Council Minutes
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
May 2, 2005
The city council of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota met in the council chambers in City Hall on Monday, May 2, 2005 at the hour of 7:00 o’clock p.m. with President Gershman presiding. Present at roll call were Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Christensen, Kerian (teleconference), Kreun, Gershman - 7; absent: none.
The Grand Cities Children's Choir, directed by Terry Preston, sang the National Anthem and led the council in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
President Gershman 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.
President Gershman commented on various events during the past week and upcoming events:
That he was proud of the Cities of East Grand Forks and Grand Forks and entire region, the Chamber of Commerce and Military Affairs Committee and community for winning the Abilene Trophy, that recognizes nationally the Base with the best community support, that this is second time that we have won, and to keep that demonstration of support going with the petition and can find on the web with links to that. He stated there is a rally being planned on Saturday and info. on time and location will be presented tomorrow and encouraged everybody to attend that rally; imperative that we show up and show great support.
This is Spring Clean-up Week, city crews will pick up almost anything as long as it is placed where your regular garbage is picked up on the day of your regular trash pickup.
Tomorrow night there will be a meeting of the Board of Equalization and asked Mr. Carsen, city assessor, to explain and notify public of the purpose of that meeting.
Mr. Carsen stated tomorrow is the annual City Board of Equalization meeting with the city council acting as the Board of Equalization will consider the 2005 valuations that the assessor's office has placed on the property located within the city limits. He stated they have put a new value in most cases on every piece of property in the city as they do every year or consider putting a new value on every year and have notified people of those new values along with the old values and tomorrow night the Board of Equalization begins to consider those valuations. The public if they have a protest on the valuation or think the valuation is excessive on market conditions can come to the meeting and enter a formal protest, that they would not need to have all the documentation but later would have to have documentation. He stated they have short time to complete their work as the Board of Equalization as the County Board meets on June 7 and could possibly extend that if need to but his goal would be the June 7 date. He stated there would have to be a formal protest filed by tomorrow evening, either at the meeting or prior to that in writing in his office; and that a follow up meeting has not been established and that any protests filed with the Board of Equalization by tomorrow evening's meeting would be considered by the finance/ development standby committee at a later date.
Council Member Kreun stated we are one of the 4 taxing entities and how do others go through their process to come up with this number. Mr. Carsen stated the city assessor and his department are responsible for assessing and placing a value on each property located within the city limits of Grand Forks; all the public entities levy a mill levy against that same common valuation; the County and each township have their own assessing people and do assessing outside the city.
Council Member Christensen asked what is the purpose of the Board of Equalization. Mr. Carsen stated the purpose is to give the public an appeals process to the valuation placed on the property by the assessing department, the Board acts as an appeals board to determine which value should be used. He stated that if they take the initial appeal tomorrow night and that appeal forwarded to a standby committee, the standby committee spends considerable time on each appeal.
Howard Swanson, city attorney, stated the deadline for filing a protest against the valuation as established by the city assessor is the meeting time and date of the Board of Equalization, in which in this case is 7:00 p.m. tomorrow night, May 3, and in response to some of the comments or questions, the only issues that the Board of Equalization has the authority to address at this time are questions of valuation of the properties. He stated the Board of Equalization is an effort by this body to make sure that properties that are similarly situated of similar quality and construction, etc. are equally assessed in value; that you are not considering any of the mill levies, that comes later through the budgeting process, and the burden of proof with respect to the valuation once established by the city assessor does lie on the property owner to provide this body with some sufficient factual basis to decide that the city assessor's valuation is in error.
Mr. Carsen stated the Board of Equalization has the authority not to only equalize individual properties but equalize entire classes if they find and he will be presenting some evidence as to where they are sitting ratio-wise on residential/commercial property, could choose to reduce a whole class of property or some segment of a class of property and will discuss that, not only take care of individual appeals but take care of entire classes if find have equalized improperly.
After considerable discussion Council Member Glassheim reviewed comments and stated the formal protest can be as simple as "I wish to protest the valuation of my property, name, address and telephone number" and that can be delivered here, they may take comments tomorrow night; you don't even have to come as long as put in writing, and whoever has protested the valuation of their property will be notified when the hearing of the sub-committee is to take place and they will appear there and make their case, and the sub-committee will recommend to the council sitting as a Board of Equalization, a final equalization at this level case by case, and vote on it - there are other levels of appeal after.
