Committee Minutes

MINUTES/URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Saturday, March 11, 1995 - 1:30 p.m.

Members present: Beach, Glassheim.

1. Public hearing on Grantee Performance Report for 1993 Flood
Water Damage in Richard's West.
John O'Leary, exec. director of Urban Development, noted that last year City received grant for $133,000, bids have been let and should commence construction in the spring, however, it's been 12 months since grant awarded, and it's folded into a number of other grants so activities didn't begin; that we are required to have a public hearing even though haven't expended any money, and this is grantee performance report which confirms that we haven't spent any money. He reported this grant will be folded into a grant received from EDA of $350,000 and another CDBG grant and that's why no activities have been completed.

Chairman Beach called for the public hearing and asked for comments. There were no comments.

It was moved by Glassheim and Beach that we certify that the required public hearing was held, and no comments were received. Motion carried.

2. Testimony on beautification projects:
Chairman Beach stated that the committee will hear testimony on the applications but will not make any decisions today.

Mr. O'Leary reported that we have $59,885.00 available; in addition to that have $20,700 in carry-over funds, total budget for this year. He noted that listing of beautification applications summary sheet shows additional carry-over amounts which are for projects which are underway.

Chairman Beach read listing of 18 applications and sponsors, totaling $154,340.22, and called for testimony of each applicant, and set time limit of under 5 minutes:

#1) Railroad footbridge lighting - $30,000
Central Business District Assn. (lighting the structural Outline of walkbridge with neon lights.
Marijo Whitcomb-Deitz, member of Board of Directors of CBD Assn. downtown Grand Forks/East Grand Forks, stated they are looking to start one of the projects pin-pointed by Mayor's Task Force for Riverforks project; this could be one of the projects to bring the two communities together in revising the riverfront property; the plan has been adopted by both communities and is in the hands of city attorneys of two cities, and should be completed by first of April, at which time Mayor will appoint a commission or authority who will try to bring plan to a reality. She reported they would need $30,000 to start initial project, which would include all electrical work and transformer leading up to the bridge so that the second year they could do lighting

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March 11, 1995 - Page 2

on the north side of the bridge. She stated these are prelim. figures; that they are looking to install neon lights encased in plexiglass which would be vandalism and weather-proof; colors recommended would be greens and reds, and would like to use night of First Night celebration as dedication, making an official winter celebration for the two communities.

Comm. asked what condition of bridge is, condition of paint, etc. She stated they understood that the City has always maintained the bridge and the lighting would not have any adverse effects on the bridge, and it is deemed sound at this point. Chairman Beach stated that if bridge were to be painted, that should precede lighting of the bridge. Mr. Glassheim asked whether something with older look would fit in better than neon lights. Ms. Deitz stated that CBD is willing to pursue grants (esp. in form of art) and request donations from service clubs, etc.

#2) Building landscaping - $7,500.00
GGF Convention and Visitors Bureau
Landscaping of new Visitors Bureau.
Ben Hart, director, reported they have cost over-runs on building project which is funded through 1% tax, and have had to cut specific items, one of which is landscaping, and requesting funds to bring up to original plan (8 Black Hills spruce, 120 gal. Blue Chip junipers, annuals and perennials, and allowance for additional Bergeson Ash upon final grading and seeding). He stated they feel this site is going to be extremely important to the development of travel and tourism in the area and important to present good first impression to the traveler.

#3) Building signage - $12,500.00
GGF Convention and Visitors Bureau
"Visitor Center" monument signage at corner of N. 43rd Street and Gateway Drive.
Mr. Hart reported that State Hwy Dept. in process of installing signs on Hwy. 2 and I-29, and in addition need on-site signage (5' brick with aluminum cast letters incl. electricity, labor, etc.); hours planned are 8:00 to 8:00 June through Sept.

#4) Hanging flower planters - $3,540.00
GF Central Business Dist. Assn.
Wrought iron brackets and baskets for CBD hanging basket program.
Ms. Deitz reported this is continuation of project started last year - to install an additional 32 planters with first year's plants (summer plants and for holidays, etc.) This will finish project.

#5) Landscape West DeMers - $5,600.00
GF Park District
Plant 100 trees between S. 30th Street west to city limits.

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John Staley, city forester, stated this is another installment of putting shade trees on arterials streets, this is for another step along DeMers - 30th St. to 42nd on south side, and then out to Amtrak Station. He also noted that in past years have had requests from tenants in Industrial Park to do this and have waited until highway constructed. He reported $12,000 allocated last year and that still appropriated and they are asking for another $5,600. He stated that on north side east of 42nd, had to remove trees for bike trail and a there will be section along tracks where they won't be able to plant any trees. He noted that trees in new residential areas special assessed, in existing areas to replace trees take out of forestry budget. He noted that in this project City monies used for materials and Park Board provides labor and maintenance.

