Council Minutes
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
August 16, 2010
The city council of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota met in the council chambers in City Hall on Monday, August 16, 2010 at the hour of 5:30 o’clock p.m. with Mayor Brown presiding. Present at roll call were Council Members Bjerke, Grandstrand, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Sande, Kreun - 7.
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:
Congratulations to long time city employee, Don Zhorela, who retired last week after 42.5 years with the water department, and appreciate his work and his loyalty to the city.
School vaccination clinics are going on tonight from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the public health department, 151 South 4th Street.
Thanks to the Chamber and EDC for hosting the special recognition today for Senator Dorgan and to President Gershman for a great introduction. Senator Dorgan has done much for us in many ways, he gave local government and people and businesses the resources to do good things for our community, and pleased that hundreds of businesses took time out today to show their thanks and recognize him.
Americorps Visa Member Muriel Kingery and Bianca Bell with the Center Community Engagement gave an update on the Near North Neighborhood, and invited everyone on behalf of Near North Neighborhood Assn. to the re-opening of Skidmore Park at the corner of North 5th Street and Gateway Drive, where they have been working on improvements by extending the sidewalks, added pavers and seating area as well as a bronze plaque describing the history of the park and a sign welcoming and thanking people for visiting the neighborhood. Open house event from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25, ice cream treats provided by the Near North Neighborhood Assn. and the Near North Neighborhood Dairy Queen. Council Member Glassheim stated that the Knight Foundation has provided funding for a number of people and local citizens have been meeting and have made some real progress - these are some improvements made in the Near North Neighborhood and they are pleased to have everyone know about it.
Thanks to Katie Osborne, urban development, for overseeing the project and Mr. Hoover for his leadership, Mr. Glassheim, Dr. Rakow and Center for Community Engagement and to all neighborhood residents on the steering committee.
WELCOME BACK STUDENTS
Mayor Brown read proclamation dated August 20 - 26, 2010 welcoming students returning to classes and to community as residents who not only attend school but do jobs, and volunteer their time and talent and contribute to our quality of life at University of North Dakota and Northland Community Technical College and local public schools and local private schools.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
Mayor Brown reported there were nine city employees who have reached employment milestones and recognized the following employees and thanked them for their dedication:
Bob Fetsch, 35 years, wastewater service worker
Gaylen Olson, 25 years, sanitation department
Tom Mikelson, 25 years, wastewater department
Daryl Hovland, 15 years, human resources department
Mike Schlieman, 5 years, information technology department
Sam Reile, 5 years, fire department
Mandy Burbank, 5 years, public health department
Lindsay Wold, 5 years, police department
Jeremy Moe, 5 years, police department.
TABLE SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE
AMENDING STREET AND HIGHWAY PLAN TO
INCLUDE PUBLIC R/W SHOWN AS DEDICATED ON PLAT
OF HIGHLAND POINT FOURTH 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 Highland Point Fourth Addition, Grand Forks, North Dakota", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on July 19, 2010 and upon which public hearing had been scheduled for this evening, was presented and read for consideration on second reading.
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from CPS, Ltd on behalf of Crary Development, Inc. for preliminary approval of the plat of Highland Point Fourth Addition to the city of Grand Forks, (located at 40th Avenue South and South 16th Street), with recommendation to table final approval of the plat. It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Kreun to approve the recommendation. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
TABLE SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE TO AMEND
ZONING MAP TO INCLUDE ALL OF HIGHLAND POINT
FIRST, THIRD AND FOURTH ADDNS, AND UNPLATTED
LANDS LYING IN SECTION 21, T151N, R50W OF 5TH P.M.
WITHIN HIGHLAND POINT PUD, AMENDMENT NO. 1
An ordinance entitled "An ordinance to amend the zoning map of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, to rezone and exclude from the Highland Point PUD (Planned Unit Development) Concept Development Plan and to include within the Highland Point Fourth PUD (Planned Unit Development), Concept Development Plan, Amendment No. 1, all of Highland Point First, Third and Fourth Additions and also to include unplatted lands lying in Section 21, Township 151 North, Range 50 West of the 5th Principal Meridian to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on July 19, 2010, and upon which public hearing had been scheduled for this evening.
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from CPS, Ltd. on behalf of Crary Development, Inc. for final approval of an ordinance to amend the zoning map, with recommendation to table final approval of the ordinance.
It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Kreun that the recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
TABLE SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE TO ANNEX
LAND PLATTED AS HIGHLAND POINT FOURTH ADDITION
An ordinance entitled "An ordinance to annex all Lands platted as Highland Point Fourth Addition to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, not previously annexed, together with the full width of all platted streets and public rights of way contiguous thereto", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on July 19, 2010, and upon which public hearing had been scheduled for this evening, was presented and read for consideration on second reading.
