16 people from throughout the community on the task force, that they needed assistance of a consultant and through funding provided by the City were able to hire the consultant, who has been working for approx. a year and some of their reports are available and will be distributed by Mr. Duquette. High points of the project - hired with the intention of their looking at a futuristic library, one that would serve for 20-30 years, and to be open minded about options available. The consultants first did information gathering, then a community needs assessment, building use plan and have received report on funding sources and site ranking recommendations report. The site ranking information was presented to them on March 11 and have formed couple sub-committees of task force members who are going into more depth as to recommended site locations; and have another sub-committee that is looking at last components - to find an architect, and an RFP for architectural services was sent out last week and Library is getting many inquiries. That process will go into the next phase when they receive all the proposals, sub-committee will select the top 3 and those finalists will be invited in for on-site presentation and will inform council when that will happen. It would be their intention to have an architect hired by mid-June and that the architect would help in reducing site selection process based on their experience. It was noted that they have as many as 14 location that they have looked at, and at last task force meeting reduced the number of possible locations to 5, one of the locations included is the current library location with new construction. The next process will be to contact the different property owners to see what their interest is in selling their property, timelines for acquisition, etc. and that information will be reported within the next couple weeks to the task force. The 5 locations are listed in another handout that will be provided to the council and also is the ranking process that was used in considering the locations.
Council Member Bakken asked if the Hawley building was included in the final selection. Ms. Mickelson stated that building was one of those considered and received ranking but did not continue looking at that location as an option, and biggest problem was parking as an issue. Mr. Bakken questioned if take parking out of it, what about the building. Ms. Mickelson stated they would have to have some one go in and review how building wired and availability to provide necessary conduit for all technical support. Mr. Bakken stated that is probably already done and would be excellent library.
Council Member Bjerke stated he had a list of questions that he would provide and that those questions should be addressed before bringing ballot issue to the council, that there is more to building a building and its operational and maintenance costs - if more people, cost more to maintain, etc. lot of issues to address more than just the new building.
Council Member Kreun stated what is next step, perhaps working relationship with the finance and development committee so that financing issues, dates for vote, if necessary, acquiring property, etc. and should go to the finance committee. Council Member Christensen stated they will have to address the issues raised re. timing, sales tax - that this is a need of the city, doesn't know when proper time would be for a vote, but have to select the site, get ballpark range of cost of construction, and have to look at on-going costs and revenue source for those expenses, and looks forward to collaboration and to keep council aware of process.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
Mayor Brown reported there were three city employees who have reached employment milestones and recognized the following employees and thanked them for their dedication:
Bob Lequire, senior real estate appraiser with 30 years with the assessing department.
Bill Sukalski, 5 years with the public works department as industrial pre-treatment specialist.
Chuck Marcotte, senior firefighter with 5 years with the fire department.
ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 4292, AMENDING DOWNTOWN
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD AND OUTDOOR SEATING ON
PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY
An ordinance entitled "An ordinance amending Section 18-0311 Downtown Design Review Board and amending Section 18-0312 outdoor seating on the public right of way of the Grand Forks City Code", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on March 15, 2010, and upon which public hearing had been scheduled for this evening, was presented and read for consideration on second reading and final passage.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing.
Brad Gengler, city planner, reported that he had sent out an e-mail today recognizing several amendments that have been made to the ordinance of the downtown design review board, and are asking within the ordinance amendment to change the boundaries of the downtown design review board to reflect only the historic district, that was the original intent when the DRB was formed, however, that had no historic district in 1999 and therefore the object was to apply it to the whole downtown. For example, the old civic site, the hotels and areas that are on the southwestern edge are now being changed and are proposing to adopt the ordinance with a boundary change having an effective date 4 months out so that would be around August 16 and there would be staff time to go through the public hearing process and normal ordinance change to redefine that fringe area and make it into a downtown transition area. That University Avenue coming into the downtown, that one side of the street is in B-4 District and the other side of the street is in R-4 High Density District, and lot of changes with different types of structures and have churches, single family homes, apartment buildings, and also scattered throughout the fringe area. The other change is if look at the current ordinance with all amendments, and in area I that is referenced to discussion they have been having as far as when should the tables and chairs be removed from the downtown sidewalks, and the service/safety committee and Planning & Zoning Commission both agreed that 1:00 a.m. was sufficient time to have the tables and chairs removed from the public sidewalks, to date don't really have any incidents to report related to the tables and chairs, however, there has never been a cut off time established in Code, so technically 2:00 a.m. as far as bar closing is at the same time. The other changes in the ordinances have been presented to you at the preliminary stages.