MONTHLY FLOOD PROTECTION UPDATE
Al Grasser, city engineer, reported on local advance funding - they received a request from the Corps of Engineers to advance fund the first installment of $3 million into the advance funding program and should be transferring that soon. The federal funding for the year 2005 wasn't sufficient to keep all the contractors fully funded to their capability and the Corps had to restrict several contractors on the work that they were going to do, however, because of critical nature of the work and project on schedule, have the ability to advance fund some of the local money to keep the contractors moving, this is money they normally would put into the project but moving into the project earlier, the State has indicated that they will help match that advance funding request - the purpose is to keep the contractor moving otherwise the next amount of federal dollars wouldn't come until October. A short video was shown.
DETERMINE INSUFFICIENCY OF PROTEST ON PAVING
DISTRICT NO. 612, PROJECT NO. 5779, AND CONFIRM
AWARD OF BIDS
The city auditor reported that the period for filing protests on the resolution of necessity for the improvements in and for Paving District No. 612, Project No. 5779, paving for Southbrook Phase III, had expired on April 11, 2005 and that he had received no written protests.
President Gershman opened the public hearing, there were no comments and the hearing was closed.
Council Member Glassheim introduced the following resolution as to protests which was presented and read: Document No. 8681 - Resolution.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Brooks that we find and determine an insufficiency of protest against Paving District No. 612, Project No. 5779, as no protests were filed, and further that the resolution be adopted. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Brooks to confirm award of bids presented to the city council on April 18, 2005 for Paving Project No. 5779, District No. 612; and for Project No. 5776, Sewer District No. 436; Project No. 5777, Watermain District No. 284; and Sewer Project No. 5778, District No. 437; utilities in Southbrook 1st and 2nd Additions which were bid with the paving project. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
DETERMINE INSUFFICIENCY OF PROTEST ON PAVING
DISTRICT NO. 610, PROJECT NO. 5767; AND AWARD
CONTRACT
The city auditor reported that the period for filing protests on the resolution of necessity for the improvements in and for Paving District No. 610, Project No. 5767, paving South 20th Street from 36th Avenue South to 40th Avenue South, had expired on April 21, 2005, and that he had received no written protests.
President Gershman opened the public hearing, there were no comments and the hearing was closed.
Council Member Glassheim introduced the following resolution as to protests which was presented and read: Document No. 8682 - Resolution.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Brooks that we find and determine an insufficiency of protest against Paving District No. 610, Project No. 5767, as no protests were filed, and that the resolution be adopted. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
The city engineer's estimate of total cost on Paving Project No. 5767, District No. 610, in the amount of
$ , was presented and read.
The staff report from the engineering department relating to bids for Project No. 5767, District No. 610, paving South 20th Street from 36th Avenue South to 40th Avenue South, with recommendation to waive minor bid irregularity and award contract to low bidder, Strata Corporation, in the amount of $340,612.00.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this recommendation be approved and the resolution awarding the bid was presented and read: Document No.
8683 - Resolution. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun, Gershman - 7; voting "nay": none. President Gershman declared the resolution adopted and the contract awarded.
APPROVE APPLICATIONS FOR 3-YEAR EXEMPTION OF
VARIOUS RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
The staff report from the city assessor relating to applications for exemption of remodeling improvements to commercial and residential buildings as follows: 322 DeMers Avenue, 2277 Springbrook Court, 1511 Cottonwood Street, 1122 Hammerling Avenue, 419 Walnut Street, 616 15th Avenue South, 1105 29th Avenue South, 717 Oak Street, 2602 Chestnut Street, 842 South 23rd Street and 1323 9th Avenue North, with recommendation to grant exemptions of increased value for 3 years.
It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun, Gershman - 7; voting "nay": none. President Gershman declared the motion carried.
APPROVE CHANGE IN SALARY INCREASE ASSUMPTION
USED IN ACTUARIAL VALUATION REPORT FOR DEFINED
BENEFIT PENSION PLAN
The staff report from the Pension and Insurance Committee relating to change in salary increase assumption for actuarial valuation report, with recommendation that the council approve a change in the salary increase assumption used in the actuarial valuation report for the defined benefit pension plan from 5% to 3%.
It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun, Gershman - 7; voting "nay": none. President Gershman declared the motion carried.