It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Kreun to table public hearing and second reading of the ordinance until approval and return by Planning and Zoning Commission. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 4302, RELATING TO
EMERGENCY ALARM SYSTEMS
An ordinance entitled "An ordinance amending Article 19 of Chapter XXI of the Grand Forks City Code relating to emergency alarm systems", which had been introduced and passed on its first reading on July 19, 2010, 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.
Relative to setting the fee by resolution, the amount of the fee and when it will be passed, Howard Swanson, city attorney, reported that the intent is that when the annual budget is adopted there will be a fee page which will be a part of the adopted resolution. It was noted that the proposed fee is $40.00.
Upon call for the question of adoption of the ordinance, and upon roll call vote, the following voted "aye": Council Members Bjerke, Grandstrand, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Sande, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the ordinance adopted.
REFER ORDINANCE RELATING TO TEXTING BACK
TO COMMITTEE
An ordinance entitled "An ordinance adopting Section 8-0528 of the Grand Forks City Code relating to prohibition of texting while driving and amending Section 8-0101 relating to definitions and amending Section 8-1503 relating to penalty", which had been tabled on July 6, 2010, was presented to the council for consideration.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing, there were no comments and the public hearing was closed.
Council Member Kreun reported that they didn't have opportunity to discuss this at service/safety committee and that there is no recommendation from committee.
Council Member Gershman stated that this is the second reading of the ordinance, that it came out of committee six weeks ago and passed recommendation, the reason that he requested that this ordinance come back to figure this out, there has been much debate re. adding distracted driving which would prohibit many things, etc. and that he was concerned about having a "Christmas tree" type of ordinance,
not that interested in trying to define what distracted driving is because there is no limit to what you could put in, and if want to discuss that aspect of distracted driving, do that separate from the texting ordinance. He stated it is clear that it seems to be a consensus in the state and nation, as 29 states have laws against texting.
Council Member Grandstrand stated that even though the ordinance was passed six weeks ago, we tabled the ordinance on second reading, that they were going to talk about alternatives in service/safety committee and how they could make it work while being fair, and didn't get a chance to do that in committee.
Council Member Christensen stated at the last council meeting the matter was referred to the service/safety committee for further review, that he received a copy of e-memorandum that Mr. Swanson prepared for the members of the committee but no report back from Mr. Kreun's committee, that procedurally the status of this doesn't belong here as an item to consider as there has been no committee report, that is the process and procedure.
Council Member Glassheim moved that we return it to committee for further study, seconded by Council Member Christensen. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
Council Member Kreun stated this will be on the next committee agenda, that there are several things that have been brought forth and there is one more suggestion that hasn't been and will have that suggestion brought to Mr. Swanson to see if we can bring this to a head.
APPROVE REQUEST FOR CIVIC PLACE, LLC
TO AMEND CITY CODE RE. PARKING
The staff report from the director of urban development relating to request from Kevin Ritterman on behalf of Civic Place, LLC to amend Section 14-0202 of the Grand Forks City Code relating to parking in Central Business District, description of assessment district, Exhibit A, with recommendation to introduce ordinance and give preliminary and final approval and further directs staff to work with the developer to arrange, if possible, for additional off-street parking.
Council Member Bjerke stated various concerns - there are two chapters of parking rules but if go with Chapter XIV rule where they need less space, that to have 53 apartments and only need 27 spaces, that Code is outdated. He stated that if they rent spaces at the motel that may make motel fall below what they are required to have. He stated that they have been working with parking for downtown for many years and still not finished with it, that we're going to put almost 100 apartments downtown and put their cars on the street when we already have a parking problem that we haven't dealt with yet; that Central High School has issues, and need to solve the problem.
Council Member Gershman stated he likes this project but agrees with some of Mr. Bjerke's comments, that they have been meeting on the parking issue for over a year and suggested a task force to get this done, this has been concern of the businesses downtown, and doesn't want to see this project go away but that we are having a problem because of growth, that we have to solve this parking issue downtown.
Council Member Sande stated that one of the problems is Central High School and where students will be parking when they lose the parking lot across the street from the civic, hasn't heard plan from the School District, but probably fill up the ramp and is significant issue and agrees that should form a task force, but on this item, Mr. Ritterman and Mr. Hoover were working together to broker a deal with the Town House to either acquire some land or parking spaces.
Mr. Hoover reported in conversations with the owner of the motel last week that he is extremely interested in selling the property that is located between the current civic parking lot and the easterly side of his motel, that he has also talked with Mr. Ritterman and has indicated that part of the issue is that this property is part of a loan and trying to unbungle that so that he can deal with this separately. In the meantime he is interested in, if sale not consummated in time and a year to do the development, that he would be interested in leasing space to Mr. Ritterman; in checking with the Planning Department they have indicated there are sufficient spaces for the motel because it was grandfathered in as far as meeting the parking requirements; that he and the owner of the motel had conversation about making sure that he was comfortable leasing that number of spaces and not having a negative impact on his business or his clients; and do have some other things that may come into play but looks very favorable and is confident that the lot will be purchased either by the City or Mr. Ritterman.
