Council Minutes

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
December 18, 2006

The city council of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota met in the council chambers in City Hall on Monday, December 18, 2006 at the hour of 7:00 o’clock p.m. with Mayor Brown presiding. Present at roll call were Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, 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:
He stated our hearts go out to the family and friends of Jason Stadstad who passed away yesterday after a long and courageous fight with cancer.
He reminded them that Christmas is next Monday and the committee of the whole meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 26.

ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 4159, AMENDING THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, SECTION 18-0802, PERTAINING
TO GRAND FORKS YEAR 2035 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE

An ordinance entitled "An ordinance amending the Comprehensive Plan, amending Chapter XVIII, Article 8, Comprehensive Plan, Section 18-0802, Elements of the Grand Forks City Code of 1987, as amended, pertaining to the Grand Forks Year 2035 Land Use Plan Update", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on November 20, 2006, 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 to be held on this matter this evening and further that to date no protests or grievances had been filed with his office.

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 the Planning Department on behalf of the City of Grand Forks, ND for final approval of an ordinance relating to the Comprehensive Plan, amending Chapter XVIII, Article 8, Comprehensive Plan; Section 18-0802, Elements of the Grand Forks City Code of 1987, as amended, pertaining to the Year 2035 Land Use Plan (Appendix B. Table B-3, Annexation Point Rating System), with recommendation for final approval of the ordinance.

It was moved by Council Member Christensen and seconded by Council Member Gershman that this recommendation be approved. Carried 6 votes affirmative; Council Member Glassheim voted against the recommendation.

Upon call for the question of adoption of the ordinance and upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 6; voting
"nay": Council Member Glassheim - 1. Mayor Brown declared the ordinance adopted.
ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 4160, ESTABLISHING A
MORATORIUM ON APPROVAL OF SUBDIVISION, PLATS
OR APPLICATIONS FOR REZONING IN THE CITY'S
EXTRATERRITORIAL ZONING JURISDICTION

An ordinance entitled "An ordinance amending the ordinance establishing a moratorium on the approval of subdivisions, plats or applications for rezoning in the City's extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on November 20, 2006, 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 to be held on this matter this evening and further that to date no protests or grievances had been filed with his office.

Mayor Brown opened the public hearing, there were no comments and the public hearing was closed.

A staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission on behalf of the City of Grand Forks, ND for final approval of an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 4134, establishing a moratorium on the approval of subdivisions, plats or applications for rezoning in the city of Grand Forks' extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction. More specifically the amendment is to extend the expiration of the moratorium from December 31, 2006 to March 20, 2007; recommendation to give final approval to the ordinance.

It was moved by Council Member Kreun 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, McNamara, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the ordinance adopted.

DENY ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE TO AMEND ZONING
MAP TO REZONE AND INCLUDE WITHIN THE R-3
An ordinance entitled "An ordinance to amend the zoning map of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, to rezone and exclude from the B-3 (General Business) District and to include within the R-3 (Multiple Family Residence, Medium Density) District, Lots M and N of the Replat of Lots C through I and Lots K and L, Block 1 of the Replat of Lot 1, Block 1, OJ's Addition to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on July 17, 2006 and upon which public hearing had been continued until this evening, was presented and read for consideration on second reading.

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 Dakota Commercial on behalf of Drew Lenthe Enterprises, Inc. for final approval of an ordinance to amend the zoning map to rezone and exclude from the B-3 (General Business) District and to include within the R-3 (Multiple Family Residence, Medium Density) District Lots M and N of the Replat of Lots C through I and Lots K and L, Block 1 of the Replat of Lot 1, Block 1, O.J.'s Addition to the city of Grand Forks, ND (located in the 3600 and 3700 blocks of 13th Avenue North), with recommendation to deny approval of the ordinance.

It was moved by Council Member Bakken and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation to deny the ordinance be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 4161, RELATING TO MOSQUITO
CONTROL FEE

An ordinance entitled "An ordinance amending Section 15-0117 of the Grand Forks City Code relating to mosquito control fee", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on December 6, 2006, was presented and read for consideration on second reading and final passage.

Mayor Brown opened the public hearing, there were no comments and the public hearing was closed.

