Committee Minutes

MINUTES/PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE
Monday, October 25, 1993 - 7:00 p.m.

Members present: Beach, Beyer, Glassheim.

1. Matter of 11th Avenue South and S. 34th Street future special
assessments in Johnson's 1st Addition.
Richard Bernhardt, property owner, questioned why they were being assessed for entire cost of storm sewer, when only being assessed for half of the street. He also stated that they were told by the developer that all assessments being paid; and not informed that they would be responsible for storm sewer assess- ments; and why wouldn't they be reimbursed for assessments for north portion. The committee stated that this is problem between developer and home buyer; Mr. Glassheim noted that the matter of disclosure will be looked at in Planning & Zoning Commission.

There was some discussion re. tap-in charges; however, would not apply in this situation. There was also some discussion re. impact fees, which creates fund of municipal dollars to advance pay, and some question whether could use public funds to finance private development. The committee suggested they investigate use of impact fees, and Mr. Swanson advised that this is already being done, question is whether legal to do, and problem in allocating funding, etc.

Jerry Tuchscherer, Grand Forks Board of Realtors, stated it's matter of knowing upfront and disclosure. The committee asked Mr. Bernhardt to visit with Mr. Tuchscherer, his experience could benefit others.

Moved by Glassheim and Beyer to receive and file. Motion carried.

2. Matter of painting mural on LaCampana Restaurant.
Fred Anvry, and his rep., were present and stated that there has been a mural on the building, that when building repainted this year, mural was also repainted; and that they were not aware that they needed authorization to do so. Mr. Swanson, city attorney, stated this is not an advertising sign, but because painted on building they are required to obtain authorization. Mr. Vein stated this was not a concern, but ordinance doesn't allow without authorization. Moved by Beyer and Glassheim to approve painting of the mural. Motion carried.

3. Request by Gregg Schaefer to construct snow fence at intersec- tion of 20th Avenue S. and S. 22nd Street.
Gregg Schaefer, representing neighborhood, presented petition from neighborhood requesting the City to install snow fence on the south side of the Red River High School's practice field to reduce snow buildup on 20th Avenue S and the intersection of South 22nd Street. He also stated that a petition would be coming in from residents of Victoria Court. Mr. Vein questioned whether City would pay costs for installation, maintenance, etc. if approved; that City has installed at various locations, and anything to

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October 25, 1993 - Page 2

alleviate problem would be benefit to both the City and the property owners. He stated his office would talk to Gary Fish, Supt. of Streets, and to School Dist. re. authorization to do so. Held in committee for 2 weeks.

4. Matter of preliminary engineering contracts for:
Al Grasser stated this is next step in process in federal aid projects, and presented engineering firms recommended by the selection committee: WFW for Proj. 4044; KBM for Proj. 4109; and CPS, Ltd. for Project 3947. He also noted there are some changes in estimated project costs.

a) Project No. 4044 - 6th Ave.N. reconstruction
Mr. Grasser reported that this contract to be awarded contingent upon DOT approval. Moved by Beyer and Glassheim that we enter into a contract with Webster, Foster & Weston for preliminary engineering in the amount of $45,000, contingent upon approval by the ND State Department of Transportation. Motion carried.

b) Project No. 4109 - Bridge replacement at N. 42nd Street
Moved by Glassheim and Beyer that we enter into a contract with KBM, Inc. for preliminary engineering in the amount of $28,000. Motion carried.

c) Project No. 3947 - Bikepath along English Coulee from 17th
Avenue S. to DeMers Avenue.
Moved by Beyer and Glassheim that we enter into a contract with CPS, Ltd. in the amount of $17,000 for preliminary engineering. Motion carried.