Kevin Ritterman stated their intention is either to lease space from the motel or to purchase the land or work with the City for additional parking. He stated they are ready to go with the project, have their financing commitment and will start work with asbestos removal as soon as they can and start with knocking the building down in September. He stated that they always have more than ample parking in their projects and not their intention to do anything to undermine their project. That he will be working with the motel because he is the closest adjacent property owner to add more parking; will work with city staff, etc. for additional parking and with MetroPlains who will be developing the other lot and have indicated that their development has extra stalls if need additional parking, and willing to rent stalls in the ramp which is a block away, and with that will have enough parking for their project.
Council Member Sande stated that Mr. Ritterman has been a very good steward of business in our community and continuing to develop property and projects around town that benefit all of us for a variety of reasons and in the short term needs the ability to move forward on this development, and feels he will continue to work to acquire the additional parking spaces that he needs, and would move approval. Council Member Christensen seconded the motion.
Council Member Christensen stated he was called by an apartment owner who was critical of attempts to continue to develop downtown, that City giving things away, and wants to clarify - that it is Mr. Ritterman's responsibility to tear the building down; that the development of the downtown in these areas has been on the agenda going back to 2005 and RFP's have been put out several times; that Mr. Ritterman and his investors and MetroPlains have come forward several times in response to these RFP's. Mr. Hoover stated there have been others coming forward but in final analysis none of them could make the projects go in the building as it was and that was when they decided building was functionally obsolete and needed to come down. Mr. Christensen stated they are trying to do what others started after the flood, to try to rebuild the downtown; that he is about finishing this project; and will work with Mr. Ritterman in acquiring that property for additional parking as part of the task force that should be formed to solve our downtown parking, that the task force work with Mr. Hutchison and the School District, etc. to develop a comprehensive downtown plan.
Upon call for the question and upon voice vote the motion carried 6 votes affirmative, Council Member Bjerke voting against the motion.
Council Member Sande introduced an ordinance entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-0202 of the Grand Forks City Code relating to parking in Central Business District, Description or Assessment District, Exhibit A", which was presented, read and passed on its first reading.
APPROVE PLEDGED SECURITIES
The staff report from the finance department relating to pledged collateral report made by designated depositories of the public funds be approved semi-annually, with recommendation for approval of the pledged collateral report.
It was moved by Council Member Bjerke and seconded by Council Member Sande that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
APPROVE APPOINTMENT TO CONVENTION
AND VISITORS BUREAU
The staff report from the mayor's office relating to appointment to the Convention and Visitors Bureau, with recommendation to confirm the appointment of Sheila Gerszewski to fill the unexpired term of Council Member Sande to the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
It was moved by Council Member Bjerke and seconded by Council Member Sande that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
APPROVE PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING SERVICES
AGREEMENT FOR PROJECT NO. 6621, EVALUATION
OF COLUMBIA ROAD OVERPASS
The staff report from the engineering department relating to preliminary engineering services agreement for Project No. 6621, Engineering Evaluation of the Columbia Road Overpass, with recommendation to approve agreement with Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, Inc. in the amount of $13,100 for Project No. 6621.
It was moved by Council Member Bjerke and seconded by Council Member Sande that this recommendation be approved. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 7 votes affirmative.
APPROVE LIST OF ADDITIONAL PROJECTS
FOR 2009-2010 MPO WORK PROGRAM
The staff report from the engineering department relating to list of additional projects for 2009-2010 MPO Work Program, with recommendation to approve priority list of additional projects to be added to the 2009-2010 MPO Work Program: 1) study street network in area of South 34th Street to South 38th Street near Ruemmele Road, estimated cost $70,000; 2) corridor study near intersection of Columbia Road and 47th Avenue South, estimated cost $70,000; 3) traffic study near intersection of Washington Street and 40th Avenue South, estimated cost $70,000; and 4) corridor study of Washington Street from Hammerling and 8th Avenue North, estimated cost $130,000.
It was moved by Council Member Bjerke and seconded by Council Member Sande that this recommendation be approved. Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 7 votes affirmative.
AWARD CONTRACT FOR PROJECT NO. 6594,
` POLICE BUILDING ADDITION FOR PSAP EXPANSION
The staff report from the engineering department relating to bids for Project No. 6594, Police Building Addition for PSAP Expansion, with recommendation to award contracts to low bidders as follows: General Work, including Alternate G-2, to JTC, Inc. in the amount of $767,152.00; Mechanical Work to Custom Aire in the amount of $381,990.00; and Electrical Work to Sun Electric in the amount of $280,000.00 for Project No.6594.
