Council Minutes
Minutes/Committee of the Whole
Monday, October 13, 2002 – 5:00 p.m.
The city council met as the Committee of the Whole on Monday, October 13, 2003 at 5:00 p.m. in the council chambers in City Hall with Mayor Brown presiding. Present at roll call were: Council Members Brooks, Glasheim, Gershman, Kerian, Kreun, Christianson, and Hammerlik. – 7; absent: none – 0.
Mayor Brown announced that when addressing the committee to please come forward to use the microphone for the record, and advised that the meeting is being televised live and taped for later broadcast.
Mayor announcements: We can safely say that Grand Forks is where we are today because of the support of others. We are here today, we are strong today and we have a future today because of others. I don’t think that anyone would argue that the efforts of a single angel best exemplifies the spirit of that support. And sadly we learned yesterday that our angel had passed away. We know her now as Joan Kroc; but she wanted to be anonymous. This speaks volumes to how big her heart was and how much she simply wanted to help. We can never express enough gratitude for her generosity for her gifts. We are in the process of trying to work with East Grand Forks to explore the appropriate response to this sad event.
Also thanks to people who supported both the ND Museum of Art Auction and the world premiere of the Northern Plains Ballet. It is fun to see that aspect of our community revived and receive such a positive response. It demonstrates our appreciation for the arts and culture is thriving in Grand Forks.
A delegation from our North Dakota sister city, Dickinson, will be in town this weekend. We were in Dickinson last year for the initial meeting and to sign our agreement to exchange ideas and experience and build on the spirit of friendship across the state of North Dakota. We’ll be showing them a great time and hopefully this weekend we’ll have a lot of fun. The mayor gives special thanks to everyone at the CVB for leading this effort.
The area called the Community Green and Rotary Park on Demers near the Sorlie Bridge is starting to look great. It is starting to take on a welcoming feel. The Mayor encourages everyone to look east of Town Square and see the landscaping, the winding trails, the benches, and the obelisk denoting the historic flood heights.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION ITEMS
2.1
Change order No. 2 for Project No. 5409, 2003 Sidewalks
Mr. Hamerlik asks for clarification on the point that these are extra requests for sidewalks and that it is an increase in the amount other than for the additional sidewalks that have been added. Mr. Scott Zainhofsky replies that it is correct.
2.2
2005 Transportation Enhancement Project application.
This is a result of the ND D.O.T. requesting a transportation grant application from the cities and counties throughout the state. The money we are eligible for as an urban entity is limited to $900,000 for the entire state. There are 13 cities across the state that are eligible for this funding. One project in a year is reasonably likely. Two projects in a year is very unlikely. This grant application is for projects in 2005. This may limit the applicability for some of the projects that we have suggested here. It is federal money administered through the D.O.T. It is 80% federal and 20% local for the construction costs portion only. The additional local costs such as engineering, right–of-way costs, and utility relocations need to be paid locally. All of the projects listed have more than an 80/20 split. The October bid letting for the ND D.O.T. can use either year’s funding. Example: In October 2004 we could bid a project for 2005 funding or 2004 funding.
Projects recommended by Engineering.
1. Sorlie Bridge Pedestrian Safety Improvement (Sorlie Bridge Lighting Project) Name changed by recommendation of D.O.T. They are not in favor of this project and name change may help project in competition with other cities.
2. 17th Avenue Multi-Use Path (Bike Path) Runs from South 25th Street to South Washington. Benefit of project is that it would complete a 4-mile connecting loop. The downside to this project is that it is expensive with conflicting driveways, existing 5-foot sidewalk, potential to obtain right of way and utility relocations. These items would be city cost. The Grand Cities Mall has recently requested a portion of the project that runs along their property. They are seriously considering funding participation.
