Committee Minutes

Grand Forks City Council Service/Safety Standby Committee
Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - 4:30 p.m.____________________

The Service/Safety Standby Committee met on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. in Room A101 in City Hall with Committee Chair Kreun presiding. Present at roll call were Kreun, Bjerke.

Others present included: Chief Packett, Todd Feland, Al Grasser, Saroj Jerath, LeahRae Amundson.

1. LAWA Board meeting summary.
Al Grasser, city engineer, reviewed the Board meeting which was held in Fargo last week. He reported at the League of Cities meeting in Minot, the small communities made a change on the Board, Kevin Burg from Hillsboro was replaced by Carol Siegert from Hunter.
Consultants are proceeding through the work plan and getting preliminary easements signed off, trying to find out what kind of permits they might need; Corps of Engineers says they will need 404 permits and they are in the process of identifying those and also working on the operational plan, expecting work plan activities would be done by March 2010. That during discussion they recognized that pipeline construction is going to take 4 to 6 years and biota plant may take 1 to 2 years, recognizing federal dollars will be tied up, probably with Fargo flood control project. There was also discussion about pros and cons or advantages of starting pipeline before have water treatment plant under construction. He stated there are number of things we have to do before contemplating that as still have to get record of decision and need authorization from Congress.
The next meeting is scheduled for December 8 in Bismarck; and that because not a lot of decision making coming up, may go to quarterly meetings.
There was some discussion of who from committee should attend that meeting, Kreun stated that he has been attending these meetings and that somebody else should attend and be more aware of what we are doing and what trying to accomplish. Bjerke stated that he perhaps could attend, depending on schedules.
It was noted that this project doesn't benefit Grand Forks nearly as much as Fargo, but eventually will be dramatic for Grand Forks and not make any progress when they build the dikes in Fargo.
Grasser stated that when look at the overall plan and need to get water to all the rural distribution systems - Grafton, Langdon, etc. and one of things we may want to look at is Grand Forks, is who is going to be supplying that water to those facilities - couple options - might have a plant in Grand Forks, may have one in Drayton - Cooperstown - and there is an opportunity in looking at Grand Forks, and may want to pursue an idea where we become a regional water supplier, at least with drought water, and makes sense rather than building 3 or 4 water treatment plants in the region, esp. if talking peaking needs and makes sense to add 30% to our capacity rather than 200% to other communities; haven't run the numbers but that may be one of the things that if we have interest in that and might want to push the Board or Garrison Diversion. Kreun stated they could bring that up in the next meeting, start that discussion.
Grasser stated that not until they have the record of decision don't have concurrence as to what our project actually is, and nobody will sign - intentions transmitted almost a year ago that City of Grand Forks gave our intention - decisions are made in Washington but Corps has made recommendations, Bureau of Water Authority and the State of North Dakota have made recom- mendation, but all those recommendations and the pipeline location and route has been chosen - but up to the federal government to give record of decision, then give us the authorization for the project and then allocate the funds - biggest part of it is the biota treatment plant that comes over the Divide - makes the Canadians happy. They have taken on that responsibility and the question is at this time, is do we want to start some of the construction before the money is allocated or beginning allocation - but have to have record of decision - they are going through a process now where meeting with OMB to get concurrence as to what our option is, not convinced that what the State, etc. has selected as the lowest cost option, and not convinced that needs that precise dollar amount and then has to go to the Secretary of Interior to approve record of decision. Also the Canadians aren't happy with some of the issues, etc. Kreun stated one of the things done at council is direction to continue looking at this project as positive for Grand Forks in long term and that is what will continue to do and that is why suggesting that somebody else takes time to understand what trying to accomplish - so know amount of allocations, size of pipe, where it should go and how it should get here and now is matter of getting it done. Right now the greatest risk is flood control in Fargo and that is where monies go, and also federal monies. It was noted cost is 1/3, 1/3 and 1/3 - Federal, State and local; and feds need their 1/3 on water treatment plant and the pipeline gets split through users in the state. $660 million project.

Grasser also stated that a change order will be coming through at the next COW for repair of road in Shadyridge Court - re. elevation - road was washed out this spring and when contractor made repair we didn't get some of the safety that was needed to get that elevation precise - need to go back and fix it, and is City's responsibility.

2. New Landfill overview and update.
Todd Feland, director of public works, stated he is planning to bring to the next COW meeting the matter of negotiation for acquisition of property - Scott Holmstad property, as he wants to get this matter solved as quickly as possible. Intent is to bring in a staff report working with John Warcup and to include ability to go into executive session.

He reported that related to the interim hauling/disposal expenses for hauling garbage to Fargo, including tipping fees, temporary truck rental and fuel, of $195,022.17; that we used our own people as drivers for the 5 weeks we hauled, and also used our own trailers (did some upgrading). Hauled 6,117 tons to Fargo for approx. 5 weeks.

He also reported re. landfill that everything is done in the cell with the liner, just have to finish gravel base, and are looking at completing full project by the end of the year - December 15 - but have 1/4 mile left on road. Later will take committee out to look at project.

Kreun stated when they get to the point of putting in place parking on N. 51st Street need to be aware of it in the beginning so they know what our intentions are to fulfill responsibilities - and ask officers to use discretion and want to enforce on a regular basis. Chief Packett stated that they coordinate with streets and engineering when they get the go-ahead as properly posted and council action official, have an education period - go out and make verbal contact, etc. That he had conversation with some of the residents last night who had concerns about towing, etc. but normal protocol is to cite unless roadway blockage issue or public safety issue and not need for towing of violators but give verbal and written warnings and then citing the vehicles. Kreun stated he wanted everybody knows we are serious about enforcing regulations. Chief Packett stated key component is where the signage is and education process. Grasser reported that signage out in about 2 weeks per the traffic engineer.

Adjourn
The committee adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Alice Fontaine, City Clerk