Council Member Kreun asked if it would be appropriate to either eliminate item (4) or to reword in different manner. Mr. Swanson stated that would be a matter for the council to exercise its discretion on what they would like to do with respect to exemptions from the fee.

It was moved by Council Member Christensen for adoption of the ordinance with the elimination of paragraph (4) Exemptions, seconded by Council Member Gershman. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

Upon call for the question of adoption of this ordinance, as amended, and upon roll call vote, the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the ordinance adopted.

ADOPT BUDGET AMENDMENTS

The staff report from the city auditor relating to budget amendment to use GF Loan and Stabilization Funds for Municipal Court's move to the County's new jail building, with recommendation to approve the budget amendment to pay $132,764 expenses relating to the move.

The staff report from the police department relating to budget amendment, with recommendation to bring WMD Homeland Security and Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Grant funds into the current 2006 budget, $76,324.46.

The staff report from the city auditor relating to budget amendment for Mayor and Council budget, with recommendation to approve budget amendment to cover costs associated with GFAFB realignment and retension expenditures for 2006 in the amount of $111,160.

The staff report from the director of public works relating to Public Works Department budget amendments for Sanitation, Wastewater and Water Enterprise Funds, with recommendation to approve the budget amendments, $214,000, $334,000, and $76,599.37 respectively.

The staff report from the director of public works relating to Central Garage budget amendment, with recommendation to approve the amendment in the amount of $128,000.
It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Bakken that these budget amendments be approved. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 7 votes affirmative.

INTRODUCE ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 21-0221
OF THE GRAND FORKS CITY CODE RELATING TO
RESTRICTIONS ON SALE, SERVICE OR DISPENSION OF
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, AUTHORIZATION OF 2:00 A.M.
CLOSISNG TIME

A memorandum from the city attorney stated that Ordinance No. 4092, which extended the closing time for the sale of alcoholic beverages to 2:00 a.m. contained a sunset clause rendering it void on January 3, 2007, and that if the council intended to continue the 2:00 a.m. closing time an ordinance would need to be introduced and given final approval prior to January 3, 2007.

Council Member Brooks introduced an ordinance entitled "An ordinance amending Section 21-0221 of the Grand Forks City Code relating to restrictions on sale, service or dispensing of alcoholic beverages, authorization of 2:00 a.m. closing time", which was presented, read and passed on its first reading.

APPROVE REQUESTS FOR 2008-2012 URBAN AND
The staff report from the engineering department relating to 2008-2012 Urban and Regional Program Project request to NDDOT, with recommendation to approve federal aid projects for construction years 2008 to 2012.

It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

AWARD CONTRACT FOR PROJECT NO. 5674, COLUMBIA
ROAD AND 24TH AVENUE SOUTH INTERSECTION
RECONSTRUCTION

The staff report from the engineering department relating to consideration of bids for Project Nos. 5674, Columbia Road and 24th Avenue South Intersection Reconstruction, Federal Aid Project No. AC-SU-HEU-6-986(072)076, with recommendation to award contract to low bidder, Opp Construction, in the amount of $2,105,747.53, contingent on NDDoT DBE review.

It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation to award the contract for Project No. 5674, Columbia Road and 24th Avenue South Intersection Reconstruction, to Opp Construction, LLC be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried and the contract awarded.

APPROVE THREE-WAY CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING
SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR PROJECT NO. 5674 WITH
NDDoT AND CPS, LTD.

The staff report from the engineering department relating to three-way Construction Engineering Services Agreement for Project No. 5674, Columbia and 24th Avenue South Intersection Reconstruction, with recommendation to approve the three-way agreement with the NDDoT and CPS, Ltd. for Construction Engineering Services in the amount of $293,751 for Project No. 5674, Columbia Road and 24th Avenue South Intersection Reconstruction, subject to final review by City staff.

It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 7 votes affirmative.

APPROVE CHANGE ORDER FOR PROJECT NO. 5908,
2006 SANITARY SEWER REPAIRS

The staff report from the engineering department relating to Change Order No. 1 for Project No. 5908, 2006 Sanitary Sewer Repairs, with recommendation to approve Project No. 5908 Change Order No. 1 for Molstad Excavating in the amount of $7,640.00.

