Council Minutes
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
June 4, 2007
The city council of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota met in the council chambers in City Hall on Monday, June 4, 2007 at the hour of 7:00 o’clock p.m. with Mayor Brown presiding. Present at roll call were Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; absent: Council Member Glassheim - 1.
A youth group from St. Mary's Church led the council in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
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.
Mayor Brown commented on various events during the past week and upcoming events:
He thanked those that participated in the Relay for Life along with organizers and volunteers, that over $170,000 was raised with 850 participants.
There was a Quilting Show that brought over 1,000 people from around the region, and Girls' State Soccer Tournament which drew thousands to the community, and congratulations and thanks to organizers and volunteers.
The Annual ArtFest is coming this weekend and is one of the best examples of creativity, focus and leadership that our community has seen.
This weekend is also first meeting under the Mayor's Urban Neighborhood Initiative, 1:00 p.m. at Wilder School and chance to talk with residents of the Near Northside Neighborhood and work together on ways to keep this neighborhood thriving and strong.
ALERUS COMMISSION UPDATE
A brief update was made by Randy Newman, chairman of the Alerus Center Commission, that the Alerus Center recently authorized the termination of the management agreement between Alerus Center and Compass Management and some of the issues they have been working on, June 20 is their next Commission meeting for review of these issues and management plan. He stated that when the Alerus first opened they needed someone in their expertise to help with that but over the years felt that their services were not as needed and several factors that led them to make a change in that direction. Termination of the management agreement allows the Alerus Commission to undertake full management of the facility and its employees, have left the door open for other working agreements between the Commission and Compass, including ticket master arrangements and booking events on a fee basis. Effective date of the termination is September 20, 2007; that they are working on the establishment of a non-profit corporation for purposes of providing oversight and management activities including holding of the license for the sale of alcoholic beverages at the Alerus Center; municipal corporations and political subdivisions are precluded by ND Law from holding alcoholic beverage license.
He stated that users of the Alerus Center will not be affected , nor will existing contracts and bookings be affected. Promotions, marketing and bookings are continuing and see no changes in this transition period. He stated that the Alerus Commission will be undertaking a search process for the position of an executive director. He stated they appreciate the assistance of several people on staff of City that have been working with them, city finance and administration offices, human resources and city attorney on drafting transition plan.
There were several questions re. the non-profit corporation and who would be members of that organization. Mr. Swanson reported they have been exploring different possibilities in that regard and are looking at it now is that the member would be the Event Center Commission as appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council. The board of directors would be a sub-set with two or so additional members on the board for the non-profit. He stated that is the model he is looking and would be a subset of the members of the event center commission; and stated that he is providing an opportunity for some members to serve on that capacity and perhaps two ex officio members which may be staff members from the City, what he is concerned about is not creating an alter ego of the event center commission for purposes of finding that it is not a non-profit but is a political subdivision or a municipal corporation which would preclude the ability to hold and operate an alcoholic beverage license.
Council Member Christensen asked if before going through with this to get an opinion from the Attorney General but Mr. Swanson stated he wasn't sure they would want to do that. He stated that the Attorney General would not issue an opinion with respect to the legality of creating a 501c3, the only opinion the Attorney General may give is whether or not is permissible by State law to do or not do certain activities; that the reason he didn't want to have an exact match is to avoid an alter ego problem.
Mr. Swanson stated the Event Center Commission under the ordinance that this body created has full management authority over the Alerus Center; that the council clearly created an independent body to operate and manage the Alerus Center, and if they choose not to go to a 501c3 you have no options to hold the liquor license, that he has been told there is a suggestion that JDA can hold a liquor license but that is not permitted by ND law, cannot hold it in the name of the City of Grand Forks, and from his perspective the only avenue that if you wanted to have some input and some control is to create a related entity that was not to be confused with a political subdivision or municipal corporation; there are other models that have established a non-profit organization but if the body wants an A.G.'s opinion he will defer, but the only people that can request an A.G.'s opinion are the city attorney or the mayor, and if direct him to get one, he will but not sure it is in the best interest to make that request because the opinion is then binding upon the City whether you agree or disagree.