Council Member Christensen stated he didn't see any reason where they would be asking the people who have permits to now take the tables and chairs off the sidewalks but if talking about stopping the serving of beverages sometime prior to 2:00 a.m. so don't have people lingering at the tables and chairs finishing their beverages, and maybe that is an issue. Council Member Bakken stated there were several issues, one was that didn't want to see tables/chairs going through windows at night and most cities have an ordinance stating that they have to be chained or secured or put inside for safety reasons; at 1:00 a.m. was so they have time to clean out those areas before closing.
Council Member Christensen stated they received a memo from Mr. Swanson, city attorney, and that should rethink and review because of Mr. Swanson's suggestion, and that this is just covering downtown however it does say "all" and proceed with Mr. Swanson's suggestion, to interface this with 21-0223, and that have Southgate, Green Mill who have patios with tables and chairs but not in public areas, and they should not be required to remove those. Mr. Gengler stated ordinance wouldn't have any impact on them as this is in Chapter XVIII.
Chief Packett stated the police department would concur with the comments of Mr. Bakken and Mr. Kreun in regards to our concerns have been primarily the serving of liquor and consumption - the public right of way is adjacent to the license -- Mr. Christensen stated he understands concerns and that is what should be doing if concerned about that, would be suspending the sale/consumption and close the sale of beverages outside at 1:00 a.m.
Council Member Christensen stated are we going to legislate that there will be no consumption of alcoholic beverages in the public areas after 1:00 a.m., don't have that in writing yet. Mr. Gengler stated that is what Mr. Swanson was referring to in Chapter XXI and to change language to reflect that.
Mayor Brown closed the public hearing.
Council Member Glassheim stated that we need to amend a different ordinance if want no sales or service of alcohol - it was noted would have to change 21-0223 per Mr. Swanson's suggestion - have another ordinance to accomplish that, and would like to see that introduced. Mr. Warcup stated at this point don't have an ordinance to amend the alcohol regulation but could introduce it next time - the appropriate place to regulate alcohol use and consumption would be in Chapter XXI, Chapter XVIII is Zoning. so if want to remove tables/chairs or want to secure tables and chairs, Chapter XVIII and if regulate the service, sale and consumption of alcohol, Chapter XXI.
Council Member Glassheim stated that refer to service/safety the issue of service and sales - Council Member Kreun stated that was the discussion in Service/Safety Comm. and can bring it forward, can have Mr. Swanson or Mr. Warcup write and recommend that at next meeting. Mr. Warcup will do that.
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from the Planning Department for final approval of an ordinance to amend the text of the Land Development Code, Chapter XVIII of the Grand Forks City Code of 1987, as amended, amending Article 3, Rules and Regulations, Section 18--311, Downtown Design Review Board; and Section 18-0312, Outdoor seating on public right of way, with recommendation to give final approval to the ordinance and amendments thereto.
It was moved by Council Member Christensen and seconded by Council Member Bakken to amend that portion of the ordinance to provide that all tables and chairs must be removed or secured from the permitted area not later than 1:00 a.m. Carried 5 votes affirmative; Council Member Bjerke voted against the motion.
Upon call for the question of adoption of this ordinance, as amended, and upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members McNamara, Glassheim, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 5; voting "nay": Council Member Bjerke - 1. Mayor Brown declared the ordinance adopted.
ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 4293, AMENDING RULES AND
REGULATIONS RELATING TO AUCTION HOUSES IN
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS AND HEAVY INDUSTRIAL
DISTRICTS IN THE GRAND FORKS CITY CODE
An ordinance entitled "An ordinance amending Section 18-0204 Rules and Definitions relating to auction houses, amending Section 18-0218 I-1 (Light Industrial) District, and amending Section 18-0219 I-2 (Heavy Industrial) District of the Grand Forks City Code", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on March 15, 2010, and upon which public hearing had been scheduled for this evening, was presented and read for consideration on second reading and final passage.
The city auditor reported that the required legal notice had been published calling for a public hearing to be held on this matter this evening and further that to date no protests or grievances had been filed with her office.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing, there were no comments and the public hearing was closed.
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from the Planning Department on behalf of the City of Grand Forks, ND for final approval of an ordinance to amend the text of the Land Development Code, Chapter XVIII of the Grand Forks City Code of 1987, as amended, amending Section 18-0204 and 18-0118 relating to definitions and auction houses as a conditional use permit in an I-1 and I-2 District, with recommendation to grant final approval of the ordinance.
It was moved by Council Member Kreun and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
Upon call for the question of adoption of this ordinance and upon roll call vote, the following voted "aye": Council Members Bjerke, McNamara, Glassheim, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the ordinance adopted.
ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 4294, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS
FOR FLOOD CONTROL AND GREENWAY CHARGES
An ordinance entitled "An ordinance amending Section 15-0612(5)(C) of the Grand Forks City Code relating to exemptions for flood control and greenway charges", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on April 5, 2010, was presented and read for consideration on second reading and final passage.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing, there were no comments and the public hearing was closed.
Upon call for the question of adoption of this ordinance, and upon roll call vote, the following voted "aye": Council Members Bjerke, McNamara, Glassheim, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the ordinance adopted.
APPROVE ABATEMENT OF 2009 TAXES ON PROPERTY
AT 202 CLEO COURT
The staff report from the city assessor relating to application for abatement for 2009 taxes by Byron and Sherry Levenseller, 202 Cleo Court, with recommendation that the application be approved as submitted.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved and further that we adopt the findings, conclusions and recommendations as prepared by the city attorney. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
APPROVE EXEMPTION OF REMODELING IMPROVEMENTS
TO COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AT
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
The staff report from the city assessor relating to applications for exemption of remodeling improvements to commercial and residential buildings as follows: 1606 7th Avenue North, 1815 7th Avenue North, 1010 2nd Avenue North, 1812 Cottonwood Street, 1205 Belmont Road, 616 North 7th Street, 3003 Chestnut Street, 114 Walnut Street and 1810 South 17th Street; with recommendation to grant exemption of increased value for three (3) years.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
APPROVE EXEMPTION OF REMODELING IMPROVEMENTS
TO RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS
The staff report from the city assessor relating to applications for exemption of remodeling improvements to residential buildings as follows: 323 North 5th Street and 409 South 5th Street, with recommendation to grant exemption of increased value for five (5) years.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
APPROVE EXTENSION OF SUITE 49 LIQUOR LICENSE
TO MAY 31, 2010
The staff report from the city auditor relating to application to amend liquor license transfer request by Suite 49, LLC, with recommendation to rescind former action extending the license to February 28, 2010, and to extend the license to May 31, 2010, a drop dead date. It was noted that the transfer is of a Class 4 license.
It was moved by Council Member Kreun and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
ADOPT RESOLUTION RELATING TO SANITATION
RESERVE REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2010A;
AND CALLING FOR THE SALE THEREOF
The staff report from the director of finance and administrative services relating to $2,745,000 Sanitation Reserve Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2010-A, with recommendation to approve the refunding of Sanitation Reserve Revenue Bonds, Series 2000-E and adopt Resolution relating to Sanitation Reserve Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2010-A; calling for the sale thereof and setting the sale date of May 3, 2010.
It was moved by Council Member Christensen and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
Council Member Christensen introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: Document No.
2960 - Resolution. Resolution Relating to Sanitation Reserve Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2010A,
Calling for the sale thereof.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Council Member Bakken and upon vote being taken thereon the following voted in favor: Council Members Bjerke, McNamara, Glassheim, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; and the following voted against the same: none; whereupon the resolution was declared passed and adopted and was signed by the Mayor and his signature attested by the City Auditor.
APPROVE COST PARTICIPATION, CONSTRUCTION AND
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR PAVING PROJECT NO.
6101, DISTRICT NO. 642, AND STORM SEWER PROJECT
NO. 6101.4, DISTRICT NO. 466
The staff report from the engineering department relating to Cost Participation, Construction, and Maintenance Agreement for Project No. 6101. District No. 642, paving South 48th Street from 16trh Avenue South to 32nd Avenue South and Project No.6101.4, District No. 466, storm sewer and drainage on South 48th Street from 17th Avenue South to 32nd Avenue South, with recommendation to approve the Agreement with the NDDoT.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 6 votes affirmative.
ADOPT RESOLUTION CREATING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT, ACCEPT ENGINEER'S REPORT AND ADOPT
RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY FOR PAVING PROJECT NO.
6484, DISTRICT NO.643
The staff report from the engineering department relating to creating special assessment district for Project No. 6484, District No. 643, street reconstruction of South 18th Street from 24th Avenue South to 28th Avenue South, with recommendation to create the assessment district, approve the engineer's report, including estimate of cost, an assessment district map and further that we direct engineering department to prepare detailed plans and specification for construction and that we declare intent to sell bonds to finance these improvements.
Council Member Glassheim introduced the following resolution creating the assessment district, which was presented and read: Document No. 9261 - Resolution.
The city auditor presented and read the engineer's report on Paving Project No. 6484, District No. 643: Document No. 9262 - Report.
