Committee Minutes

MINUTES/PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Tuesday, December 9, 1997 - 7:00 p.m.

Members present: Sande, Beyer.

1. Matter of Grand Forks Substance Abuse and Traffic Safety
Council.
Sheila Bruhn presented request for specific items for First Night Grater Grand Forks as follows: 1) set up two tents for First Night, one to block off 2nd Ave.N. west of the alley to 4th Street, restrooms and traffic lights that remain on regular traffic flow. Capt. MacCarthy, Dep. Fire Chief O'Neill, Don Shields and John Thompson had no problem with these requests.

It was noted that North 3rd Street closed because of dirt removal (received 10 day notice). It was also noted that 4th Street closed and Mr. Thompson will check with contractor to see whether open.

Moved by Beyer and Sande to approve blocking off 2nd Avenue North
from west of the alley to 4th Street and to place tent on the street, and further that traffic lights be taken off flash from December 20 to January 15. Motion carried.

2. Matter of 1998 snowmobile route map.
John Thompson, traffic engineer, reported route is pretty much same as last year with exception to area near Simonson's on Gateway Drive but to look at next year. Steve Magnuson, Westforks, re-ported that trail dead-ends near Simonson's and that there's an alley east of there and people drive down along to river, been against the law but now right through someone's yard, not sure that anyone living there now. It was noted that there were complaints from neighbors there last year, and area signed with snow fence and reflectors; this could go north to use alley and street to the river. Moved by Beyer and Sande to approve map with change (to go north from Simonson's to use alley and street to the river). Motion carried.

It was noted that houses being demolished would be on east side of Lewis Blvd. Mr. Magnuson reported that on S. 42nd Street City installing sewer and they will mark good and possible change in the future; and are willing to work with the City.

3. Matter of application for amusement center license.
Daryl Streich, 1005 Hoover Avenue, applicant for Lucky's Green Room, 1515 DeMers Avenue (old Body & Muscle Shop), stated he will hold pool games, video games, etc. ping pong, and would like to start January 1, 1998. Moved by Beyer and Sande to approve 1998 application contingent upon review of the city attorney's office.
Motion carried.

4. Applications for permits for alcoholic beverages and pro-
ration of fees.
Mr. Swanson reported that a majority of businesses located
downtown from Knights of Columbus, Whiskey Point, McGuire's, Lola's,
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December 9, 1997 - Page 2

Sander's, etc. and no formal action taken by committee/ council to authorize pro-ration of fees for businesses that not operating since flood, that give pro-rated credit. Sande reported that all businesses closed by mayor's declaration and that unless closed for more than a month, but if had to remodel, then pro-rate than if closed for two weeks. Beyer suggested giving for those not in operation for less than mayor's declaration.

Capt. MacCarthy reported that police department's concern is that aps. need to be received so have to do investigation over 6 weeks time, etc.

Moved by Beyer and Sande to authorize the pro-ration of license fees for a period of time that license holders inoperable. Motion carried.

Mr. Swanson also reported that several of the businesses not in a position to be open by first of the year, what do in the interim, pay fee by January 1, or give additional time. He reported that if business goes out of operation, has year to extend business which can be extended further by council. It was noted that McGuire's has requested that license may not be able to extend that business and want 2 to 5 years to look for time, that they don't need to take action tonight but need to be in addressing those licenses. Beyer suggested taking action year from council action of proration of these fees. Mr. Swanson suggested handling on case by case basis. He also suggested devising correspondence telling license holders they will receive credit on 1998 license fees for period of time not in operation in 1997 and include in correspondence that anyone not able to reopen their business prior to April 17, 1998 must receive extension. Moved by Beyer and Sande to authorize city attorney's office to so notify license holders that by April 17 have to notify City of their plans. Motion carried.

5. Applications for taxi permits.
Application permits for 1998 by Nodak Radio Cab Co. were presented. Moved by Beyer and Sande to approve application permits for 1998. Motion carried.