Council Member Christensen asked if it might be the time to review the qualifications for members of the Alerus Commission, and also review the powers and duties. Mr. Newman stated that is not his decision and not something he has considered or discussed; but has asked for some clarification to some of the requirements for appointing certain people to the Commission because of specific industry representation because it does limit the number of potential candidates that they could put on the Commission.
Council Member Brooks asked if there would be future updates and this transition progresses; Mr. Newman stated he will work with City staff and will give updates.
Mr. Swanson stated that with regard to any alcoholic beverage license issue the current license at the Alerus Center is held by Compass, and the way the ordinance is drafted is that license can only be issued to an entity that has a contract for the management or service of alcoholic beverages; assuming that Compass was terminated on or before the 30th of September, there will have to be some action taken by this body with regard to the liquor license, and whatever entity is applying for that license will have to meet whatever qualifications our Code has; that is apart from issues of structure and is an issue that will come back to council.
Mr. Newman reminded everyone that they do have 120 day time here to make this transition period, and that his executive committee, the Commission, which is 3 individuals, including himself, have been working a fair amount of time with Mr. Schmisek, Mr. Duquette and Mr. Swanson, and have looked at several different alternatives as Mr. Swanson said there are existing models out there that other communities are using with the 501c3 so that have spent time on exploring alternatives but need to put this in place and has to get the Commission to approve this so that can have that entity created and also going through a search process.
YOUTH COMMISSION REPORT
No report made.
ADOPT RESOLUTION VACATING PARTS OF NORTH
SECOND STREET, 1ST AVENUE NORTH, RIVERBOAT
ROAD AND EASEMENTS BETWEEN BLOCK 24, TOWN OF
GRAND FORKS AND AUDITOR'S RESUBDIVISION NO. 13
The city auditor reported that pursuant to instructions by the city council after having received a petition to vacate parts of North Second Street, 1st Avenue North, Riverboat Road and easements between Block 24, Town of Grand Forks and Auditor's Resubdivision No. 13, the required legal notice had been published calling for a public hearing to be held this evening, and further that no protests or grievances had been filed with the auditor's office.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing, there were no comments, and the public hearing was closed.
It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Brooks to find and determine an insufficiency of protest to the proposed vacation. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
Council Member Gershman introduced the following resolution which was presented and read: Document No. 9042 - Resolution; and moved its adoption; and was seconded by Council Member Brooks. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 6 votes affirmative.
DETERMINE INSUFFICIENCY OF PROTEST ON PAVING
DISTRICT NO. 627, PROJECT NO. 5988
The city auditor reported that the period for filing protests on the resolution of necessity for the improvements in and for Paving District No. 627, Project No. 5988, construction paving and street lighting on 40th Avenue South from South 20th Street to South Washington Street, had expired on May 21, 2007, and that he had received no written protests.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing, there were no comments and the public hearing was closed.
Council Member Bakken introduced the following resolution as to protests which was presented and read: Document No. 9043 - Resolution.
It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that we find and determine an insufficiency of protest against Paving District No. 627, Project No. 5988, as no protests were filed, and further that the resolution be adopted. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
DETERMINE INSUFFICIENCY OF PROTEST ON STREET
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 93, PROJECT NO. 6133
The city auditor reported that the period for filing protests on the resolution of necessity for the improvements in and for Street Improvement District No. 93, Project No. 6133, overlay of streets in Sunbeam Addition east of Belmont Road, including the streets of Circle Hills Drive, Northridge Hills Court, Gentle Hills Circle, Rolling Hills Circle, Inland Hills Court, Sandy Hills Lane, Sloping Hills Cove, Grassy Hills Lane, Windward Hills Avenue, Breezy Hills Cove, Leeward Hills Lane and Plain Hills Drive, had expired on May 31, 2007, and that he had received no written protests.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing, there were no comments and the public hearing was closed.
Council Member Bakken introduced the following resolution as to protests which was presented and read: Document No. 9044 - Resolution.
It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that we find and determine an insufficiency of protest against Street Improvement District No. 93, Project No. 6133, as no protests were filed, and further that the resolution be adopted. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
DETERMINE INSUFFICIENCY OF PROTEST ON PAVING
DISTRICT NO. 631, PROJECT NO. 6137
The city auditor reported that the period for filing protests on the resolution of necessity for the improvements in and for Paving District No. 631, Project No. 6137, paving and street lighting in Countryview 4th Resubdivision and on Christen Drive, east property line of Lot 9, Block 1, Countryview 3rd Resubdivision to the cul-de-sac, had expired on June 4, 2007, and that he had received no written protests.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing, there were no comments and the public hearing was closed.
