Council Minutes
September 20, 2004
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
September 20, 2004
The city council of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota met in the council chambers in City Hall on Monday, September 20, 2004 at the hour of 7:00 o’clock p.m. with Mayor Brown. Present at roll call were Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun - 7; absent: none.
Mayor Brown announced that anyone wishing to speak to any item may do so by being recognized prior to a vote being taken on the matter, and that the meeting is being televised.
Mayor Brown commented on various events during the past week and upcoming events:
This weekend was Annual Public Works Open House, and thanked everyone working on it including local businesses.
That with the help of Council Member Brooks they have organized a city delegation to meet with the community of Warren, MN and on Wednesday he, city staff and Council Member Brooks will travel to Warren to meet the mayor, city staff and the community of Warren. Communication between the City and those in the region is critical as we progress into the future and these meetings are something he pledged and is pleased to do, this is first of future trips.
Last week they had opportunity to hear from Canad Inn officials about the progress of the new hotel and entertainment complex, that the project keeps growing,
APPROVE FINAL PLAT AND ADOPT ORDINANCE NO.
4029, AMENDING STREET AND HIGHWAY PLAN TO
INCLUDE PUBLIC R/W SHOWN AS DEDICATED ON
THE PLAT OF JOHNSON'S WEST FIRST ADDITION
An ordinance entitled "An ordinance to amend the Street and Highway Plan of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, to include the public rights-of-way shown as dedicated on the plat of Johnson's West First Addition, Grand Forks, North Dakota", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on August 16, 2004 and upon which public hearing was scheduled for this evening, was presented and read for consideration on second reading and final passage.
The city auditor reported that the required legal notice had been published calling for a public hearing this evening, and further to date he had received no written protests on this matter.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing, there were no comments and the public hearing was closed.
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from CPS, Ltd. on behalf of Crary Development for final approval of the plat of Johnson's West First Addition to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, being a part of the Southeast Quarter of Section 18, Twp. 151 North, Range 50 West of the 5th Principal Meridian, lying north of and adjacent to 32nd Avenue South, with recommendation to give final approval to the request.
It was moved by Council Member Kerian and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
Upon call for the question of adoption of the ordinance and upon roll call vote, the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the ordinance adopted.
ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 4030, AMENDING ZONING MAP
TO INCLUDE WITHIN COLUMBIA PARK WEST PUD, CONCEPT
DEVELOPMENT PLAN, AMENDMENT NO. 2, ALL OF COLUMBIA
PARK 22, 23, AND 28 ADDITIONS, AND JOHNSON'S WEST FIRST
ADDITION, AND TO INCLUDE UNPLATTED PORTIONS OF SE
QUARTER OF SECTION 18, T151N, R50W OF THE 5TH P.M.,
LYING NORTH OF AND ADJACENT TO 32ND AVENUE SOUTH
An ordinance entitled "An ordinance to amend the zoning map of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, to rezone and exclude from the Columbia Park West PUD (Planned Unit Development), Concept Development Plan, Amendment No. 1 and to included within the Columbia Park West PUD (Planned Unit Development), Concept Development Plan, Amendment No. 2, all of Columbia Park 22, 23, and 28 Additions, and Johnson's West First Addition to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and also to include unplatted portions of the Southeast Quarter of Section 18, Twp. 151 North, Range 50 West of the Fifth Principal Meridian, lying north of and adjacent to 32nd Avenue South", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on August 16, 2004, and upon which public hearing had been scheduled for this evening, was presented and read for consideration on second reading and final passage.
The city auditor reported that the required legal notice had been published calling for a public hearing this evening, and further to date he had received no written protests on this matter.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing, there were no comments and the public hearing was closed.
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to the request from CPS, Ltd. on behalf of Crary Development for final approval of an ordinance to amend the zoning map to rezone and exclude from the Columbia Park West PUD (Planned Unit Development), Concept Development Plan, Amendment No. 1, and to include within the Columbia Park West PUD (Planned Unit Development), Concept Development Plan, Amendment No. 2, all of Columbia Park 22, 23, and 28 Additions, and Johnson's West First Addition to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and also to include unplatted portions of the Southeast Quarter of Section 18, Twp 151 North, Range 50 West of the 5th Principal Meridian, lying north of and adjacent to 32nd Avenue South, with recommendation to grant final approval to the ordinance, subject to the technical changes shown on the review copy.
It was moved by Council Member Kerian and seconded by Council Member Gershman that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
Upon call for the question of adoption of the ordinance and upon roll call vote, the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the ordinance adopted.