AUTHORIZE CHANGE IN DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN
DOCUMENT AND ORDINANCE TO ALLOW SPECIFIC
EMPLOYEE GROUP TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL YEARS
OF SERVICE IN THE PLAN
The matter of request from employee group to purchase additional years of service in the Defined Benefit Plan, with recommendation that council authorize changes in the plan document and city ordinance to accommodate the currently qualified employees as of January 1, 2003, to allow for credit for years of service in the Defined Benefit Plan back to January 1, 1995; that council will allow the designated employees to be accommodated by participation in a buy-back to January 1, 1995, either in full or by individual year, with a pay-back period of up to 10 years, with an interest cost of 8.25%, with a one time irrevocable option to elect to participate in this buy-back until June 1, 2005, and further that the employees be allowed to fund such buyback through payroll deduction, a roll-in of 457 plan dollars, or a combination of the two funding sources, with the employee responsible for the entire cost and that there shall be no cost to the City and further to authorize that an appropriate plan amendment be drafted with authority granted to staff to execute such amendment on behalf of the City.
The city auditor stated that the question arose as to why this group is being given an opportunity to buy back years and why other employees don't have that opportunity, this group of 10 employees are the only employees left who were hired prior to 1996 and that is the timeline that was used to differentiate between the Defined Benefit Plan and the Defined Contribution Plan, that any employee hired after 1-1-96 has gone into the Defined Contribution Plan, the other factor that enters into this group of employees is they were a group of employees who may have been temporary employees prior to various times; when their positions became classified they were only eligible for the DB Plan because of the restrictions for the Defined Contribution Plan, and that this group is now asking for the ability to buy back from that point of classification back to 1995 when temporary employees were given all the benefits to classified employees except for pension plan, and they are also requesting because of the cost the ability to buy back a year or two years of service, and they are the only remaining qualified group of employees that would have this opportunity and that is based on the fact that they had been in employment of the city prior to 1-1-96.
President Gershman stated that in their application they were to be in the Defined Contribution Plan, however, the Defined Benefit Plan language stated that they would be included in there. The city auditor stated that the plan documents would supercede what was in their time of employment because that is legally restricted according to the Plan document and IRS regs. that govern each of those plan documents.
The city auditor stated they have had the actuary calculate all the contributions for these employees and they are paying what is their share, the City's share and the interest that is required for each year of their service, and he is anticipating that they will have no more cost to the Plan than any other employee will have to the Plan for future calculations, and can't tell how much because that is based on interest earnings, but they are paying all costs to date plus all interest to date into the Plan what would have been the City's contribution and their contribution.
Council Member Christensen asked what is the advantage to the employee buying into the Plan. The city auditor stated they are looking at the opportunity to get the 2% per year for that year of service but will meet with all 10 of these employees with the actuary and with our trustee and after discussion doesn't know that any employee will actually exercise this option because there is a real issue and a concern of what they have to contribute and what the increased benefit they are going to gain off of that, but we will make sure by advising them that they know what is going on and have recommended that they not only take what our actuary says and what our trustee of the Pension Plan says but they should sit down with a financial planner to make sure they are making a correct choice.
The city auditor stated that in order to get that 2% for the past years of service they have to contribute significant dollars and pay the full cost to accumulate that, and it is at their cost to get it. He stated they are aware of the additional cost and have known it for over a year, and thinks that what they are not aware of is perhaps the cost benefit ratio of what it is going to cost them to the benefit they may gain and that is why giving them until June 1 to make that decision, so we can sit down with them and make sure they understand what the cost is to them and what the absolute gain is, and would say they do not know the full specifics and are assuming some things.
Council Member Christensen suggested to defer passing this until such time as they have an opportunity to meet with those 10 people and until we can be 100% assured that we won't have any additional cost. The city auditor stated that we are requesting the amendment to the Plan to allow them to do this because our Plan would not allow this at all and this will allow them to make this kind of a buy and is giving them until June 1 to make that decision, and they have been told there isn't a cost to the City. He stated this is an amendment to the Plan to allow them to buy back, they are in the DB Plan but there is no language in the Plan that says they can buy back a year at a time and that has to be put in the Plan. He stated this isn't time sensitive except that it has been going on in discussion for 2 years.
Council Member Hamerlik stated if were going to ask the employees who have been to the Pension Committee they would say to move on and give them the option, they have been concerned that there hasn't been any action taken by us, and as long as we give them that option and as long as can be assured there is not any cost to the City, is ready to go on this.
Council Member Brooks stated as hearing there won't be any additional cost and when motion is made to add that statement that there be no additional cost to the City, and moved to approve the recommendation with the statement that there be no additional cost to the City. Council Member Christensen seconded the motion.