#6) Adopt-An-Area Program - $10,000.00
GF Park District
Provide materials for volunteer groups to install and maintain landscape sites along City's arterial streets.
Mr. Staley stated this program joint effort by Park and City, City pays for materials, Park handles administration (and design and installation) and group maintains; and this has been successful project; that they are asking $10,000 in addition to $2,000+ carryover; that they have 3 new groups this year. Ms. Sande stated she has heard comments about how attractive City look and complimented horticulturist for Park Dist.

#7) Beautification of Independence Park - $2,500.00
GF Park District
Irrigation and plant life for raised planters and land DeMers Avenue.
Mr. Staley reported park located at DeMers and 4th Ave. with raised planter areas for handicapped to be able to garden, that they are treating as an adopt an area - Forx Handicap Club. He reported they have had some donations and hope to put shelter in, Park District will install bathroom facilities, etc., and will supervise/monitor park. Mr. Staley stated that City has put lot of money into projects - $43,000 through CDBG, and there is more to do on park, looking for donations for some things; he also stated that issue came up on Forx Handicap Club funds - they are taking active part, and they are requesting donations (they have no new sources of revenue and have concern on how Club operate on what they have with no new income) and it would be good to involve all groups, not only Handicap Club.

#8) Flag Pole at Independence Park - $3,500.00
GF Park District
A 20-25 ft. lighted flag pole for US and City flags.
Mr. Staley stated this is good place to fly new city flag, highly visible spot.


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#9) City Hall Landscaping - $4,500.00
City Hall
Landscape around City Hall to match annex.
Mr. O'Leary questioned whether this should come out of City's general fund or out of Maint. & Operation - whether this appropriate place.

#10) University Ave. Beautification - $23,105.22
UND Plant Services
Install pavers in medians between Princeton and N. 20th
St. (Phase 2 from Oxford to Harvard)
Mr. O'Leary reported that Ken Polovitz who was here earlier had to leave - that this project continues project to replace grass with pavers on University for another block - last year funded one block stretch. He noted that pavers recyclable if redo street. It was noted that Plant Services would maintain.

(History note: Mr. Beach reported that medians are there because at one time there was streetcar that ran from downtown to the University campus - and median only evidence of that.)

#11) First Night Greater GF Ice Sculpture - $6,000
GF Substance Abuse & Traffic Safety Council
Ice sculptures for First Night celebration.
Sheila Bruhn, dir. for Substance Abuse & Traffic Safety Council and chair for First Night Greater GF Steering Comm., and Paul Robinson, North Valley Arts Council, and program coordinator for First Night Greater GF, presented request - that goal is to expand to 3 ice sculptures for this year and to have sculptures up by end of Nov. or first week of Dec. (located in same area and also across street), and also do contest (artists design and sculpt - artists are paid and also supplies). Ms. Bruhn stated that the ice sculpture really brought people downtown to see what First Night was all about. She noted that last year Community Needs funded part of the project and also through donations.

#12) Box Elder Tree Removal - $3,500.00
City Planning and Park Board
Remove old trees within 25 ft. of public sidewalk in
near northside neighborhood.
Mr. Staley reported this project suggested at CC Beautification Comm. and concept is to remove trees within 25 ft. of public sidewalk. He stated he would have more concern from safety standpoint than beautification, and is a problem. He stated he was not comfortable about how to implement, but Park District would assist in inspection, etc. but not funded to do other than elm trees (which are diseased), but would assist planning department. Questions raised why City would get involved in this (property owner cannot afford to do), whether
this could be done through special assessment process; and it was noted that lot of the property is rental property and owner can

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afford. Mr. Staley stated that Park District doesn't have authority to require removal, but would supply expertise.

#13) 42nd and DeMers Ave. Tree Planting - $5,000.00
Urban Development
Plant 385 seedlings on outside of City-owned lot that
can be thinned out and moved in 5-10 years.
Mr. O'Leary reported that planning office asked them to sponsor, and been asked to coordinate this through Soil Con- servation, they would supply and maintain trees for a period of one year. He stated there probably going to be expansion of that intersection which may require removal of some of those trees in 5-10 years. Mr. Staley reported that the idea came up at Beautification Comm., that he drew up plan, 8-9 rows of trees, and suggested that Urban Development through Youth Corps take that over. He stated his suggestion was to plant trees, knowing that they can come out later, but could be raising some nice trees and could be used on other City properties (lift stations, etc.); trees could be transplanted up to about 12-15 years.

#14) Civic Landscaping - $6,500.00
GF Civic Auditorium
Landscaping civic auditorium and parking lots.
Mr. Beach stated intention to do around existing auditorium and questioned project given to uncertainty of future plans re. construction of addition on this property or new civic center somewhere else - not timely, and not unsightly now.

#15) Tree Lights - $5,600.00
GF Civic Auditorium
Extend electricity to trees and purchase of lights.
It was noted project for lights on trees immediately around auditorium.

#16) City Christmas Tree Lighting - $4,000.00
Mayor's Office
Replace lights for City Christmas tree.
It was noted that tree located at south end of DeMers Avenue overpass - lot of strings of lights with no bulbs, wiring old and brittle.

