Council Minutes
1
July 2, 2007
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
July 2, 2007
The city council of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota met in the council chambers in City Hall on Monday, July 2, 2007 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 (teleconference), Christensen (teleconference), Kreun - 6; absent: Council Member Bakken - 1.
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.
Brownie Troop 323 from Kelly Elementary School led the council in the pledge of allegiance to the flag, Carmen Sorenson, troop leader.
Mayor Brown commented on various items during the past week and upcoming events:
He stated he met the Medicaid Bus at UND Wellness Center emphasizing health choices in our lifestyles to improve our quality of life, and that Grand Forks is looking at a maturing population that we encourage making healthy choices.
It was a pleasure this weekend to attend the Nelson Family Reunion at Sons of Norway on Saturday morning and thanked them for their book of history which is being donated to the City Library. Groups like reunions mean a lot to bringing people into town and we will be working with CVB to promote individuals bringing events like reunions, smaller conferences, etc. that help showcase the community and spur economic activity.
Farmers Market had a busy weekend this past Saturday as it was Military Appreciation Day and this is one more way to recognize the service and commitment of our soldiers and dedication of their families, and demonstrate our support for their families.
This is 4th of July week, there are a lot of activities and Sertoma puts on a great show, great events planned all day, dance on the 3rd and continuing with events on the 4th and fireworks show for the community and region. Great time for family fun and for safety and if in the city limits, please remember to leave fireworks to the professionals and if outside the city limits, please be safe.
Reminder that next week will be the first meeting with a time of 5:30 p.m., that this is a trial and want to make sure it works as well as possible.
PRESENTATION OF RETIREMENT CERTIFICATE
TO ROGER FISH, FIRE DEPARTMENT
Mayor Brown announced that Roger Fish, fire department, has retired from duties as a firefighter, that he served the city of Grand Forks for 38 years, most recently as fire captain, and presented a certificate and a gift to Mr. Fish as an expression of appreciation for services rendered. Chief O'Neill thanked Mr. Fish, that he was an excellent firefighter, a pleasure to work with and an inspiration to all the younger firefighters
ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 4195, TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS
ORDINANCE
An ordinance entitled "An ordinance relating to technical code corrections repealing Sections 2-0104, 2-0105, 2-0106 and Article 3 of Chapter II; enacting or re-enacting Sections 2-0104, 2-0105, 2-0201, 2-0301 and 2-0302; and amending Sections 3-0102, 3-0401, 3-0501, 3-0601, 6-0602, 13-0407, 15-0117.1, 18-1201, 21-0205, 18-0301, 14-0416, 2-0401 and 21-0202", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on June 18, 2007, was presented and read for consideration on second reading and final passage.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing.
Howard Swanson, city attorney, reported there were four changes in this ordinance from that which was previously distributed to the council, minor in nature, and reviewed the several changes to the ordinance to Section 15-0117.1, 14-0416, 2-0401 and 21-0202 and 18-0301 and in addition had corrected some language but otherwise believes the ordinance is in order, the basic description of this ordinance is housecleaning.
Mayor Brown closed the public hearing.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member McNamara to adopt the ordinance with the amendments. Carried 6 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, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the ordinance adopted.
ADOPT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE AND
AWARDING SALE OF SALES TAX RESERVE REVENUE
REFUNDING BONDS (CIRRUS PROJECT), SERIES 2007C
The staff report from the city auditor relating to negotiated sale of Sales Tax Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2007D, with recommendation to approve the negotiated sale of Sales Tax Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2007C.
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member McNamara that this recommendation be approved. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
Council Member McNamara introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption, which motion was seconded by Council Member Kreun: Document No. 9057 - Resolution.
Upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Council Members Brooks, McNamara Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kreun - 6; and the following voted against the same: none; whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
REFER REQUEST TO CHANGE GAMING SITE
LOCATIONS TO FINANCE/DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
The staff report from the finance department relating to request for change in number of gaming site locations, with recommendation to review request from Development Homes and determine if change should be made in the number of gaming sites allowed per charitable group.
Council Member Glassheim stated that the original reason for limiting the sites to five was sound policy, that any time an organization taking five or more is one less site available for smaller operations and that those that run more operations will be more desirable, that the smaller operations will be pushed out, has little to do with people from outside the area coming in, and seems they should defeat the proposed ordinance.