5. Matter of scavenging, etc. from curbside recycling containers.
Rachel Gornowicz, Vern's Refuse, reported they have received some complaints from home owners re. scavenging of recycling containers (aluminum cans), making a mess, and also some containers stolen. She reported that Moorhead, MN has ordinance against scavenging. Howard Swanson, city attorney, advised committee that there is nothing in present Code to cover; that his office has received two separate complaints about scavenging through garbage, both in the same neighborhood - garbage cans gone through, and property owners felt there should be ordinance on scavenging. The committee asked how effective ordinance would be; and Ms. Gornowicz stated that ordinance would not really stop it - only few in Grand Forks doing it. Mr. Swanson stated that they should look beyond recycling bins - State Health Dept. requires us to address scavenging at landfill. Mr. Newman stated there's no problem if they don't disrupt workers. Moved by Beyer and Glassheim to instruct city attorney to proceed with drafting of an ordinance. Motion carried. (comm. only)

6. Matter of preliminary right of way acquisition for south end
drainage study.

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October 25, 1993 - Page 3

Al Grasser presented map showing routes proposed in the south end drainage study; that the City has budgeted $100,000 in 1993 for R/W acquisition and engineering (no monies budgeted in 1994, but in 1995 and 1996), and would like to utilize monies available to begin acquisition. He stated that specific route has not been selected but there are some areas relatively common to any route - area through Ulland Park, could negotiate with Park District. Beyer questioned why, if Park District going to benefit, they wouldn't donate land. Mr. Vein stated that widest easement would require developer to donate is 30 ft. and would propose to park District that they donate 30-50' and anything beyond City would purchase; feels there should be compromise.

The committee questioned if nothing done this year, could they carry funds forward; Mr. Vein stated this is enterprise fund, monies would remain within fund, and could do through budget amendment. He also stated that City needs to purchase prior to any development taking place. The committee stated this was financial decision and would that force engineering decision? Mr. Vein stated that if there is any apprehension on part of committee, can wait for another year, hold another public hearing, and determine route. Mr. Vein also stated he could contact Dick Leker as to whether there is any urgency in making a decision. Held in committee.

7. Matter of change order #5 for DeMers Ave. Phase II, Proj. 4006.
Al Grasser reviewed change order with the committee - $655.00, with 20% City share, for culvert pipe. Moved by Glassheim and Beyer that the change order in the amount of $655.00 be approved. Motion carried.

8. Matter of authorizing advertisement of bid, Project No. 4161,
emergency electrical services.
Al Grasser reported that City had entered into contract with Ron's Electric for emergency services (annual contract with option to renew for 2 years), and would like to bid again for those services.

The committee questioned whether City saves money, and if there was quality assurance. Staff reported they would have lower hourly rate, convenience factor, that minimum requirements include master's license, and specs. require training on traffic signals.

Moved by Glassheim and Beyer that we authorize call for bids, with bid opening of November 22, 1993. Motion carried. (committee only)

9. Matter of granitoid pavement programmatic agreement.
Mr. Vein asked that this matter be held, agreement is on his desk for review. Held in committee.


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October 25, 1993 - Page 4

10. Matter of consideration of bids:
a) Project No. 4132, temporary traffic signal at 32nd Ave.S.
and S. 20th Street.
Al Grasser reported two bids had been received and presented tabulation of bids, that Fargo Electric was low bidder in the amount of $41,788.80, and both bidders are qualified. Moved by Glassheim and Beyer to accept the low bid of Fargo Electric in the amount of $41,788.80. Motion carried.

11. Plans and specs. for relocation of utilities on 47th Ave.N.
Al Grasser presented plans and specifications for relocation of water and sewer out of right of way at Gateway Drive at est. cost of $58,000, to be bid by Dept. of Transp. in conjunction with Gateway Drive project, however, City responsible for entire cost of utility relocation. Moved by Beyer and Glassheim that we approve plans and specification, and authorize call for bids by the ND State Department of Transportation in conjunction with the Gateway Drive project. Motion carried.

12. Request for budget transfer.
A request to transfer $300.00 within the Wastewater Department budget to repair radio in pump station 34 was reviewed by the committee. Moved by Glassheim and Beyer to approve the transfer. Motion carried. (committee only)

13. Schedule meeting to hear report on Solid Waste Study.
Mark Lambrecht stated he would like to schedule noon luncheon meeting on Monday, November 8, to hear report from Burns & McDonnell Eng. firm on result of solid waste study; that Burns & McDonnell will recommend several options, and options will be selected for detailed study. The committee concurred in meeting date and time.

Meeting adjourned.

Alice Fontaine
City Clerk

Dated: 10/27/93.