3. Greenway Pedestrian Bridge Project – There are two bridge projects, but only one could be used for TE funding. We don’t have a firm answer from the Corps of Engineers whether we can use their funding to match the TE funding. We know that we can’t use the TE funding to match the Corp funding. The TE amount would be $200,000, the Grand Forks amount would probably be $300,000, the Corp amount would be $775,000 and the East Grand Forks amount would be $425,000. The downside to this project would be the risk to find matching funding. The upside would be matching federal funds with federal funds.
4. Southside Historic Signing - This does meet D.O.T. requirements, but after discussion with the Historic Commission staff regarding the requirements about the TE project, they were not as enthusiastic. They were hoping for more expeditious funds.
The applications are due by 11-14-03 and we will be notified in January or February.
Council member Kerian asked for clarification regarding notification because of timing of a Greenway Pedestrian Bridge. She also adds that 17th Avenue is a very busy street and the sidewalk is very broken up. This is a path that is well used to the ballparks in the summer.
According to Mr. Zainhofsky, the bridges themselves are scheduled for the April 2004 bid letting. They would be difficult to work into the TE grants. However, connections to the trails or approaches to the bridges may be covered.
Council member Gershman asked if there is still some money in the budget for the bridges. He clarifies that the bridges will still be built, this T.E. money would free up some city money. The additional costs for change orders would be covered under local funding. The federal funds are capped. The local funds would come from various funding such as sales tax infrastructure. The bridges are part of the recreational portion of the flood control project and are basically a 50/50 split with the Corp of Engineers.
When asked for a history of what would be a better project to qualify, Mr. Zainhofsky states that the secondary transportation mode, such as the greenway pedestrian bridge and the pedestrian bike path may have better chances. A committee reviews the applications.
Mr. Grasser states that if time is an issue, these may not be the funds we wish to seek as they are in 2005.
Larry Stammen, 16 Shady Hills Lane, appeared to encourage the council for funding for the 17th Avenue Multi-Use Path. He is the manager of the Grand Cities Mall. He has received complaints and reports about the sidewalk disrepair. He has been in the process of improving the condition of the concrete work in regards to the mall. He would like to see the 17th Avenue sidewalk repaired and encourages the Council to seek funding for this project. He has money budgeted and would consider paying a portion of this project if it would facilitate the project.
Ann Sande, 1110 Belmont appeared as Vice President of Friends of the Greenway. She would like to encourage the Council to utilize this money for the pedestrian bridges.
2.3 North Dakota Tourism Division matched grant for a greenway brochure.
There were no comments.
2.4 Substandard dwelling and garage at 1101 1st Avenue North
.
There were no comments.
2.5 Request from CPS, LTD. On behalf of Kevin Dykema and Darin Grandstrand
for final approval (fast track) of a replat of Lot 23, Block 3, Blair Satrom Baukol Addn. (loc. at 2253 and 2255 Springbrook Court.
There were no comments.
2.3 Request from Crary Development, Inc. for final approval (fast track) of a
Replat of Lot, 1 , Block 1, Southbrook Addn. (loc. in 4700 block of Curran
Court.
There were no comments.
2.4 Petition from RDO Equipment Inc. for vacation of all of 12th Avenue N. and
parts of the utility easement north thereof adj. to Lots 1-9, Block 2 and Lots 1 and 2, Block 4, Sunny Nodak Farms Addn. (loc. between N. 62nd St. and N. 66th St.).
There were no comments.
2.5 Ordinance changes revising limits for biological oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS).
There were no comments.
2.6 Joint procurement with Livermore/Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVA)
to purchase a 29-foot, Class 700 Gillig Transit Vehicle.
This transit authority already bid this item and this request is to attach us onto their bid. We are included in a joint purchase with this transit authority as well as the city of Bismarck. The reason to do this is that we receive the bus quicker. This has been done in the past and is a legal process. The city of Fargo has requested $6 million for a transit center with Moorhead. The dollars are now in flux with the status of the federal government.