APPROVE FINAL PLAT AND ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 4031,
AMENDING STREET AND HIGHWAY PLAN TO INCLUDE
PUBLIC R/W SHOWN AS DEDICATED ON THE PLAT OF
AUDITOR'S RESUBDIVISION NO. 38
An ordinance entitled "An ordinance to amend the Street and Highway Plan of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, to include the public rights of way shown as dedicated on the plat of Auditor's Resubdivision No. 38, Grand Forks, North Dakota", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on August 16, 2004, and upon which public hearing had been scheduled for this evening, was presented and read for consideration on second reading and final passage.
The city auditor reported that the required legal notice had been published calling for a public hearing this evening, and further to date he had received no written protests on this matter.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing, there were no comments and the public hearing was closed.
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to the request from CPS, Ltd. on behalf of the City of Grand Forks for final approval of a plat of Auditor's Resubdivision No. 38 to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota (located in the 2400 block of Belmont Road), with recommendation to give final approval to the plat, to include final approval of an ordinance amending the Street and Highway Plan, subject to the conditions shown on or attached to the review copy.
It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
Upon call for the question of adoption of the ordinance and upon roll call vote, the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the ordinance adopted.
ADPOPT ORDINANCE NO. 4032, RELATING TO ADOPTION
OF BUILDING, FIRE, MECHANICAL, ELECRICAL AND
PLUMBING CODES
An ordinance entitled "An ordinance amending Section 12-0201 of the Grand Forks City Code relating to adoption of the International Fire Code, 2003 Edition; enacting Section 12-0202 relating to penalties; amending Section 19-0101 relating to adoption of the International Building Code; amending Section 19-0121 relating to adoption of the International Residential Code; enacting Section 19-0122 relating to penalties; amending Section 19-0208 relating to adoption of the National Electrical Code; amending Section 19-0209 relating to inspector's authority; amending Section 19-0210 relating to plans required; amending Section 19-0224 relating to penalties; amending Section 19-0-325 relating to adoption of the North Dakota Sewer and Water Service Code; amending and re-enacting Section 19-0326 relating to adoption of the 2000 State Plumbing Code; amending Section 19-0340 relating to violations and penalties; amending Section 19-0515 relating to adoption of the International Mechanical Code; amending Section19-0517 relating to adoption of the International Fuel Gas Code; enacting Section 19-0518 relating to validity and enacting Section 19-0519 relating to penalties", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on September 7, 2004, and which was presented and read for consideration on second reading and final passage.
Mayor Brown called upon the audience to see if there was anyone present who had comments to make on this matter. There were none.
Council Member Christensen questioned fee schedules included in the ordinance; Ms. Collings, reported that the fee tables included were not changed but are current fees.
The staff report relating to the request from the Building Inspections Division and Fire Department for an ordinance to amend Section 19-0101 through 19-0519 and Article 2, Section 12-0201 of the Grand Forks City Code relating to the adoption of the Building, Fire, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Codes, as amended, with inclusion of an amendment in (47) of the International Building Code and (25) of the International Residential Code. It was moved by Council Member Christensen and seconded by Council Member Gershman that this recommendation and amendment to the ordinance be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
Upon call for the question of adoption of the ordinance, as amended, and upon roll call vote, the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the ordinance adopted.
APPROVE APPLICATION FOR CLASS 3, BEER AND WINE,
LICENSE BY CAMPBELL'S FRESH, 3350 S. COLUMBIA ROAD
The staff report from the finance department relating to application for Class 3 (Off and/or On-Sale Beer and Wine) license by Campbell's Fresh at 3350 South Columbia Road, with recommendation to approve issuance of the license contingent upon the approval of city attorney and sign off by appropriate departments.
It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Hamerlik that this recommendation be approved.
Council Member Gershman asked to be recused from voting on this issue, and it was so moved by Council Member Kerian and Council Member Hamerlik. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 6 votes affirmative; Council Member Gershman recused.
APPROVE ABATEMENT OF 2003 TAXES ON PROPERTY
AT 2225 BETHESDA CIRCLE
The staff report from the city assessor relating to application for abatement for 2003 taxes by Myron Wagner, 2225 Bethesda Circle, with recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners that the application be approved as submitted.
It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Hamerlik that this recommendation be approved, and further that we adopt the findings, conclusions and recommendations as prepared by the city attorney. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Member Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.
APPROVE APPOINTMENT TO MPO EXECUTIVE POLICY
COMMITTEE
The staff report from Mayor Brown relating to appointment to MPO Executive Policy Committee, with recommendation to confirm the re-appointment of Council Member Christensen as one of the city council representatives on the MPO Executive Policy Committee.