It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Glassheim Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.

APPROVE CHANGE ORDER FOR PROJECT NO. 5985,
2006 GREENWAY TRAIL CONNECTION

The staff report from the engineering department relating to Change Order No. 1 for Project No. 5985, 2006 Greenway Trail Connections, with recommendation to approve Change Order No. 1 for Project No. 5985 in the amount of $16,689.14.

It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Glassheim Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.

APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES
FOR PROJECT No. 6019, FORCEMAIN TEE REPLACEMENT

The staff report from the engineering department relating to Design, Bidding and Construction Administration Engineering Services Agreement for Project No. 6019, 36" Forcemain Tee Replacement Project, with recommendation to approve agreement with Webster, Foster and Weston for Design, Bidding and Construction Administration Engineering Services in the amount of $36,490.

It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Glassheim Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.

AUTHORIZE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY FOR PROJECT
NO. 6102, SOUTH END CLAY STOCKPILE

The staff report from the engineering department relating to acquisition of property for construction of south end clay stockpile for future flood fighting needs, Project No. 6102, South End Clay Stockpile, with recommendation to authorize staff to acquire property needed not to exceed five (5) acres at $20,000/acre.

It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Glassheim Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.

DENY REQUEST FROM GRAND CITIES MALL FOR
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from the Grand Cities Mall for approval of an appeal to the sign code as provided for in Section 18-0301.1 Appeals, of the Grand Forks Land Development Code; more specifically the appeal is to allow the alteration of an existing pole sign located on the mall's property at the southwest corner of 17th Avenue South and South Washington Street; with recommendation to deny approval of the request from the Grand Cities Mall for approval of an appeal to the sign code.

Council Member Bakken stated after reviewing the staff report that it was an improvement, that there had been some negotiating going on before but they didn't conform to the first agreement and have changed mall managers since then, and that is the reason this came up; and felt it was good to make some improvements.

Brad Gengler, city planner, reviewed background information and stated that it has been two years since they worked with mall representatives to draft a new sign ordinance that allowed a larger ground monument sign but that the Mall decided not to pursue that option, and now two years later have come back to ask to alter their existing sign. He stated that the Planning Department did recommend approval of the request under certain circumstances, however, the Planning and Zoning Commission overturned that recommendation. He stated that at the time the ordinance was written at 20 ft. high by 20 ft. however had done a subsequent change to the sign code on ground monuments and any business in that situation that is adjacent to a roadway of 35 mph is allowed up to 15 ft. x 20 ft. rather than 20 ft. It was noted that the proposed sign is 224 sq.ft. and is less than what the ordinance allows.

Mr. Gengler stated discussion for denial in Planning and Zoning was because the Code had been changed to allow a sign up to 20 ft. and also not attempting to promote this type of signage to occur, something that is out of the realm of the standard ground monuments and ultimately was denied.

Council Member Glassheim stated that even though the square footage is less the clutter is greater and also less visibility and sight lines, existing sign is high and proposal creates signage and clutter closer to the driving lane. .

Mr. Gengler stated staff's recommendation was that the existing sign is not very effective advertising sign, not a lot of room, and the idea of taking it down to 37 helps achieve some of the goals and is an efficient way to reuse the sign and have the mall get as much out of it as they can and lowering it and making it more aesthetically pleasing than the existing sign as he didn't believe they have any intentions of removing that sign.

Council Member Christensen stated that South Forks Mall stated they wanted to reuse the reader board sign that is too high for anybody to see and came to city council and presented a plan for incorporating the reader board into a monument; that they had this same issue of 32nd Avenue and that there were only going to be ground monument signs, same on Columbia Road, and stated how nice that area of town is. He noted that 2 years ago they spent a lot of time on the redesign of a monument ordinance so they could take their reader board down and put it in as a ground monument, management has changed and new management wants to use what they have and reduce it and put a lot of clutter on the sign, and council is asked to accept the concept to reduce the sign and clutter it up, and ignore 4 years of process to redo sign ordinances and 2 years of process when we participated in redrafting our sign ordinance for a ground monument where they could incorporate the reader board on the sign monument; that staff came up with a better ordinance for incorporating on S. Washington from 32nd Avenue South south and anybody else that comes with a monument - he stated we charge our staff to do these things, engage in process, we address what one business wants and then change our ordinance and first person who comes in and wants a modification we grant it - that is not good government and Planning and Zoning said no to this.