#17) Royce LaGrave Park Landscaping - $18,000.00
Urban Development
Install paver walkway and sitting area, planters,
and plant life.
#18) South 5th Street to First Avenue South
Bikepath Fence Vines - $1,000.00
Urban Development
Plant Engleman ivy along fence adj. to bikepath.
Mr. O'Leary reported this area located at corner of 1st Avenue S. and Walnut across street from police department

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building (old foundations under site), small gazebo on site, and hope to make this project and following project (#18) little more of centerpiece for neighborhood. He reported staff drew up plan, with walkway, flower beds, etc. and that following project in same general vicinity, and that section of wood fence separating park and RR tracks removed, chain link fence, and they thought ivy might do more to soften look and provide visual screen for tracks. He also noted there are very few cases of vandalism in that area; that projects could be done over number of years.

Mr. Beach noted that testimony concluded on applications totaling $154,000, and have funds amounting to about half of that with the carryover. Mr. O'Leary noted that fiscal year started January 1, and need to allocate soon for coming season. Held for 2 weeks.

3. Matter of renaming Centennial park as Ishim Park.
It was noted that this came out of Planning Comm. action which recommended that street should be designated as 30th Ave.S. for safety reasons and to keep street numbering consistent, etc. and also suggested council designate something else in the city, street or park etc. Suzanne Fry, rep. Sister City Assn. of Grand Forks, stated they would appreciate some kind of formal recognition of that relationship which the City Council did authorize in 1982, that suggestion was to rename Centennial Park and are here to lend support to the naming of some appropriate spot or of having a spot in Grand Forks. She noted that in the city of Ishim there is large prominent sign placed on main street of that city; and would like to have something or some place to recognize that relationship.

Mr. O'Leary reported that Centennial Park is an abandoned street and other part owned by Keith Danks and was site of an old hotel that burned; that Mr. Danks in litigation with County re. use of that property; that City has made offer to buy that property but Mr. Danks stated he wasn't interested in discussing until litigation settled. He reported that portion of the Park that contains improvements (planters, walkways, clock and plaques) is on abandoned City right of way, though not vacated. He reported that project started in 1987 and from 1989-91 lot of work with CDBG money, in 1991 dedicated as Centennial Park; only expense would be in changing plaque (could change plaque to recognize other contributors - Burlington Northern, Cream of Wheat, est. cost $500-1,000) There were some suggestions re. areas along river from Kennedy Bridge to Point Bridge), area near Depot, etc., Pillsbury Park, which is green area adj. to Sanders) There was also suggestion to have flagpoles - where fly flags of cities of Ishim and of Grand Forks.

Moved by Beach and Glassheim that Centennial Park be redesignated as Ishim Park, with the proviso that we have courtesy notifica- tion to those who contributed to Centennial Park. Motion carried.

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4. Review and approval of consolidated plan priorities.
Sue Redman presented matter of consolidated plan and results of Citizens Advisory Comm. in rating and ranking activities and priorities for CDBG, and distributed copies to the committee. She reported that she has results of survey of 44 agencies within community, took those results on what community needs are to Citizens Advisory Committee and had them do rating for types of activities that can be funded by CDBG; did staff recommendation after evaluation of survey and are requesting action on that so city council can make final decision on what final priorities are to be for CDBG. She noted that activities have to be rated as high or medium in order to receive CDBG funding, and if rated low or no such need, the applicant would have to go through an amendment process with the city council before could receive funding, and for other types of HUD funding would have to have a minimum of a low rating. She stated that this report has to be submitted to HUD, and this is guidance required by HUD.

She noted that majority of activities (based on staff recommendation) are rated either high or medium. She reviewed listing of priority needs with the committee; and noted those items receiving low or no need rating: under Housing Needs: Renter/Elderly/Overcrowded units; Homeless Needs: needs based largely on survey of homeless providers; Public Facility Infrastructure Improvements/Public Service Needs: transportation services and crime awareness; under Historic Preservation Needs: Residential Historic Preservation ranked low; under Economic Development and other Community Development Needs: misc. categories ranked low.

Ms. Redman reported the reason they are doing now is so Citizens Advisory Committee will have for review and ranking of applications and so she can write rest of the consolidated plan.

Mr. Glassheim suggested several changes in the priority needs ranking as follows: Public Facility Needs: that Senior Centers be low and Youth Centers be high; under Public Service Needs: Substance Abuse Services high, Employment Training medium, and Child Care Services high; under Historic Preservation Needs: Residential Historic Preservation Needs, medium; and under Economic Development Needs: Commercial-Industrial Rehab. high.

Moved by Glassheim and Beach to recommend adoption of the priority needs list as revised by the committee. Motion carried.

There was some discussion of meeting times re. scheduling of public hearings but no decision made.

Meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
Alice Fontaine, City Clerk
Dated: 3/14/95.