It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Hamerlik that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
APPROVE REQUEST FROM GRAND FORKS COUNTY
WATER RESOURCE DISTRICT FOR CONCURRENCE ON
DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS ON SOUTH 42ND STREET
The staff report from the city engineering relating to request from the Grand Forks County Water Resource District for concurrence on drainage improvements on South 42nd Street, with recommendation to concur with GFCWRD action to allow drainage improvements along South 42nd Street.
It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Hamerlik that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
APPROVE PRIORITY LIST FOR 2005 ANNUAL WORK
PROGRAM AND SUBMIT TO MPO
The staff report from the engineering department relating to engineering department recommendation to MPO for 2005 annual work program, with recommendation to approve priority list and submit to MPO for inclusion in 2005 draft annual work program.
It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Hamerlik that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
AWARD CONTRACT FOR PROJECT NO. 5255, RELOCATION
OF WASTEWATER STORAGE BUILDINGS
The staff report from the engineering department relating to consideration of bids for Project No. 5255, Relocation of Wastewater Storage Buildings, with recommendation to award contract to low bidder, Structures Incorporation in the amount of $153,343.00.
It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Hamerlik that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried and the contract awarded.
AWARD CONTRACT FOR PROJECT NO. 5689, CONSTRUC-
TION OF SAND/SALT STORAGE BUILDING
The staff report from the engineering department relating to consideration of bids for Project No. 5689, Sand/Salt Storage Building, with recommendation to award contract to low bidder, Gateway Building Systems, Fargo, ND in the amount of $290,758.00, and to approve budget amendment to transfer $90,758 from Funds 2115 and 1100 to 2121 Public Building Fund.
It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Hamerlik that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried and the contract awarded.
INTRODUCE ORDINANCE TO ANNEX ALL LANDS
TO BE KNOWN AS LOT 1, BLOCK 1, JONSON'S WEST
FIRST ADDITION
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to petition from Crary Development for approval of an ordinance to annex to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, all those lands to be known as Lot 1, Block 1, Johnson's West First Addition to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, except parts previously annexed, containing 3.79 acres, more or less as shown on the map, which is by reference, made a part hereof (located in the 4400 block of 32nd Avenue South), with recommendation to give preliminary approval to the ordinance and set a public hearing date of October 4, 2004.
It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Hamerlik that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
Council Member Christensen introduced an ordinance entitled "An ordinance to annex to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, all those lands to be known as Lot 1, Block 1, Johnson's West First Addition", which was presented, read and passed on its first reading.
APPROVE REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF VARIANCE FOR
LOT 4, BLOCK1, SUNSET ACRES 2ND ADDITION
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from Marna and Paul Kobe for approval of a variance for Lot 4, Block 1, Sunset Acres 2nd Addition to the city of Grand Forks (located at 634 Schroeder Drive), purpose of the variance is to vary the access to a collector street, with recommendation to give final approval to the request.
It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Hamerlik that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
APPROVE FINAL PLAT OF REPLAT OF LOTS 3 AND
4, BLOCK 1, COLUMBIA PARK 30TH ADDITION
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from CPS, Ltd. on behalf of Menard, Inc. for final approval (fast track) of the Replat of Lots 3 and 4, Block 1, Columbia Park 30th Addition to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota (located in the 3300 block of 32nd Avenue South), with recommendation to give final approval, subject to the conditions shown on or attached to the review copy.
It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Hamerlik that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
ACCEPT PETITION FOR VACATION OF FRANKLIN
AVENUE BETWEEN SOUTH 3RD AND 4TH STREETS
IN VIET'S ADDITION
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to petition from Brandon Bartholomew on behalf of the City of Grand Forks for approval to vacate all of Franklin Avenue not previously vacated between South Third Street and South Fourth Street adjacent to Lots 11 and 12, Block 5 and Lots 1 and 2, Block 8 of Viet's Addition to the city of Grand Forks, ND (located between 300 and 400 blocks of South 3rd and 4th Streets), with recommendation to give preliminary approval to the vacation and set a public hearing date as required by law (November 1, 2004).
It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Hamerlik that this recommendation be approved, that the petition filed is in proper form and contains the requisite signatures, that it be filed with the city auditor, and that a notice of public hearing be published as required. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
ACCEPT PETITION FOR VACATION OF LANDS PLATTED
AS 33-FOOT WIDE SERVICE ROAD ADJACENT TO LOTS
2 AND 3, BLOCK 1, HARTY'S PROPERTY SUBDIVISION
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to the petition from Circle K Builders, Inc. for approval to vacate lands platted as a 33-foot wide service road adjacent to Lots 2 and 3, Block 1, Harty's Property Subdivision to the city of Grand Forks, ND (located at 4224 and 4300 Gateway Drive), with recommendation to give preliminary approval to the vacation and set a public hearing date as required by law (November 1, 2004).
