Committee Minutes

MINUTES/FLOOD RESPONSE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, December 30, 1997 - 12:00 Noon

1. Call to order: Hafner, Glassheim, Bakken, Polovitz, Carpenter.

2. Matter of Red River Cafe and Cherished Moments Downtown Commercial Rehabilitation grant proposals.
Chairman Hafner reported that staff had asked to pull grant proposals, that there were no comments by the committee; and the matter was held in committee.

3. Matter of purchasing authority level of Flood Response
Committee.
Mayor Owens presented memo from Mr. Schmisek and that she has visited with the members of the Tri-chairs relative to re-establishing purchasing authority for the Flood Response Committee and need to let the public know that the entire city council will review any of the purchases over $100,000 and Tri-chairs have a limit of $25,000, that this will be step closer to coming back to normal. She also reported that a special city council meeting could be called if necessary.

Carpenter stated he was disappointed, that they considered last week with Tri-chairs supporting the issue, and now they have changed their minds. He stated he didn't have a problem with this, but didn't think the Committee abused its authority in the past, that most controversial issues have gone to council (re. lights - but part of that issue did go to council), and didn't want to see as anything against this committee. Mayor Owens stated that this was not meant to challenge what this committee has done but has been great asset to the flood recovery, but after talking with Tri-chairs and with several council people, believes for public perception would like to see go back to council.

Polovitz stated they've had discussions regarding reducing of council and that a committee of this size could be the council; that for those who think council of 14 is too large and for those that have questions of this committee - that if council being criticized for being non-responsive this is example of what could be and perhaps being criticized because of size and acting too decisively. Mayor Owens stated if doesn't work, could go back.

Moved by Bakken and Carpenter to reduce purchasing/spending limits of the committee to $100,000 and of the tri-chairs to $25,000. Motion carried; Glassheim voted no.

4. Other business:
Carpenter reported that council has yet to receive UND study/ synopsis; Urban Development will check on that.

Moved by Polovitz and Bakken to adjourn; meeting adj at 12:10 p.m.

Alice Fontaine, City Clerk
Dated 12/31/97