Mr. Gengler stated that the term clutter is used and is one of the variables to look at in making some of these decisions, that the term clutter is used to identify not necessarily the appearance of the sign but the numbers of signs in a general area, but that this issue was brought to the Planning Department as a request and staff felt they did not have the discretion to approve it because of non-conforming nature and went to the Planning and Zoning Commission as Code call prior to coming to the council.

Council Member Christensen stated we will send a message that we are more inclined for monuments on South Washington Street than for cluttering up existing poles, and we won't clean it up unless we start someplace, and why continue to add to the clutter rather than trying to reduce the clutter and clean up the area.

It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Christensen to deny the request. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, Council Members McNamara, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kreun voted in favor of the motion, and Council Members Brooks and Bakken voted against the motion. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.

INTRODUCE ORDINANCE TO AMEND ZONING MAP
TO INCLUDE WITHIN THE B-3 (GENERAL BUSINESS)
DISTRICT LOT 1, BLOCK 1, AUDITOR'S SUBDIV. NO. 22

The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from Kevin Ritterman on behalf of JKV Investments for preliminary approval of an ordinance to amend the zoning map to rezone and exclude from the R-4 (Multiple Family Residence, High Density) District and to include within the B-3 (General Business) district Lot 1, Block 1, Auditor's Subdivision No. 22 to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota (located at 13th Avenue North and Darwin Drive), with recommendation to give preliminary approval to the ordinance and set a public hearing for January 16, 2007.

It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

Council Member Brooks introduced an ordinance entitled "An ordinance to amend the zoning map of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, to rezone and exclude from the R-4 (Multiple Family Residence, High Density) District and to include within the B-3 (General Business) District, Lot 1, Block 1, Auditor's Subdivision Nos. 22 to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota", which was presented, read and passed on its first reading.
INTRODUCE ORDINANCE TO AMEND ZONING MAP TO
INCLUDE WITHIN THE R-2 (ONE AND TWO FAMILY
RESIDENCE) DISTRICT THE WEST 13 FT. OF LOT 1 AND
ALL OF LOTS 2, 3 AND 4, BLOCK 7, BUDGE & ESHELMAN'S
3RD ADDITION

The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to the request from Susan Christopherson for preliminary approval of an ordinance to amend the zoning map to rezone and exclude from the B-1 (Limited Business) District and to include within the R-2 (One and Two Family Residence) District, the west 13 feet of Lot 1 and all of Lots 2, 3 and 4, Block 7, Budge and Eshelman's 3rd Addition to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota (located at 523 North Washington Street), with recommendation to give preliminary approval to the ordinance and set a public hearing for January 16, 2007.

It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

Council Member Brooks introduced an ordinance entitled "An ordinance to amend the zoning map of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, to rezone and exclude from the B-1 (Limited Business) District and to include within the R-2 (one and Two Family Residence)s District, the west 13 feet of Lot 1 and all of Lots 2, 3 and 4, Block 7, Budge and Eshelman's 3rd Addition to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, which was presented, read and passed on its first reading.

INTRODUCE ORDINANCE AMENDING COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN, PERTAINING TO THE GRAND FORKS-EAST GRAND
FORKS 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE (2003
STREET AND HIGHWAY ELEMENT; 2004 ALTERNATIVE
TRANSPORTATION MODES ELEMENT)

The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission on behalf of GF-EGF MPO relating to the request from Grand Forks-East Grand Forks Metropolitan Planning Organization to amend the Grand Forks Comprehensive Plan to include the Grand Forks-East Grand Forks 2030 Transportation Plan Update (2006 Alternative Transportation Modes Element) together with all maps, information, recommendations and data contained therein; with recommendation to give preliminary approval to the ordinance and set public hearing date for January 16, 2007.