Council Member Hamerlik stated the motion as recommended has that stated in there specifically and read the recommendation "…with the employee responsible for the entire cost and that there shall be no cost to the City…"
Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 7 votes affirmative.
APPROVE EIGHTH AMENDMENT TO DEFINED
BEFEFIT PLAN AND FIFTH AMENDMENT TO DEFINED
CONTRIBUTION PLAN
The staff report from the Pension and Insurance Committee relating to the matter of Eighth Amendment to the Defined Benefit Plan and Fifth Amendment to the Defined Contribution Plan, with recommendation that the council approve the Eighth Amendment to the Defined Benefit Plan and the Fifth Amendment to the Defined Contribution Plan.
It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye': Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun, Gershman - 7; voting "nay": none. President Gershman declared the motion carried.
INTRODUCE ORDINANCE RELATING TO STORM
SEWER SERVICE CHARGES
The staff report from the city engineer relating to amendment to Section 15-0117.1 of the Grand Forks City Code relating to storm sewer service charges, with recommendation for preliminary approval of the amended City Code Section 15-0117.1 and set the public hearing date as prescribed by law.
It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
Council Member Brooks introduced an ordinance entitled "An ordinance amending Section 15-0117.1 of the Grand Forks City Code relating to storm sewer service charges", which was presented, read and passed on its first reading.
APPROVE CONCEPT REPORTS FOR PROJECT NO. 5627,
HIGHWAY SAFETY PROJECTS
The staff report from the engineering department relating to project concept reports for Project No. 5627, Highway Safety Projects, flashing beacon on 17th Avenue South and battery backup system for signalized intersections, with recommendation to approve the project concept reports for Project No. 5627 with preferred options of overhead flashing beacons for the pedestrian crossing and installation of battery backup systems for the signalized intersections, contingent upon concurrence from the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR
PROJECT NO. 5728, 2005 FORCEMAIN VALVE REPLACEMENT
The staff report from the engineering department relating to Amendment No. 1 to engineering services agreement with Webster, Foster & Weston for Project No. 5728, 2005 Forcemain Valve Replacement, with recommendation to approve Amendment No. 1 in the amount of hourly not to exceed $16,240.00.
It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun, Gershman - 7; voting "nay": none. President Gershman declared the motion carried.
MATTER OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR
PROJECT NO. 5734, DISTRICT NO. 94
The matter of the report relating to special assessment district for Project No. 5734, District No. 94, mill and overlay alley from Cornell Street to Hamline Street between University Avenue and 5th Avenue North, was pulled from the agenda as the University of North Dakota will be paying cost for the project.
ADOPT RESOLUTION CREATING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT, ACCEPT ENGINEER'S REPORT AND ADOPT
RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY, PAVING PROJECT NO. 5842,
DISTRICT 615
The staff report from the engineering department relating to creating special assessment district for Project No. 5842, District No. 615, paving Adams Drive, with recommendation to create special assessment district, to approve engineer's report, including estimate of cost, an assessment district map, and direct engineering department to prepare plans and specifications and advertise for construction bids, and that we declare intent to sell bonds to finance these improvements.
Council Member Hamerlik introduced the resolution creating the assessment district, which was presented and read: Document No. 8684 - Resolution.
The city auditor presented and read the engineer's report for Paving Project No. 5842, District No. 615: Document No. 8685 - Report.
Council Member Kreun introduced the following resolution of necessity which was presented and read: Document No. 8686 - Resolution
It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that the recommendation be approved and the resolution creating the special assessment district, the engineer's report and the resolution of necessity for Paving Project No. 5842, District No. 615 be accepted and adopted. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Member Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun, Gershman - 7; voting "nay": none. President Gershman declared the motion carried and the report and resolutions adopted.
ADOPT RESOLUTION CREATING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT,
ACCEPT ENGINEER'S REPORT AND ADOPT RESOLUTION
OF NECESSITY, PAVING PROJECT NO. 5834, DISTRICT 614
The staff report from the engineering department relating to creating special assessment district for Project No. 5834, District No. 614, paving in Countryview 3rd Addition, with recommendation to create special assessment district, to approve engineer's report, including estimate of cost, an assessment district map, and direct engineering department to prepare plans and specifications and advertise for construction bids, and that we declare intent to sell bonds to finance these improvements.
Council Member Hamerlik introduced the resolution creating the assessment district, which was presented and read: Document No. 8687 - Resolution.
The city auditor presented and read the engineer's report for Paving Project No. 5834, District No. 614: Document No. 8688 - Report.