Council Member Bakken introduced the following resolution as to protests which was presented and read: Document No. 9045 - Resolution.
It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that we find and determine an insufficiency of protest against Paving District No. 631, Project No. 6137, as no protests were filed, and further that the resolution be adopted. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
APPROVE APPLICATIONS FOR EXEMPTION OF RE-
MODELING IMPROVEMENTS TO RESIDENAL BUILDINGS
The staff report from the city assessor relating to applications for exemption of remodeling improvements to residential buildings, with recommendations to grant exemption of increased value for 3 years to the following properties: 319 North 5th Street, 1602 8th Avenue North, 520 South 5th Street, 2015 Oakwood Avenue, 418 23rd Avenue South, 2719 Knight Drive #A, 2719 Knight Drive #C, 2719 Knight Drive #D, 2719 Knight Drive #E, and 614 25th Avenue South.
It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
AWARD CONTRACT FOR PROJECT NO. 5724, GRAND
FORKS PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER, SUBJECT TO FINAL
APPROVAL OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS; AND
REFER MATTER OF SALE OF MOSQUITO CONTROL
RESERVE REVENUE BONDS TO FINANCE COMMITTEE
The staff report from the police department, fire department and public health department relating to consideration of bids for Project No. 5724, Grand Forks Public Safety Center, with recommendation to award general contract to Peterson Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $4,367,400.00; electrical contract to Moorhead Electric, Inc. in the amount of $469,640.00; and mechanical contract to McFarlane Sheet Metal, Inc. in the amount of $475,000.00.
Council Member Christensen stated we have two sources of funding for this project, selling G.O. bonds for $3,490,000 and selling bonds for the Mosquito portion for $1,360,000, that after studying and reviewing information re. the general fund cash carryover variance, extra money that we collected in 2006, and as of this past Thursday there was $1,262,500 of cash carryover, and developed how we could do this project and pay for the mosquito facility in total - would like to approve the project and delay the resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of the bonds for one or two weeks so that they can review his proposal to explore using existing cash for the mosquito facility, that it will save the City $655,000 in interest over the 20 years, and save $160,000 in issuance costs, nearly $800,000; and it will free up approx. $110,000 to $115,000 annually in the Health Dept. budget to make the payments; and with the $115,000 we will have enough money to cover the operations for the facility, which is $65,000, and will have another $50,000 ($115,000 minus $65,000) to defray the operating costs of the fire department and the police department because if there is excess money in one fund we can transfer over and would like to explore this before we sell bonds.
The city auditor stated the latest they could vote on this would be June 18, there is concern depending on if decision to go ahead and sell the bonds, that if changes made that not all the general fund money goes to the mosquito but might buy down the debt of the G.O. bonds because they are both mill levy related, then run into change factor of the official statement that was scheduled to go out on June 18 and would try to hold until the 19th, the bids expire on July 8, that if had a change because underwriters don't want to do anything the week of the 4th, and next council meeting that anything could be awarded would be July 16, and will have to work out special meetings so don't get past the bid expiration date of July 8.
Council Member Christensen moved that we approve the bids for the Grand Forks Public Safety Center subject to sale of the bonds or other sources of revenue to pay for the facility. Council Member Gershman seconded the motion.
The city auditor stated they couldn't award the bids tonight without being contingent on the sale of the $3,490,000 G.O Public Building Bonds, Series 2007A because there is a required protest period of 60 days from the date that we called for the sale of the G.O. bonds, that expires on June 25, 2007 and that is why they had June 25 set as the award date.
Council Members Christensen and Gershman withdrew the motion.
Council Member Bakken moved to approve recommendation to award general contract to Peterson Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $4,367,400.00; electrical contract to Moorhead Electric, Inc. in the amount of $469,640.00; and mechanical contract to McFarlane Sheet Metal, Inc. in the amount of $475,000.00. Council Member Brooks seconded the motion. Upon call for the question and upon roll call vote, the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.