6. Applications for tobacco permits - fees.
After some discussion it was noted that the City does have some expense, but some borne by State, and committee decided to leave at no cost for one more year. Moved by Beyer and Sande that no fees be approved for licenses for 1998 and that we re-evaluate in one year's time. Motion carried.

7. Applications for gaming permits:
a) Muskies, Inc. - raffle 03/14/98
b) J. Nelson Kelly Elem. School - bingo 02/06/98.
It was noted that both applications had been reviewed and approved by the city attorney. Moved by Beyer and Sande to approve MINUTES/PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
December 9, 1997 - Page 3

the applications. Motion carried. (Comm. only)

8. Matter of budget amendments:
a) Police Department - $1,000
Capt. MacCarthy reported budget will reflect donations from Sheels and Rydell Chev. for "GREAT" program. Moved by Beyer and Sande to approve the application. Motion carried.

b) Emergency Management - $5,000
It was noted that cash carryover was transferred for additional flood expenses. Moved by Beyer and Sande to approve transfer of funds. Motion carried.

9. Application for change in date of raffle permit/Listen Drop-In.
A request from Janet Weipert, Community Art Assn. Secretary, requesting the date for the raffle for Listen Drop In Center be reassigned to December 14, 1997. Moved by Beyer and Sande that this change in raffle date be approved. Motion carried. (Comm. only).

10. Ordinance for traffic and motor vehicle penalties.
Howard Swanson reported that ordinance which had been presented and read on second reading on December 1, 1997 was now redrafted by his office, and motion should be made to amend the ordinance sub-stituting this language. He noted that the language for street maintenance from April 1 to October 31 of each year a $5.00 ticket which can go to $10.00/ticket; and from November 1 to March 31 a $15.00 ticket plus towing charges and go to a $30.00 and $60.00 ticket. Information for council meeting next week.

11. Proposed ordinance re. public health officer.
Mr. Swanson reviewed proposed ordinance re. public health officer and asked committee to take action on this matter; that Dr. James Brousseau has expressed interest in being replaced by Dr. James Heargraves, the Mayor is included to nominate Dr. Heargraves with Dr. Brousseau and Dr. Lund still being involved. He reported they have revised, removed bonding, changed addition to include deputies, etc. (It was noted that salary is $630/mo. and split three ways). Moved by Beyer and Sande to introduce the ordinance for first reading. Motion carried.

12. Matter of transfer of funds re. firing range.
Capt. MacCarthy presented the added matter of police firing range, budgeted in CIP from 1996 $70,000 to police firing range, and have purchased $36,800 for equipment, but need bid for installation of equipment in the amount of $42,610, for a total of $79,400 and asked Mr. Schmisek for another $10,000 to complete the project; this will require the council to approve the change in the CIP. Moved by Beyer and Sande to approve additional $10,000 from CIP for this equipment. Motion carried.


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13. Matter of snow emergency.
Deputy Chief O'Neill reported their department is putting together a plan for a snow emergency (such as in 1966) and want permission to ask employees to bring in snowmobiles, emergency boats; that their concern is whether vehicle damaged and wanted Mr. Swanson's to write language/contract etc. for rental or contract that if damaged would pay for that; what council would think of that.

It was noted that chief of department or mayor would have to make declaration to bring in other equipment. Committee felt fine, if approval by city attorney. Capt. MacCarthy reported that this should probably be city policy from standpoint of other Code provisions for emergency commandeering of equipment in emergencies; however, may not from City employees. He stated he would look for City-wide policy. After further discussion it was moved that this be held for further consideration.

There was some discussion re. fire lane west of Super One, around Paper Warehouse. Dep. Chief O'Neill reported that jog being allowed for parking and when coming from east don't see, and continue on down line. He stated they will talk with businesses out there.

Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

Alice Fontaine
City Clerk

Dated: 12/10/97.