Council Member Glassheim introduced the following resolution of necessity, which was presented and read: Document No. 9263 - Resolution.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved and that the resolution creating the special assessment district, the engineer's report and the resolution of necessity for Paving Project No. 6484, District No. 643, be accepted and adopted. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Bjerke, McNamara, Glassheim, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried and the report and resolutions adopted.
APPROVE INSTALLATION AND FUNDING FOR PROJECT
NO. 6579, DEMERS AVENUE AND WASHINGTON STREET
BEAUTIFICATION
The staff report from the engineering department relating to installation and funding for Project No. 6579, DeMers Avenue and Washington Street beautification,, with recommendation to approve installation of planting beds at intersection of DeMers Avenue and Washington Street with funding from Community Development Beautification Funds.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 6 votes affirmative.
ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS AND ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS,
PAVING PROJECT NO. 6460, DISTRICT NO. 639
The city engineer's estimate of total cost of the construction of street reconstruction of portions of 30th Avenue South, 31st Avenue South and South 23rd Street in the amount of $762,470.50, was presented and read.
The staff report from the engineering department relating to plans and specifications for Project No. 6460. District No. 639, street reconstruction of 30th Avenue South from South 20th Street to South 25th Street, 31st Avenue South from South 20th Street to South 23rd Street and South 23rd Street from 30th Avenue South to 32nd Avenue South, with recommendation to approve plans and specifications for this project.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
Council Member Glassheim introduced the following resolution which was presented and read: Document No. 9264 - Resolution.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that the recommendation be approved and that the resolution approving the plans and specifications be adopted. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
AWARD BIDS FOR PROJECT NO. 6516, 2010 ASPHALT
STREET REPAIRS
The staff report from the engineering department relating to bids for Project No. 6516, 2010 Asphalt Street Repairs, with recommendation to award contract to low bidder, Minndak Asphalt, Inc. in the amount of $71,110.00.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 6 votes affirmative.
AWARD BIDS FOR PROJECT NO. 6518, 2010 SANITARY
SEWER REPAIRS AND PROJECT NO. 6519, 2010 STORM
SEWER REPAIRS
The staff report from the engineering department relating to bids for Project No. 6518, 2010 Sanitary Sewer Repairs and Project No. 6519, 2010 Storm Sewer Repairs, with recommendation to award contract to low bidder, Tony Anderson Construction in the amounts of $29,087.00 and $41,230.00, respectively, for a total bid of $70,317.00.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 6 votes affirmative.
APPROVE SIEWALK LIST NO. 1, PROJECT NO. 6514,
2010 SIDEWALK REPAIR AND INSTALLATION
The staff report from the engineering department relating to Sidewalk Location List #1 for Project No. 6514, 2010 Sidewalk Repair and Installation, with recommendation to approve 2010 Sidewalk Location List No. 1.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
APPROVE VEHICLE BIDS FOR ENGINEERING/
INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENTS
The staff report from the engineering department relating to engineering/inspections department vehicle bids, with recommendation to award bids as follows: 4x4 1/2 ton extended cab pickup to Luther Family Ford in the amount of $18,293 (with trade); 4x4 6 cylinder compact SUV to Luther Family Ford in the amount of $19,672 (with trade); and the compact extended cab pickup to Hatton Ford in the amount of $18,070 (no trade).
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Bjerke, McNamara, Glassheim, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.
AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
The staff report from the health department relating to bids for purchasing of laboratory refrigerators, laboratory freezers, remote temperature monitoring systems, and portable refrigerator/freezers, with recommendation to award contract to low bidders in the amount of $51,286.20 (grant funding for local health care facilities in Grand Forks County).
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Bjerke, McNamara, Glassheim, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.
APPROVE NOISE VARIANCE AND SPECIAL LICENSE
TO SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FOR SPRINGFEST 2010
The staff report from the public information center, special events, relating to noise variance and special license to sell alcoholic beverages at designated premises for Springfest 2010, Rhombus Guys, with recommendation to approve noise variance and special license to sell alcoholic beverages at designated premises which are conditions of the overall special events permit.
It was moved by Council Member Christensen and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 5 votes affirmative, Council Member Bjerke voted against the motion.
APPROVE PURCHASE OF QUICK RESPONSE VEHICLE
FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT
The staff report from the police department relating to bomb squad quick response vehicle, with recommendation to approve and award quick response vehicle bid of Nelson Auto Center, Fergus Falls, MN in the amount of $36,721.00 (including 8 ft. box).
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 6 votes affirmative.