Council Member Kreun introduced the following resolution of necessity which was presented and read: Document No. 8689 - Resolution
It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that the recommendation be approved and the resolution creating the special assessment district, the engineer's report and the resolution of necessity for Paving Project No. 5834, District No. 614 be accepted and adopted. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Member Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun, Gershman - 7; voting "nay": none. President Gershman declared the motion carried and the report and resolutions adopted.
ADOPT RESOLUTION CREATING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT,
ACCEPT ENGINEER'S REPORT AND ADOPT RESOLUTION
OF NECESSITY, PAVING PROJECT NO. 5811, DISTRICT 613
The staff report from the engineering department relating to creating special assessment district for Project No. 5811, District No. 613, paving in Prairiewood 1st Addition, with recommendation to create special assessment district, to approve engineer's report, including estimate of cost, an assessment district map, and direct engineering department to prepare plans and specifications and advertise for construction bids, and that we declare intent to sell bonds to finance these improvements.
Council Member Hamerlik introduced the resolution creating the assessment district, which was presented and read: Document No. 8690 - Resolution.
The city auditor presented and read the engineer's report for Paving Project No. 5811, District No. 613: Document No. 8691 - Report.
Council Member Kreun introduced the following resolution of necessity which was presented and read: Document No. 8692 - Resolution
It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that the recommendation be approved and the resolution creating the special assessment district, the engineer's report and the resolution of necessity for Paving Project No. 5811, District No. 613 be accepted and adopted. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Member Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun, Gershman - 7; voting "nay": none. President Gershman declared the motion carried and the report and resolutions adopted.
ADOPT RESOLUTION CREATING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT,
ACCEPT ENGINEER'S REPORT AND ADOPT RESOLUTION
TO PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICTAIONS, WATERMAIN
PROJECT NO. 5773, DISTRICT 285
The staff report from the engineering department relating to creating special assessment district for Project No. 5773, District No. 285, watermain for Desiree Drive, with recommendation to create special assessment district, to approve engineer's report, including estimate of cost, an assessment district map, and direct engineering department to prepare plans and specifications and advertise for construction bids, and that we declare intent to sell bonds to finance these improvements.
Council Member Hamerlik introduced the resolution creating the assessment district, which was presented and read: Document No. 8693 - Resolution.
The city auditor presented and read the engineer's report for Watermain Project No. 5773, District No. 285: Document No. 8694 - Report.
Council Member Kreun introduced the following resolution of necessity which was presented and read: Document No. 8695 - Resolution
It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that the recommendation be approved and the resolution creating the special assessment district, the engineer's report and the resolution to prepare plans and specifications for Watermain Project No. 5773, District No. 285, be accepted and adopted. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Member Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun, Gershman - 7; voting "nay": none. President Gershman declared the motion carried and the report and resolutions adopted.
ADOPT RESOLUTION CREATING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT,
ACCEPT ENGINEER'S REPORT AND ADOPT RESOLUTION
TO PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, SEWER
PROJECT NO. 5772, DISTRICT 435
The staff report from the engineering department relating to creating special assessment district for Project No. 5772, District No. 435, sanitary sewer for Desiree Drive, with recommendation to create special assessment district, to approve engineer's report, including estimate of cost, an assessment district map, and direct engineering department to prepare plans and specifications and advertise for construction bids, and that we declare intent to sell bonds to finance these improvements.
Council Member Hamerlik introduced the resolution creating the assessment district, which was presented and read: Document No. 8696 - Resolution.
The city auditor presented and read the engineer's report for Sewer Project No. 5772, District No. 435: Document No. 8697 - Report.
Council Member Kreun introduced the following resolution of necessity which was presented and read: Document No. 8698 - Resolution
It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that the recommendation be approved and the resolution creating the special assessment district, the engineer's report and the resolution to prepare plans and specifications for Paving Project No. 5772, District No. 435 be accepted and adopted. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Member Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun, Gershman - 7; voting "nay": none. President Gershman declared the motion carried and the report and resolutions adopted.
APPROVE SIDEWALK REPAIR LIST NO. 2
The staff report from the engineering department relating to Location List No. 2 for Project No. 5739, 2005 Sidewalk Repairs, with recommendation to approve 2005 Sidewalk Repair List No. 2.