After further discussion it was suggested that more time should be taken to consider this matter and be referred to committee.
Council Member Glassheim moved to refer this matter to the finance/development standby committee for further consideration. Council Member McNamara seconded the motion. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
AUTHORIZE RESPREADING OF ASSESSMENTS FOR
STORM SEWER PROJECT NO. 5374, DISTRICT NO. 413
The staff report from the city auditor relating to respreading special assessments for Storm sewer Project No. 5374, District No. 413, with recommendation that 1. the property lying outside the original assessment district has subsequently been annexed to the city of Grand Forks, 2. at the time of the contracting of the improvement the property was outside the corporate limits of the city of Grand Forks, and 3. the newly annexed property is benefited by the improvement, and to approve the request by the developer to respread the remaining uncertified assessments over the entire Southern Estates Fourth Addition and the entire Southern Estates Fifth Addition.
It was moved by Council Member McNamara and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
APPROVE APPLICATIONS FOR EXEMPTION OF
REMODELING IMPROVEMENTS TO RESIDENTIAL
BUILDINGS
The staff report from the city assessor relating to applications for exemption of remodeling improvements to residential buildings: 2811 Knight Drive #C and 2715 Knight Drive #C, with recommendation to grant exemptions of increased value for 3 years.
It was moved by Council Member McNamara and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.
APPROVE DISPOSITION OF OLD RED RIVER RAW
WATER INTAKE STRUCTURE AND REAL PROPERTY,
PROJECT NO. 6170
The staff report from the engineering department relating to disposition of Old Red River Raw Water Intake Structure and Real Property, Project No. 6170, with recommendation to 1) adopt a declaration that the Old Red River Raw Water Intake Property (including structure, lands and easements) located in Section 11, Township 151 North, Range 50, as surplus property; and 2) authorize city staff to sell property at public sale, according to their established policies and procedures, establishing a minimum bid price of 10% of the Polk County Assessor's Office 2007 valuation, and reserve the right to reject any and all bids.
It was moved by Council Member McNamara and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.
APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH PARK DISTRICT TO
OPERATE/MAINTAIN SUNBEAM TRAILHEAD FACILITY
The staff report from the engineering department relating to agreement with Grand Forks Park District to operate and maintain Sunbeam trailhead facility, with recommendation to approve lease agreement with Grand Forks Park District for Sunbeam trailhead facility (Lot 4, Block 1, Auditor's Resubdivision No. 40).
It was moved by Council Member McNamara and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Brooks, McNamara, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried.
APPROVE APPOINTMENTS TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION
The staff report from Mayor Brown relating to Historic Preservation Commission appointments, with recommendation to confirm reappointment of Cory Lien, Gerard Paul, Marsha Gunderson, Dale Sickels and Ted Jelliff and appointment of Caprice Benoit.
It was moved by Council Member McNamara and seconded by Council Member Kreun that this recommendation be approved. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
APPROVE BILL LISTING AND ESTIMATE SUMMARY
Vendor Payment Listing No. 07-13, dated June 29, 2007, totaling $1,053,544.65 and Estimate Summary dated June 30, 2007 totaling $791,387.85, were presented and read.
It was moved by Council Member Kreun 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, Kreun - 6; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried and the bills ordered paid.
APPROVE MINUTES JUNE 18 AND 25, 2007
Typewritten copies of the minutes of the city council held on Monday, June 18, 2007 and of the special city council meeting held on Monday, June 25, 2007, were presented and read. It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Glassheim that these minutes be approved as read. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
COMMENTS BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL
1) Council Member McNamara noted passing of Cpl. Charles Lindberg, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, who was a huge part of American history along with other marines who took a flag up Iwo Jima's Mt. Suribachi, a native son of Grand Forks and active member of both communities, Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, and take a minute to salute him, a piece of Grand Forks American history, American war hero; remember his passing and remind everybody over the course to bow their heads and remember Mr. Lindberg in your prayers and remember the people who follow in his footsteps today and make these holidays for us possible.
2) Council Members Kreun and Gershman wished everyone a happy and safe 4th of July.
ADJOURN
It was moved by Council Member Brooks and seconded by Council Member Glassheim that we adjourn. Carried 6 votes affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
John M. Schmisek
City Auditor
Approved:
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Michael R. Brown, Mayor