It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Hamerlik that this recommendation be approved, that the petition filed is in proper form and contains the requisite signatures, that it be filed with the city auditor, and that a notice of public hearing be published as required. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
APPROVE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR PROJECT
NO. 5656, WATERMAIN
The staff report from the engineering department relating to plans and specifications for Project No. 5656, Watermain on 300 block of55th Avenue South (approx. 200 ft. east of Chestnut Street to Belmont Road), with recommendation to approve plans and specifications for Project No. 5656.
Council Member Kreun reported this is one of the new policies (trunk infrastructure) and this is first time going to put it into effect, it is a small project, and moved that the recommendation be approved. Council Member Christensen seconded the motion. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
REFER REQUEST FOR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF
PLAT OF KNIPE'S FIRST ADDITION BACK TO PLANNING
AND ZONING COMMISSION
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from CPS, Ltd on behalf of William Knipe for preliminary approval of the plat of Knipe's First Addition to the city of Grand Forks (located in 3000 block of South 69th Street), with recommendation to give preliminary approval of the plat, subject to the conditions shown on or attached to the review copy, including preliminary approval of an ordinance amending the Street and Highway Plan.
Council Member Christensen distributed copies of the map showing proposed plat, that the distance from Longview Fiber to the proposed plat is one mile and from Longview Fiber for two miles out have extra-territorial zoning, A-2 (Agricultural Reserve) District - that 32nd Avenue is going to be future Highway 2
and questioned whether we want to approve additional housing within 400 ft. of 32nd Avenue because we don't have a plan as to whether 32nd Avenue shall become a zoned commercial or light industrial commercial - that MPO has been in the process of developing a two-year budgeting plan and monies allocated between the cities and currently have in the budget approx. $150,000 which will be available for planning for the next two years - 2005 and 2006. He questioned if we should have a moratorium on building along 32nd Avenue until we have an idea of how we would like that thoroughfare used so don't have hodge-podge of development along that street, and questioned if we want to approve the plat at this time or refer this back to Planning and Zoning to see if they could give us some recommendations as to the proposed uses along 32nd Avenue before we start approving things.
It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Kerian to refer this matter back to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
It was noted that this action would not stop any immediate development of the property.
Upon call for the question and upon voice vote the motion carried 7 votes affirmative.
Council Member Christensen stated that perhaps the council could make a resolution to ask Planning and Zoning to review the 32nd Avenue thoroughfare so that the council could get some input as what the direction is and that Mr. Malm, president of the Planning and Zoning Commission, has asked for planning sessions to review everything. Mr. Swanson reported that under the Planning and Zoning procedural requirements, any member of the Commission can request an item to be placed on the agenda so they can do that of their own motion or the council could ask for resolution directing a study to be taken by Planning and Zoning.
DENY PETITION FOR VACATION OF 1ST AVENUE NORTH
FROM NORTH 3RD STREET TO RIVERBOAT ROAD AND
ALLEYWAY FROM DeMERS AVENUE TO 1ST AVENUE NORTH
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to petition from the city of Grand Forks and Dacotah Building, Inc. for approval to vacate all of 1st Avenue North from North 3rd Street to Riverboat Road between Block 17 and 24 of the Town of Grand Forks (Original Townsite) and the 32-foot wide alleyway from DeMers Avenue to 1st Avenue North between North 3re Street and Riverboat Road adjacent to Block 1, Auditor's Resubdivision Number 13 and Block 24 of the Town of Grand Forks (Original Townsite), with recommendation to give preliminary approval and set a public hearing date as required by law.
Council Member Gershman stated he is not in favor of vacating that street because 1) it is a City-owned lot that has potential for development as they are going to try to get some housing downtown of some significance and if take away access on 1st Avenue North you diminish the value of that property greatly in how that could be developed, and 2) not sure putting garages on that street in a main area of downtown Grand Forks is what the City would want, and asked if there has been an appraisal on the land that we need to take from Dacotah Building. It was noted there was an appraisal of $200,000, and he moved that we accept that appraisal and pay the $200,000 and leave that street open.
Mr. Swanson stated the motion would not be germane to the agenda item before you, the request before you is for the vacation of that right of way, and that the appropriate motion would be to deny.
Council Member Gershman moved to deny the recommendation, Council Member Christensen seconded the motion.
Council Member Glassheim asked whether this will hold up the development, whether simply paying that amount will be satisfactory because the people who want it have apartments, losing parking spaces and money won't replace parking and won't be able to rent their apartments if don't have parking and that the land per se may be worth x but it's utility to the building maybe more if have vacancies for 10 years because there is not significant parking next door.