It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
APPROVE PUBLIC WORKS FLEET VEHICLE BIDS
The staff report from the director of public works relating to public works/engineering department fleet vehicle bids, with recommendation to approve bids as follows:
2 WD, 1/2 ton extended cab pickup for engineering department, $14,627.00 from Rydell's;
2WD, compact extended cab pickup, engineering department, $10,843.00 from Rydell's
4 WD 3/4 ton pickup, wastewater department, $17,427.00 from Rydell's
4 WD 3/4 ton pickup, sanitarian department, $17,527.00 from Rydell's
4 WD 1/2 ton extended cab pickup, wastewater department, $17,072.60 from Hansen Ford
4 WD 1/2 ton extended cab pickup, sanitation department, $17,272.60 from Hansen Ford
4 WD 1/2 ton pickup, water department, $13,670.00 from Rydell's
It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun, Gershman - 7; voting "nay": none. President Gershman declared the motion carried.
APPROVE SANITATION DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT
The staff report from the director of public works, relating to sanitation department equipment: side load trucks, roll-off truck, landfill payloader, and landfill compactor bids, with recommendation to approve bids as follows:
27-yd side load compactors (2), $147,700.00 from Sanitation Products
Side load trucks (2), $183,074.00 from Peterbilt of Fargo
Roll-Off hoist and automated tarp, $29,979.00 from Sanitation Products
Roll-Off truck, $64,339.50 from nelson International
Landfill payloader, $311,130.00 from RDO Equipment
Landfill compactor, $402,600.00 from Krider Equipment.
It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun, Gershman - 7; voting "nay": none. President Gershman declared the motion carried.
INTRODUCE ORDINANCE INCREASING TAXI CAB
FLAG RATE
The staff report from the director of public works relating to taxi cab flag rate increase proposal, with recommendation to approve taxi cab flag rate increase of $0.50 per flag from $1.75 to $2.25 per flag. Dial-a-Ride will be held harmless at the existing rate of $1.75 per flag.
It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun, Gershman - 7; voting "nay": none. President Gershman declared the motion carried.
Council Member Kreun introduced an ordinance entitled "An ordinance amending Section 21-0311(3) of the Grand Forks City Code relating to taxi cabs - fares, rate zones, meters", which was presented, read and passed on its first reading.
APPROVE 2005 BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAM BUDGET
The staff report from the urban development deputy director, relating to 2005 Beautification Program, with recommendation to approve the 2005 Beautification Program budget as follows:
1. UND-University Avenue Median Bricking $ 27,000
2. Grand Forks Park District - Gateway Drive Restoration Crew 20,000
3. City of Grand Forks - South Columbia Road Landscaping 3,500
4. Lincoln Drive Neighborhood Assoc - Wildflower Garden 850
5. ArtWise - Town Square Tile Border 5,000
6. Grand Forks Regional Airport Authority - Phase 3 10,000
7. City of Grand Forks - City Christmas Tree 5,000
It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun, Gershman - 7; voting "nay": none. President Gershman declared the motion carried.
INFORMATIONAL ITEM
Copies of "Smoke Free Ordinance Information Request" was presented by the Health Department for the council's information.
APPROVE BILL LISTING
Vendor Payment Listing No. 05-09, dated April 29, 2005, totaling $946,221.23, and Engineer's Estimates in the amount of $291,853.65, were presented and read.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Brooks that these bills be approved 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, Christensen, Kerian, Kreun, Gershman - 7; voting "nay": none. President Gershman declared the motion carried and the bills ordered paid.
APPROVE MINUTES APRIL 18, 2005
Typewritten copies of the minutes of the city council meeting held on Monday, April 18, 2005, were presented and read. It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Christensen that the minutes be approved as read. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
1) Council Member Brooks stated the Board of Equalization will meet tomorrow evening relating to the new values on property by the assessing department, that the calls he has received relate to the impact on the budget and won't be addressing that but only the valuation, tax increase will not roll into our budget process until September, and should meet with the other three taxing entities and have discussion, that two people from the council can request a meeting and would be interested if any of the council members would be interested in requesting a meeting with other taxing entities on the tax situation of the city and scheduling a meeting.
2) Council Member Kreun thanked people and Chamber of Commerce for the Abilene Trophy and keep thoughts and prayers for our Air Force people who went to Washington and try to make sure they come back.
3) President Gershman reviewed announcements and stated that copies of petition for Air Base retention should be here tomorrow night so people can sign that; and that Board of Equalization meets here tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURN
It was moved by Council Member Hamerlik and seconded by Council Member Brooks that we adjourn. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
John M. Schmisek
City Auditor
Approved:
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Harold A. Gershman, President of Council