Committee Minutes

MINUTES/PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Monday, November 8, 1993 - 3:45 p.m.

Members present: Hoeppner, Geller.

1. Request by Arthritis Foundation to hold Jingle Bell Run on
December 5.
Mike Shea submitted map showing route and signed indemnity and hold harmless agreement. He noted that the route has changed from prior years, starts on 1st Avenue North and crosses foot bridge to East Grand Forks, with majority of route in East Grand Forks. Moved by Geller and Hoeppner that the request be approved. Motion carried.

2. Matter of blocking alley and pedestrian traffic on north side
of 300 block of DeMers Avenue for demolition project.
Withdrawn from agenda and referred to public service committee.

3. Request to discuss practical matters regarding proposed snow-
mobile route.
Ken Vein, city engineer, stated they had reviewed route, discussed use of 42nd Street, conflict with existing traffic, snow plowing equipment, etc. and need to address some of the concerns.
John Thompson, traffic engineer, reviewed concerns, and recommendations: a) signing of route with "warning snowmobile crossing" signs; b) proposal to leave snow on bike lane would affect storm drainage and the accumulation of ice and snow would pose hazard for motorists and eliminate shoulder along the road; c) crossing at various signalized intersections is questionable because snowmobiles do not drive on detection loops and some signals not equipped with pedestrian buttons; d) accumulation of snow at intersections will pose sight distance impairment for motorist; e) crossing of roadway along S. 42nd Street between DeMers and 32nd Ave.S. and crossing of coulee bridge; f) potential for accidents between snowmobiles and other vehicles will be increased by establishing this route. Recommendations: a) proposed route should cross Gateway at Stanford rather than Columbia because of reduced traffic conflicts and improved sight distances; b) committee should consider waiting to expand route on 42nd St. until alternative route found between Gateway and DeMers and until improvements to intersection at 17th Ave.S. are completed next year; c) mandatory use of snowmobile headlight should be incorporated into the ordinance; and d) all signs should be in place prior to opening of the proposed route.

Randy Sattler, rep. snowmobile club, stated that snowmobiles have to have working headlights, taillights, etc. There was suggestion made re.use of RR property as part of route, and Mr. Sattler stated that they had contacted Railroad re. use of property, and RR would want $6Million liability policy, and installation of fence between Gateway and DeMers. He also stated they are not allowed on the Interstate.

The committee appointed a subcommittee consisting of Mr. Geller,

MINUTES/PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
November 8, 1993 - Page 2

Randy Sattler, Ken Vein and John Thompson to meet, discuss and work out concerns. It was noted that the council could still consider and adopt ordinance, and work on route separately. Moved by Geller and Hoeppner to hold for two weeks. Motion carried. (committee only)

4. Request to evaluate school crossings along 11th Ave.S. between
S. 20th Street and Columbia Road.
Don Palmiscino, Ben Franklin School, representing parents at Ben Franklin, stated that something needs to be done for safety of the children; that there are 3 problems in this area: a) corner of 20th St. and 11th Ave - wheelchair ramp diagonal rather than straight across; would like to see 4-way stop at that intersection and also wheelchair ramp follow crosswalk directly across. John Thompson, traffic eng., stated the City is in the process of replacing those diagonal handicapped ramps under sidewalk repair program. b) 11th Ave. around 22nd or 23rd would like flashing pedestrian crossing sign as most traffic doesn't observe crosswalk traffic. Mr. Thompson reported they completed study and study doesn't warrant flashing lights; that they need certain traffic volume's to warrant 4-way stops; that he could do formal study of intersection on 11th at 20th St. Mr. Geller stated there is need for uniformity for safety for children; suggested crosswalk maintenance - painting crosswalks with bright colors or flashing lights. Mr. Hoeppner stated they need to make drivers aware that pedestrians have right of way.

Moved by Hoeppner and Geller to direct traffic engineer to make another traffic count and to do crosswalk maintenance. Motion carried. (committee only)

5. Matter of additional full-time community health nurse for 1994.
Ken Schultz and Deb Swanson, health department, were present. Mr. Schultz stated that council action approved public health nurse position for two years on a trial basis, contingent upon funding through Workers' Comp. rebate and grants; and stated that department has to have program in effect for one year before any funding forthcoming, and asked that they approve position based upon funding through grants. Deb Swanson asked for approval contingent upon grant funding; would like to reallocate funding within budget, money to hire part-time reallocated to full time position. Mr. Geller stated that when take money from funding agency to do x, have to do x; if divert too much from funding stream, not following guidelines of grant. Mrs. Swanson stated that she doesn't think that would be problem. Mr. Schultz stated required funding $36,000, with $18,000 from 5% rebate; would re-direct $l8,000 from other sources. Mr. Graba stated that safety plan calls for the use of occupational health nurse, without that person, can't make work and might not get the 5% rebate; plan ready to go, plan calls for occupational health nurse. Mr. Graba also stated that he thinks there will be more than 5% savings. Moved by MINUTES/PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
November 8, 1993 - Page 3

Geller and Hoeppner to receive and file. Motion carried.

6. Discussion of 1993-94 fire department salary/wage accounts.
Chief Aulich presented request to encumber 1993 fire department wage/salary funds to 1994 budget, and reviewed matter of realloca- tion of positions (Firefighter II and III positions to fire marshal and training officer positions) with the committee at cost of $5,000, and requested carryover of excess 1993 monies to cover in 1994 budget. There was some discussion re. budget policy, and committee expressed concern that budget policy set and at first test, violate it. Mr. Schmisek stated he wouldn't like to see policy changed or amended, that there are other alternatives to fund this and suggested several alternatives. Mr. Graba stated that one position in fire department cut, and monies not allocated to fund the two position upgrades, and that it was important to provide the funding.

Moved by Geller and Hoeppner that the auditor's office review fire department wages and salary - permanent line item as of July 1, 1994 and amend the budget by using $6,000 carried over in 1993 wages and salary area if there is no funding source available in the current year. This item is needed due to approval of two different positions in 1994 with no funds allocated for anticipated upgrades. Motion carried.

7. Consideration of bids for equipment for fire department:
Chief Aulich submitted recommendations for acceptance of lowest and best bid; and that funds are budgeted.
a) rescue airbags
Grand Forks Fire Equipment in the amount of $2,514.00; and
b) automatic electronic defibrillators.
Space Labs in the amount of $15,278.00.
Moved by Hoeppner and Geller to accept lowest and best bids as noted. Motion carried.

8. Applications for gaming permits:
a) Sioux Per Hockey Fans Unlimited - raffle 1/7/94.
b) Grand Forks Curling Club, Inc. - raffles various dates.
c) Grand Forks Central High School Boosters - bingo 11/15/93.
All applications had been reviewed and approved by the city attorney. Moved by Geller and Hoeppner that the applications be approved. Motion carried. (committee only)

Meeting adjourned.

Alice Fontaine
City Clerk

Dated: 11/08/93.