The staff report from the finance department relating to resolution authorizing issuance and sale of $3,490,000 General Obligation Public Building Bonds, Series 2007A, calling for the sale thereof, with recommendation to approve resolution calling for the sale of General Obligation Building Bonds, Series 2007A.
Council Member Bakken moved that the recommendation authorizing issuance and sale of $3,490,000 General Obligation Public Building Bonds, Series 2007A, calling for the sale thereof, and approving resolution calling for the sale of the General Obligation Building Bonds, Series 2007A, be approved. Council Member Brooks seconded the motion. Upon call for the question and upon roll call vote, the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.
The staff report from the finance department relating to resolution authorizing issuance and sale of $1,360,000 Mosquito Control Reserve Revenue Bonds, Series 2007B, calling for the public sale thereof, with recommendation to approve resolution calling for the sale of Mosquito Control Reserve Revenue Bonds, Series 2007B.
Council Member Christensen moved that this matter be moved to the finance committee for review of his proposal and to bring it back to city council by June 18, 2007 with recommendation. Council Member McNamara seconded the motion
Council Member Kreun stated that General Fund dollars can be used for police, fire, streets, sanitation infrastructure, etc. and where did this money appear from, and what was original intent and his concern is that if we have $1.2 million cash and would like to utilize that for infrastructure on our streets, etc. rather than using that on a long term capital expenditure.
The city auditor reported they established the 2006 budget they had projected that they would end the year or start the 2007 year with $2.9 million carryover amount, that the $2.9 million wasn't achieving our goal of the 15% of operating expenses but this money was generated by the fact that we had a very strong year in 2006 in generation of revenue (building permits, franchise fees, alcohol beverages, more special assessment projects so engineering and adm. fees high, rental licensing, etc.) of about $6 million more in revenues than had projected, and of that about $841,000 of revenue that they can't rely on, as those weren't considered when they did their estimates. He also reviewed projected uses - policy has been 15% of expenses is that $728,000 for 15% for reserve; the DB contribution out of the General Fund was approx. $283,000 more than what was budgeted, that in looking ahead at the 2008 budget he has anticipated a spend down of cash of $330,000 which includes $230,000 to replace a 1974 fire engine; those aren't projected and necessary uses but if going to cover the $283,000 and $330,000 and use this money elsewhere, still have to come back and cover this $610,000 some way, and also in projecting of revenue for the 2007 budget in the area of the franchise fee for Xcel was due to some surcharge adjustments, etc. because of fuel, and the revenue projected for 2007 from Xcel is going to fall short $200,000 to $300,000; and that is his concern in using the cash carryover.
Council Member Brooks need to see if have adequate reserves in the general fund, had a financial plan that was approved, and need to see audit report. and need to go with the financial plan that was set up originally.
Council Member McNamara stated that it is good practice that these issues go in front of the finance committee on a regular basis prior to coming to us. The city auditor reported the audit report is finaled and is at the printer's and scheduled to come to the committee of the whole for referral to the finance committee on June 25. Mr. McNamara stated that Council Member Kreun has included in the discussion to include infrastructure, and Mr. Brooks has asked to include increasing the reserves and he would like it to include looking at freezing existing property taxes, that this is surplus money from general fund from last year.
Upon roll call vote on the question that this matter be moved to the finance committee for review of his proposal and to bring it back to city council by June 18, 2007 with recommendation (with some discussion to have special council meeting next Monday), the following vote "aye": Council Members Gershman, Christensen, Brooks, McNamara - 4; voting "nay": Council Members Bakken, Kreun - 2. Mayor Brown reported the matter was referred to committee.
Mr. Swanson stated that by approving consideration of bids for the Grand Forks Public Safety Center, the original motion had a contingency and was withdrawn by the mover, the following motion was to accept the bids, and approved with no contingencies; that the council then acted on item with respect to the sale of $3.4 million of G.O. Bonds, and that passed without contingency. The item now speaking of is only with respect to the reserve revenue bonds.
The city auditor asked for a clarification on those items that have no contingencies and would like council to reconsider the award based on the expiration of the protest period for the sale of the $3.49 million bonds on June 25, 2007, and if that bond is not going through since this is a joint building will probably not do the mosquito building either and can award bids for both of those subject to that expiration date.
