Committee Minutes

MINUTES/FINANCE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, January 13, 1998 - 3:45 p.m.

Members present: Carpenter, Babinchak, Bakken, Hamerlik.

1. Matter of increased rates for various public works departments:
a) sanitation division
b) wastewater division
c) stormwater division
d) water division
Charles Grotte reported on the information provided to the committee explaining rate increases, and reported that with the exception of the sanitation rates, the other rates were presented to the utility rate study committee, and their recommendation was to go with the rate increases. He reported that when rates put together did overlook one, stormwater rate increase, the new charge being implemented for industrial type users if they discharge in excess of allowed permits, and that was established at $2.00 and they are asking that the same rate increase be applied as was applied to the other rates in that area. He noted that a rep. of Simplot was at the utility rate committee; no complaints at the meeting.

a) sanitation - 2% increase on dumpster rental fees and a 9.72% increase on landfill tipping fees, leaving other residential/
commercial collection fees as they are and non-residential tipping fee would remain the same. He reported they had a March '96 service study in the sanitation department which these rates were essentially based and reason no residential or basic commercial collection increase this year is because they did go to the once a week collection; the landfill tipping fee had agreed to be same figure rather than separate for inside city/outside city.

2) wastewater - 7.5% increase on all fees (rate increase for wastewater treatment plant and to build up cash reserve, plan on starting construction on new wastewater treatment facility this summer and will be done by October of 1999.

c) stormwater - 10% increase - 22/cent increase per household. (for southend drainway)

d) water - 7% increased rate - first increase in two years.

He reported they would need motion to recommend these rate increases and first reading at next meeting, increase will take effect first of March.

Hamerlik asked how far study presented last year by Candi Stjern; Mr. Grotte stated 5 years. Hamerlik asked whether that study adopted in concept with motion to be done each year; it was noted that the council approved report and each year adopt recommenda-tion.

Hamerlik also expressed concern re. non-residential landfill rates
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January 13, 1998 - Page 2

and residential rates, but would seem to him should be more of a spread, and as they plan new landfill is when to change it. Carpenter stated that they cannot charge different rates residen-tial/non-residential because of interstate commerce, about keeping out other garbage by raising rates, and was struck-down. Hamerlik stated they should look at when get new landfill.

Moved by Bakken and Babinchak to approve the recommended utility rate increases, and to introduce ordinance for first reading. Motion carried.

2. Matter of airport authority membership.
Howard Swanson reported he made preliminary contact with Don Olson and he will provide us with information provided to the Airport Authority. He also noted that he didn't have chance to check on status of whether membership had been changed. He asked that this be held for 2 weeks.

(Ted Anderson came in after discussion and was informed that the matter was being held for two weeks.)

3. Matter of the division of the Code for temporary emergency
reclassifications.
Dan Gordon, Human Resources director, reported they have two separate ordinances, 1) relating to emergency appointments and promotions; and 2) relating to definition of "probationary employee". He reported that first ordinance is what was discussed between Civil Service Commission and city council which gives the mayor authority to assign an employee to an existing or new position in order to prevent stoppage of work, and serves mayor's needs very well. Babinchak asked what makes an emergency, and Mr. Swanson reported that would be up to the mayor. Mr. Gordon stated that in previous paragraph, department head has authority within department. Mr. Gordon stated that this is for 180 days and is done without authority of the civil service; is a reporting effort.

Moved by Hamerlik and Bakken to introduce ordinance relating to emergency appointments and promotions for first reading. Motion carried.

The committee reviewed proposed ordinance re. definition of a probationary employee, and Mr. Gordon stated this would be an amendment change to our definitions in civil service code re. probationary employee and his rights, and are amending because probation has been added as a disciplinary procedure and is just defining that in greater detail. (An employee could remain on probation as a disciplinary action). There was some discussion re. defining probationary period and using that term to define the term. Committee suggested removing second "probationary period" from the sentence. Mr. Swanson stated he would prefer to see types of employment so no question that you have different forms of MINUTES/FINANCE COMMITTEE
January 13, 1998 - Page 3

probation; and will revise wording.

Moved by Hamerlik and Babinchak to introduce ordinance relating to the definition of a probationary employee with technical correc-tions. Motion carried.

4. Matter of complaints re. cable t.v. service.
Mrs. Jerath reported that this was item on September agenda and committee wanted this matter to be brought back at beginning of year. Mr. Swanson reported that neither he nor mayor's office have had recent calls. Hamerlik stated he has had calls re. programming but not service, and suggested looking at later in the year. Moved by Hamerlik and Bakken to hold until first regular meeting in September. Motion carried. (comm. only)

5. Matter of pledged securities.
Member Babinchak was designated by the committee to review the securities prior to Monday night.

6. Matter of loan from Grand Forks Varmints.
Mr. Swanson reported on process his office would take re. this matter; however, Mrs. Jerath reported that her office had received checks yesterday and today in the amount of $38,204.70 which is outstanding principal amount and interest of the loan.

Committee questioned whether rental payment and parking assessments had been paid; Mr. Swanson reported those were unsecured credit; and Committee suggested that normal collection process be made for those bills.

Moved by Hamerlik and Babinchak to adjourn; meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.

Alice Fontaine
City Clerk

Dated: 01/13/98