Council Member Kreun stated in the long range as this development would take place is working with that property owner to help develop some other type of storage, parking or garages at some point in time at a different location, and if we don't make this decision it will hold up the levee project, that already it is being pushed back into the next phase because we don't have that property acquired, that if we can't come to that agreement in the motion with payment, we could take it by imminent domain but later on could still work with that individual to help him alleviate some of his parking problems. Mr. Swanson stated the City would have the ability to move forward through imminent domain, and would also have the ability to continue negotiations with the property owner for something other than simply a monetary award or settlement.
Council Member Christensen stated if you vacate the right of way each adjacent property owner only gets half the street, that most of the downtown that has been revived is historic, that he really can't sanction the construction of garages in the center of downtown, that there has never been garage parking there, that it is one block walk to 420 stalls and that if the issue of this is holding up the dike - it won't hold up the dike because we have power to quick take to finish the dike - we can move forward with whatever type of potential development we have downtown; and called the question.
Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 5 votes affirmative with Council Members Glassheim and Hamerlik voting against the call for the question.
Upon call for the motion to deny and upon voice vote, the motion carried 6 votes affirmative; Council Member Glassheim voted against the motion.
INFORMATIONAL ITEM
The Statement of Changes in Cash Balances as of August 31, 2004, was presented and read.
APPROVE BILL LISTING
Vendor Payment Listing 04-18, dated September 17, 2004, totaling $1,382,644.54, was presented and read.
It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Kerian that these bills be allowed and that the city auditor be authorized to issue warrants in payment of the same. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried and the bills ordered paid.
APPROVE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 7, 2004
Typewritten copies of the minutes of the city council meeting held on Tuesday, September 7, 2004 were presented and read. It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Kreun that the minutes be approved as read. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
1) Council Member Brooks stated that the Mayor, some council members and staff going to Warren to meet with the people there, it is crucial that Grand Forks gets out to the surrounding communities to meet and talk with them, find out their concerns and answer their questions and show that Grand Forks can be a big benefit to the surrounding towns, and hopes this is the start of a number of trips they will be taking.
He stated that the Mayor allowed him to fill in for him to give a welcome at the Tour de Fourches and Memorial Walk on Saturday and overwhelmed with the number of people that showed for that fundraiser, impressed with our citizens and their response.
3) Council Member Hamerlik stated that several weeks ago he mentioned concerns that residents in and around Ward 2 re. possibility of some zoning changes, there several groups that can initiate changes, that area split into two, petitions with signatures turn in this afternoon, lot of concern and positive reaction, copies of petitions available from Mr. Potter.
4) Council Member Glassheim stated that he had not made all the comments he wanted relative to item of vacation of 1st Avenue North, and as we consider a number of things which will be considered in the next year, hopes we don't do too much trampling on existing things in the thirst and lust to make things good for new things, maybe need to have a balance between new and existing and take into account the needs of both.
5) Council Member Christensen stated there will be a meeting of the finance-development at 4:00 p.m. if possible for Mr. Gershman and Mr. Hamerlik to attend, staff from Urban Development suggested that we have the meeting this Thursday.
6) Council Member Kreun stated that Klaus Thiessen, Regional Economic Development, made presentation last week and that we don't "toot our horns" when we have successes and read letter from SEI extending their thanks for hard work on SEI's behalf, particularly over the last few months, that Grand Forks EDC has proven to be a tremendous partner that supports their business by helping SEI leverage local resources more effectively, that they often turn to EDC for assistance with issues ranging from buildings, signage to recruitment and public relations and response they receive from EDC has been exceptional and often produced immediate results, and impressed that this support continues two years after SEI's arrival in Grand Forks. He stated those are some of the things that don't get reported very often and that EDC should be patted on the back.
7) Council Member Gershman stated that a Deferred Compensation rep. to visit where the employees can defer compensation and recommended elected officials be allowed to do that if some might want to do that at some point.
He stated on Saturday night he and his wife attended the Military Ball at the Alerus Center, 670 people were there, and touching ceremonies for MIA's and POW's, and that many of the young airmen and women were at this banquet and ball, that some of them didn't have to pay for the tickets and some paid $5 or $6 for tickets because of the Golden Eagles Club at the Chamber and various clubs at the Air Base that provide money for the young airmen and women who never would be able to pay that kind of money for a dance and dinner, and Alerus did great job.
ADJOURN
It was moved by Council Member Kreun and seconded by Council Member Hamerlik that we adjourn. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
John M. Schmisek
City Auditor
Approved:
__________________________________
Michael R. Brown, Mayor