It was moved by Council Member Christensen to reconsider the action taken on the motion to award the bids for the Grand Forks Public Safety Center, seconded by Council Member McNamara. Carried 5 votes affirmative, Council Member Kreun voted against the motion for reconsideration.
It was moved by Council Member Christensen to award the bids for the Grand Forks Public Safety Center, Project No. 5724, subject to final approval on the issuance of the General Obligation Bonds. Council Member McNamara seconded the motion. Upon call for the question and upon roll call vote the motion carried 6 votes affirmative.
APPROVE ADVANCE REFUNDING OF REFUNDING IMPROVE-
MENT BONDS, SERIES 1999B AND 2000A, AND CALL FOR
PUBLIC SALE OF SERIES 2007C
The staff report from the finance department relating to advance refunding of Refunding Improvement Bonds, Series 1999B and 2000A, with recommendation to approve the advance refunding of Refunding Improvement Bonds, Series 1999B (various special assessments) and 2000A (dike special assessment) and adopt resolution calling for the public sale of Series 2007C.
It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
Council Member Bakken introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: Document No. 9046 - Resolution.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Council Member Kreun and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor: Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; and the following voted against the same: none; whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and adopted and was signed by the Mayor and his signature attested by the City Auditor.
APPROVE REQUEST FOR COST SHARING IN PLAN USING
AIRBORNE RADAR IMAGING TO ESTABLISH GROUND
ELEVATIONS
The staff report from the engineering department relating to request for cost sharing from the International Water Institute, with recommendation to approve the request for cost sharing in the amount of $46,910.00 (flood research and watershed education for the Red River Basin using airborne radar imaging to establish ground elevations).
It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.
AWARD CONTRACT FOR PROJECT NO. 5807, GREENWAY
CLEANUP PHASE 3
The staff report from the engineering department relating to bids for Project No. 5807, Greenway Cleanup Phase 3, with recommendation to award contract to low bidder, Strata Corporation, in the amount of $84,935.00.
It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried and the contract awarded.
.AWARD CONTRACT FOR PROJECT NO. 6132, PAVING
EAST ELMWOOD DRIVE
The staff report from the engineering department relating to bids for Project No. 6132, paving East Elmwood Drive, with recommendation to award contract to low bidder, Aggregate Industries, Inc. in the amount of $103,091.00.
It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried and the contract awarded.
APPROVE CHANGE ORDER FOR PROJECT NO. 5990,
2006 ENGLISH COULEE SEEDING
The staff report from the engineering department relating to Change Order No. 2 for Project No. 5990, 2006 English Coulee Seeding, with recommendation to approve Change Order No. 2 for Project No. 5990 in the amount of $15,760.00.
It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.
AWARD CONTRACT FOR PROJECT NO. 6133, OVERLAY
SUNBEAM ADDITION EAST OF BELMONT ROAD, AND
PROJECT NO. 6134, OVERLAY PORTIONS OF 62ND
AVENUE SOUTH AND BELMONT ROAD
The staff report from the engineering department relating to bids for Project No. 6133, Overlay Sunbeam Addition east of Belmont Road and Project N. 6134, Overlay 62nd Avenue South from Columbia Road to Washington Street and Belmont Road from 62nd Avenue to Adams Drive, with recommendation to award contract, including bid option of Belmont Road, to low bidder, Strata Corporation in the amount of $577,523.10.
It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.
RECEIVE TABULATION OF BIDS, ESTIMATE OF TOTAL
COST AND AWARD CONTRACT, PAVING PROJECT NO.
6137, DISTRICT NO. 631
The city auditor presented and read tabulation of bids which had been received and opened on May 29, 2007 for Paving Project No. 6137, District No. 631, paving and street lighting for Countryview 4th Resubdivision, indicating that Opp Construction, LLC was the low bidder based upon their bid in the amount of $81,738.00: Document No. 9047 - Bid Tabulation.
The city engineer's estimate of total cost for Project No. 6137, District No. 631, in the amount of $ was presented and read.
The staff report from the engineering department relating to consideration of bids for Project No. 6137, District No. 631, paving and street lighting for Countryview 4th Resubdivision, with recommendation to award to the low bidder, Opp Construction, LLC in the amount of $81,738.00.