APPROVE SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE FOR EQUIPMENT
FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT
The staff report from the police department relating to quick response vehicle cap specifications and sole source request, with recommendation to approve specifications and sole source purchase (to purchase the custom cap from Mid-Atlantic Communications, Inc. for the sum of $10,517.00, and requesting to contract with MidStates Wireless to insure continuity of equipment installed on the vehicle for the amount of $2,971.25.)
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 6 votes affirmative.
APPROVE PURCHASE OF SKID-STEER LOADER WITH
ATTACHEMENTS FOR WATER UTILITY
The staff report from the superintendent of water utility relating to skid-steer loader with bucket and hydraulic breaker, with recommendation to approve bid of Bobcat in the amount of $34,089.00.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 6 votes affirmative.
APPROVE 2010 EXPENSE FORECAST AMENDMENT
FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES WITH EAST
GRAND FORKS, MN
the staff report from the director of public works and superintendent of public transportation relating to 2010 expense forecast amendment for public transportation services with East Grand Forks, with recommendation to approve 2010 expense forecast amendment.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR LANDFILL GAS
FEASIBILITY STUDY
The staff report from the director of public services relating to landfill gas feasibility study professional service agreement with Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc., with recommendation to approve the professional services agreement with Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc. in an hourly basis and not to exceed amount of $74,634.00, subject to the city attorney's review.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 6 votes affirmative.
APPROVE TRANSFER OF REAL ESTATE PROPERTY TO
JOBS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The staff report from the director of public works relating to City of Grand Forks real estate property transfer to the Jobs Development Authority (JDA), with recommendation to transfer approximately 43.21 acres of City of Grand Forks real estate property in Auditor's Subdivision No. 28 as described as Lot 6 in the attached drawing to the JDA in order to allow for negotiations and sale of the real estate property to JR Simplot Company for the purposes of renewing ands expanding JR Simplot Company Grand Forks facility wastewater pretreatment system.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Bjerke, McNamara, Glassheim, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.
REFER MATTER OF CLOSING TIME FOR OUTDOOR SEATING
IN DOWNTOWN TO COMMITTEE
The staff report from the city planner relating to closing time for outdoor seating in the downtown, with recommendation to concur with the Service/Safety Committee's recommendation of establishing a 1:00 a.m. closing time for outdoor seating in the downtown.
It was moved by Council Member Christensen and seconded by Council Member Kreun to send this matter to the Service/Safety Committee to take up ordinance from the city attorney. Carried 6 votes affirmative. Council Member Kreun reported this would be at their committee meeting tomorrow.
APPROVE CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
The staff report from the mayor's office relating to city council committee structure was presented to the council.
Council Member Bjerke summarized the structure for the city council: that city council would meet on the first and third Mondays of the month; the finance/development committee would meet on the second and fourth Monday; the service/safety committee would meet on the second and fourth Tuesday; all the meeting will be televised starting at 5:30 p.m.; all agenda items will be either on one committee agenda or the other; and new structure will start first city council meeting in May, and moved the motion. Council Member Glassheim seconded the motion. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
The Statement of Changes in Cash Balances as of March 31, 2010, were presented for council's information.
APPROVE BILL LISTING
Vendor Payment Listing No. 10-08, dated April 14, 2010, totaling $1,057,394.16, was presented and read.
It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that these bills be allowed and that the city auditor be authorized to issue warrants in payment of the same. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Bjerke, McNamara, Glassheim, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried and the bills ordered paid.
APPROVE MINUTES APRIL 5, 2010
Typewritten copies of the minutes of the city council held on Monday, April 5, 2010, were presented and read. It was moved by Council Member Bjerke and seconded by Council Member Glassheim that the minutes be approved as read. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
COMMENTS BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL
1) Council Member Bjerke questioned when the matter of downtown parking would be presented to council.
2) Council Member McNamara stated that the people at the Circle of Friends Humane Society made very difficult decisions in the last month re. the matter of rabies situation; that people were upset with the decision they had to make but in talking to State officials there was no way around it, and wanted to publicly thank them for their hard work during a difficult period of time in serving the community.
3) Council Member Bakken asked that the Library Board not give up on the Hawley building, there seem to be some advantages to it, other than the fact that it is a great building and there may be some way to work out the parking issues - that if look at the numbers and talk to the people, end up with a Hawley Library, might end up with what you want under the costs, and in talking to some people, sounds like there are some good possibilities there, and suggested that they might not want to give it up. Council Member McNamara stated the ranking was straightforward by established criteria that was used and would encourage the owners of that building to come to the next task force meeting and present their information and task force would be open to listen to it. Mr. Bakken stated it would be more of a benefit to the city.
ADJOURN
It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that we adjourn. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
Saroj Jerath
City Auditor
Approved:
________________________________
Michael R. Brown, Mayor