It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Bakken that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

Council Member Brooks introduced an ordinance entitled "An ordinance amending the Comprehensive Plan, amending Chapter XVIII, Article 8, Comprehensive Plan; Section 18-0802, Elements of the Grand Forks City Code of 1987, as amended, pertaining to the Grand Forks-East Grand Forks 2030 Transportation Plan Update (2003 Street and Highway Element; 2004 Alternative Transportation Modes Element)", which was presented, read and passed on its first reading.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

The Statement of Changes in Cash Balances as of November 30, 2006, and the Portfolio Management/
Summary as of November 30, 2006, were presented to the council for their information.

APPROVE BILL LISTING

Vendor Payment Listing No. 06-24, dated December 15, 2006 and totaling $1,738,000.77 was presented and read.

It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Glassheim 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, McNamara, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried and the bills ordered paid.

APPROE MINUTES DECEMBER 6, 2006

Typewritten copies of the minutes of the city council held on Monday, December 6, 2006 were presented and read. It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bakken that these minutes be approved as read. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS

Rick Duquette, city administrator, stated our holiday season is coming upon us and Christmas is next Monday, and recognized our city employees and thanked them for the hard work they are doing - public safety, street department employees, PSAP, etc. and the department heads and wish them a great holiday season.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS

1) Council Member Brooks asked Mr. Gengler to try to get a meeting of salvage yard group set up for next week; and wished Merry Christmas to all.

2) Council Member Glassheim questioned status of noise ordinance, that it was his impression that something would be drafted that might make it less punitive, and would like to be able to vote on something that makes the enforcement of the noise ordinance not a matter of arrest, just for the sake of noise, defying police is one thing but if there is a loud party and whether that is supposed to be on your record for the rest of your life, etc. and not sure the punishment is fitting the crime; and would like to see something. Mayor Brown stated that Mr. Duquette will put this on the agenda.

3) Council Member Christensen stated he would like to get something before us re. server training ordinance, dealing with sting operations and the record of the bar owners and whether adopt something along the lines of the Fargo ordinance dealing with bar owners and people being arrested that are under age in bars, or a process as it seems our procedures are a bit punitive and would like to lighten up about those that make their living selling these beverages but also very cognizant of the fact that with that privilege comes some responsibility; and not sure about sending people in underage to see if they are carded or not is the appropriate procedure; and would like to have that before council soon.
4) Council Member Christensen stated that today there was a newspaper article that suggests that this is a millionaire's club, and suggested that there is nothing farther from the truth; that there is an incredible amount of work that goes into maintaining this city and the services provided - get clean water, 911 service without delay, etc. and believes what you pay in your general property taxes that goes towards the money we spend to provide everyone for services; and this is a safe prosperous thriving community, and wish everyone Merry Christmas.

5) Council Member Bakken stated hospitality community will be bringing things back on server training, and also looking at the number of permits issued in the city and after first of the year seeing a new draft, and wished everybody Happy Holidays.

6) Council Member Kreun questioned whether they would have a meeting with the County re. membership on the Airport Authority, and that meeting should be set up. He also noted that the article in the paper today and the amount of his taxes included special assessments, and out of that amount only 23% of that amount is for the City, and the services you get for that amount - police and fire protection, snow removed, etc. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

7) Council Member Gershman stated re. Airport Authority the indications he has received from the County Commissioners is that they will follow the council lead, that if the council wants to appoint a non-council member they will do that or if the council wants a voting member from the council and that is open for discussion, will attend to that in the new year.

He stated that he met with Mr. Duquette a few weeks ago about certain items that are dangling and that all of them have some issues and perhaps in January and February could do some housekeeping and clean up some of those items. He noted the article in today's paper, that there wasn't much of a point and would say to the citizens of Grand Forks to ask how the city is doing - that he thinks the city is doing quite well, economic development, job creation, services are great. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year, He suggested that everyone take a drive downtown, lights are great as well as pocket parks.

ADJOURN

It was moved by Council Member Christensen and seconded by Council Member Brooks that we adjourn. Carried 7 votes affirmative.

Respectfully submitted,



John M. Schmisek
City Auditor

Approved:
______________________________________
Michael R. Brown, Mayor