It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved and the resolution awarding the contract to Opp Construction, LLC was presented and read: Document No. 9048 - Resolution. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Member Brooks, McNamara, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the resolution adopted and the contract awarded.
AWARD CONTRACT FOR PROJECT NO. 5996, UNIVERSITY
AVENUE OVERPASS REPAIRS
The staff report from the engineering department relating to bids for Project No. 5996, University Avenue Overpass Repairs, with recommendation to award contract to low bidder, Strata Corporation, in the amount of $298,986.40.
It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.
RECEIVE TABLUATION OF BIDS, ESTIMATES OF TOTAL
COST AND AWARD CONTRACT, PAVING PROJECT NO.
5988, DISTRICT NO. 627, AND SEWER PROJECT NO. 6059,
DISTRICT NO. 453
The city auditor presented and read tabulation of bids which had been received and opened May 18, 2007 by the North Dakota Department of Transportation for Paving Project No. 5988, District No.627, paving 40th Avenue South (South 20th Street to South Washington Street) and Project No 6059, Sewer District No. 453, Trunk Storm sewer crossing on 40th Avenue South, 1600 block, with recommendation to award contract to low bidder, Aggregate Industries, Inc. in the amounts of $946,104.70 for Project No. 5988 and $107,471.15 for Project No. 6059, for a combined total bid of $1,053,575.85, contingent upon NDDoT concurrence and DBE review: Document No. 9049 - Bid Tabulation.
The city engineer's estimates of total cost for Paving Project No. 5988, District No. 627 and Sewer Project No. 6059, District No. 453, in the amounts of $ and $ , were presented and read.
The staff report from the engineering department relating to consideration of bids for Project No. 5988, Paving District No. 627, paving 40th Avenue South (South 20th Street to South Washington Street) and Project No. 6059, Sewer District No. 453, trunk storm sewer crossing on 40th Avenue South, 1600 block, with recommendation to award contract to low bidder, Aggregate Industries, Inc. in the amounts of $946,104.70 for Project No. 5988 and $107,471.15 for Project No. 6059, for a combined total of $1,053,575.85, contingent upon NDDoT concurrence and DBE review.
It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved and the resolution awarding the contract to Aggregate Industries, Inc. was presented and read: Document No. 9050 - Resolution. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Member Brooks, McNamara, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the resolution adopted and the contract awarded.
APPROVE APPOINTMENTS TO CIVIL SERVICE
COMMISSION
The staff report from Mayor Brown relating to the appointments to the Civil Service Commission with recommendation to approve reappointments of Fred MacGregor and Patsy Nies to the Civil Service Commission for three (3) year terms.
It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH JEFFERSON LINES AND
ALLOW RELOCATION AT METRO TRANSIT CENTER
The staff report from the director of public works and superintendent of public transportation relating to authorize Public Transportation Department to partner with Jefferson Lines and allow co-location at the Metro Transit Center, 450 Kittson Avenue, Grand Forks, ND, with recommendation to approve the agreement with Jefferson Lines subject to review and approval by the city attorney.
It was moved by Council Member Kreun and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Carried 5 votes affirmative; Council Member McNamara voted against the motion.
APPROVE BILL LISTING
Vendor Payment Listing No. 07-11, dated June 1, 2007, and totaling $901,082.96, and Estimate Summary dated May 31, 2007 in the amount of $890,976.97, were presented and read.
It was moved by Council Member Brooks 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 Brooks, McNamara, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried and the bills ordered paid.
APPROVE MINUTES MAY 21, 2007
Typewritten copies of the minutes of the city council held on Monday, May 21, 2007 were presented and read. It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that these minutes be approved as read. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
COMMENTS BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL
1) Council Member Christensen asked that President Gershman convene a special council meeting for discussion of budget resolution.
2) Council Member Gershman stated that he has talked with the committee chairs and Mr. Duquette that they should look at standardizing meetings of the committees every two weeks, that next Monday will be a committee of the whole meeting and committee chairs along with members decide when to meet, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday of that week if issues require consideration. Council Member Kreun stated that Service/Safety Committee meets every other Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.
ADJOURN
It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Kreun that we adjourn. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
John M. Schmisek
City Auditor
Approved:
______________________________________
Michael R. Brown, Mayor