2.10 Recycling program overview and request for continuation of curbside recycling service.
Mr. Feland provided an overview of the status of the recycling contract. The numbers of the report have been rounded and therefore the percentage (increase/decrease) has been rounded to 7%, but the actual figure is actually 6.54%. The goal is 6.7% and has basically been met to date. Mr. Feland would like to institute the final two years of the agreement, to step up the goals to 5% compounded each year and to step up the retainage each year to 5% in order to provide incentives to continue on. He feels the residents like the co-mingled system better. The tonnages from the drop off sights are also included. Waste management manages the drop off at 32nd Avenue. They are then weighed at our facilities.
Council member Brooks comments that some cities do their own recycling and wonders if this is something we should look at. Mr. Feland feels that a contractor works best for our situation. We can’t finish the cycle of this program such as collection, distribution and marketing. Waste management can provide all three of these factors.
Council Member Gershman is pleased with the increased usage and the ease to recycle. He is concerned about educating the people and encouraging them to recycle. He feels that a central location is still a good option and utilizing the money saved on curbside to educate. This would possibly save $112,000, but the usage would decrease. The usage is now at 41%. Mr. Feland states that as part of the agreement with other cities that use our landfill, we ask them to recycle.
Council Member Kerian, credits the department on the good job they’ve done with this program. She feels they’ve stepped up to the plate and are headed in the right direction.
A 2-year contract is the request from Mr. Feland. Concerns were given regarding not meeting our goal in the first year of the contract and being held to the contract. Mr. Feland states that there is a provision of 90 days prior to intended date of termination, which is December of 2005. Council member Christensen suggests to change the contract to “90 days prior to intended date of termination which could be December 31, 2004 or December 31, 2005”. This would allow the council to review it before making a decision.
The council agrees that the contract should be written with an escape clause such as the one suggested and brought back to the council.
Mr. Jerry Nies, 1815 University Avenue, appeared to say that 6 1/2 % is good.
2.11 2003/2004 water shut-off box repair/replacement (Project No. 5556).
The engineering estimate reflects a water main replacement project. The costs cited here are based on directing a contractor to dig the hole and repair it.
2.12 Appeals and certification of special assessments on various projects.
(No comments will be taken until 10-20-03).
2.13 Appointment to Pension/Insurance Committee
.
Council Member Brooks has been appointed to this committee and will not be able to serve based on the time of the meeting
2.14 Appointment to Grand Forks Planning and Zoning Commission
.
No comments at this time.
SUSPEND AGENDA
Council member Gershman moved and second by council member Kreun to suspend the agenda and move agenda item 2.15 after Mayor and council comments.
Carried 7 votes affirmative.
Information items:
There were no comments
Citizens Requests
There were no comments.
Administrative Coordinator Comments
There were no comments
Council member comments:
1. Council member Hamerlik suggests that a representative from the council should attend the Governor’s Choice Awards Banquet ON October 20th. Council member Gershman feels that the agenda for the council meeting should be straightforward and we could meet at 5:00 pm that evening thus allowing attendance at the banquet. It was moved by Council member Christenson and second by Council member Gershman. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
2. Council member Gershman would like the council to consider changing the meeting time to 5:00 pm. He is very pleased that the cities of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks are looking to honor Mr. Kroc. He would like to see something in the Greenway or Town Square named after her.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
1. Mayor Brown states we cannot express enough gratitude to Joan Kroc for her generosity and for her gifts. We are in the process of working it out with East Grand Forks to explore the appropriate response to the sad event of her passing.
2. Thanks to the people who helped the North Dakota Museum of Art auction and the world premier of the Northern Plains Ballet to be successful.
3. We welcome Dickinson, our sister city, to town this weekend.
4. Take a look at the community green on Demers by the Sorlie Bridge.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
It was moved by Council Member Kerian and seconded by Council member Kreun to go into executive session. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
ADJOURN
It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council member Gershman that we adjourn. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
Respectfully Submitted,
John M. Schmisek
City Auditor