Committee Minutes

MINUTES/URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Wednesday, November 29, 1995 - 4:00 p.m.

Members present: Beach, Glassheim, Hanson.

1. Final payment for Sherlock Construction.
John O'Leary, exec. director, reported that the city attorney had advised that they not release Mr. Sherlock from any liability on the project. He reported that they had moved to release all of the funds except for cost of replacing steps, in return for that Mr. Sherlock had requested that he be released from any liability associated with accidents that may happen on the steps on site, and the city attorney recommended that the City not release Mr. Sherlock of that liability. He stated that because of cold weather, they will not be repairing steps and those steps will present liability over the winter months. Mr. Swanson informed them that if an accident does occur, they both probably will be named, but not in the City's best interest to release him at this time. Mr. O'Leary stated they should still release funds, and that Mr. Swanson didn't have any problem with that, with exception of the $8764, which is est. cost of replacing steps, but balance of funds could be released. Curt Siewert reported they would not be issuing change order to change contract, but basically have contract in place. It was noted that when they rebid steps, Mr. Sherlock would still have option to replace steps.

Moved by Hanson and Beach to withdraw their previous motion.
Moved by Hanson and Glassheim to release balance of funds with the exception of $8,764.00, the amount estimated to replace the steps. Motion carried.

6. Matter of old NP bridge walkway lighting project.
Meridith Richards, MPO employee, presented letter from River Forks Commission in support of the project and committing $15,000 towards the completion of the project. She stated this will be joint application with East Grand Forks, and presented breakdown of figures for replacement of deck, fencing, lighting and ice shields for local share of $27,000, have committed local funds of $32,500, and is asking committee to act as sponsor and submit application for federal funding. Member Hanson stated that there is money budgeted in the Bikeway Fund for this project.

Mr. O'Leary reported that several years ago when they looked at this project, it was determined by engineering that the bridge need painting, which was est. at $100-125,000 at that time, and were advised that if lights put up and then painted, would substantially increase the cost. Ms. Richards stated that because of environmental laws re. lead-base paint, would have to capture lead paint sandblasted off, cost prohibitive.

Moved by Hanson and Glassheim that the City sponsor the project, and authorize submission of application for federal funds. Motion carried.

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November 29, 1995 - Page 2

2. Report on Self-Sufficiency Program.
Mr. O'Leary reported this project funded through Housing Authority, received funding for one year and since that time Housing Authority picked up expense and continued program; and introduced Craig Knudsvig, FSS coordinator.

Mr. Knudsvig submitted copies of report on Family Self Sufficiency and reviewed with the committee.

He stated he wanted to focus on results; that they are supposed to measure employment at the beginning and end of the program, education, full and par-time totals for people who finished the program this year, employment status for people at beginning and end of the program, measure use of food stamps, medical assistance, etc. He stated program is supposed to help people go from where using assistance to where not; that of the 20 families who finished program this year, 17 no longer using housing assistance, 14 no longer using food stamps, etc. He stated that best success is getting hooked up to other organizations (helping families find services available). He stated they have spent lot of time cultivating relationships with non-profit organizations so client families can do volunteer work and get hooked up with job experience and other socialization things. He stated that there are 51 families in the program as of today.

It was noted that the funding for this program comes exclusively from the Housing Authority administrative account.

Member Glassheim stated that he is on Habitat Board, and they are looking for applicants, and some of those people might be appropriate applicants. He also suggested that they make public aware; Mr. Knudsvig stated he would be willing to speak at service clubs, etc. re. what they do.

3. Storefront applications.
Mr. O'Leary asked to hold this item for two weeks. He stated that for long time have encouraged renovation of 100 and 200 blks. of North 3rd Street, that they have been working with developer and John Satrom, who owns Dinnie Block, and Mr. Satrom wants to put storefront on that building, that developer is working with Historical Society. Mr. O'Leary reported that application will be ready in two weeks, total cost of project about $50,000, some monies obligated to the project, about $8-10,000 short. He stated they are also working with Gale Satrom on back of building across street (clean up brick work). Held for 2 weeks.

4. Acquisition of property at 705 4th Avenue South.
Joe Manske reported this house across the street from three of their housing complexes, that house now for sale, and is a goal to try to acquire some of those houses on 4th Ave.S. and

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November 29, 1995 - Page 3

remove blight and get some reinvestment (probably in this case, not build but create green space). Mr. O'Leary stated that if committee concurs that this is a target area, could arrange tour (property is occupied), and make motion to acquire property. Mr. Manske reported that list price is $29,900, would continue to rent the property until tenant would leave, monies would come from Acquisition and Demolition Program. He stated that Housing Authority would have obligation to re-invest monies back into the community; not many opportunities to acquire property. It was noted that another target area might be Oscarville.

Moved by Glassheim and Hanson that we allocate $27,500 to Housing Authority to purchase the property, with monies paid from CDBG Acquisition and Demolition Program. Motion carried.

5. Budget amendment.
Terry Hansen reviewed budget amendments and noted that this is usually done at year end:
a) Urban Development - $1,704.00
(to cover sick leave payback, pension, additional telephone charges, and to purchase printer).
b) Housing Authority - $9,000
(to cover overages in temporary and overtime wages)
c) Urban Development - $55,613
to cover wages paid from CDBG funds rather than other department funds, overages, and purchase of computer equipment for office)
d) Urban Development - $6,067
(reallocate line items to cover overages)
e) Urban Development - $170
(to cover overages in overtime and pension).
f) Urban Development - $691,500
(to reflect grant and budget for Flood Relief Program administered for State of North Dakota)
Moved by Hanson and Glassheim to approve budget amendments. Motion carried.

Moved by Hanson and Glassheim to adjourn, motion carried, and meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.

Alice Fontaine
City Clerk

Dated: 11/30/95.