It was moved by Council Member Bjerke and seconded by Council Member Sande that this recommendation be approved. Upon roll call the following voted "aye": Council Members Bjerke, Grandstrand, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Sande, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried and the contracts awarded.
AWARD CONTRACT FOR PROJECT NO. 6594.1, LOW
VOLTAGE CABLING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR PSAP
EXPANSION
The staff report from the engineering department relating to bids for Project No. 6594.1, Low Voltage Cabling Infrastructure for PSAP Expansion, with recommendation to award contract to low bidder, RBB Electric, in the amount of $46,800.00 for Project No.6594.1, contingent upon bid of Dell-Comm not being lower, if opened; and consider opening bid from Dell-Comm if recommended to do so by the city attorney; and further recommendation by the committee that the council waive any bid irregularities associated with the bid of Dell-Comm not having the bid bond envelope on the exterior of the bid envelope; that the bid envelope of Dell-Comm be opened; that if the bid envelope contains a sealed bid bond envelope it be removed and opened; that if the bid bond envelope contains an acceptable bid bond and a valid ND Contractor's license, the bid be removed and considered; that the project be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.
Howard Swanson, city attorney, reported this is unusual situation where the bid instructions did not clearly require a bid envelope with a bid bond and contractor's license to be on the outside of the actual bid, in this case we have a single envelope that has not been opened, and his recommendation based upon vagueness of the instructions is that council pass a motion authorizing the auditor this evening to open the bid for the express purpose of determining whether there is a separate envelope inside that would contain the bid bond and the license envelope, if it does contain a separate envelope with the bid bond and the license in that envelope, then the bid can be considered, if it does not, the bid has to be returned without being considered, the motion if you agree, would be to authorize the auditor to open the bid envelope to determine the presence of a bid bond and license.
Council Member Gershman moved the motion to authorize the auditor to open the bid envelope to determine the presence of a bid bond and license; Council Member Kreun seconded the motion. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
The city auditor then opened the bid envelope and acknowledged that both documents were enclosed and are appropriate. The city auditor then opened and read the bid into the record - a total bid of $43,235.00 and signed by the contractor.
Mr. Swanson stated that is the apparent low bid, and the motion then if the council wishes to would be to award the bid to the lowest bidder; and it was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Kreun to award the bid to Dell-Comm, contingent upon meeting all specifications. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
INTRODUCE ORDINANCE RESCINDING 2009
MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL
DEVICES AND ADOPT 2003 MANUAL
The staff report from the engineering department relating to rescinding 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and adopt 2003 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices with all revisions to be in conformance with the State of North Dakota, with recommendation to approve rescinding the 2009 Manual and adopting the 2003 Manual.
It was moved by Council Member Bjerke and seconded by Council Member Sande that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
Council Member Sande introduced an ordinance entitled "An ordinance amending Section 8-0103 of the Grand Forks City Code relating to Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices", which was presented, read and passed on its first reading.
APPROVE BUDGET AMENDMENT, HEALTH
DEPARTMENT
The staff report from the health department relating to bio-terrorism grant budget amendment, additional revenue H1N1 vaccinations, with recommendation for approval of $125,000.00 budget amendment for bio-terrorism grant.
It was moved by Council Member Bjerke and seconded by Council Member Sande that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
APPROVE FINAL PLAT OF REPLAT OF LOTS 1
AND 2, BLOCK 1, STRATA SECOND ADDITION
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from CPS, Ltd. on behalf of Landmark Investments, LLC (Strata Corporation), for final approval (fast track) of the Replat of Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, Strata Second Addition to the city of Grand Forks, ND (located at 1600 North 48th Street), with recommendation for final approval (fast track) of the Replat of Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, Strata Second Addition.
It was moved by Council Member Bjerke and seconded by Council Member Sande that this recommendation be approved. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
ACCEPT PETITION TO VACATE UTILITY EASEMENT
LYING WITHIN LOT 8 BLOCK 6, VALLEY PARK 2ND
ADDITION
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from Larry and Elaine Hadland for approval to vacate a utility easement lying within Lot 8, Block 6, Valley Park 2nd Addition to the city of Grand Forks, ND (located at 1910 21st Avenue South), with recommendation for approval of the request to vacate the utility easement and set the date of the public hearing.
It was moved by Council Member Bjerke and seconded by Council Member Sande that the 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 PRELIMINARY PLAT AND INTRODUCE
ORDINANCE TO AMEND STREET AND HIGHWAY
PLAN TO INCLUDE PUBLIC R/W SHOWN AS
DEDICATED ON THE PLAT OF HOMESTEAD GROVE
FOURTH ADDITION
The staff report from Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from AE2S on behalf of the Grand Forks Park District for preliminary approval of the plat for Homestead Grove Fourth Addition to the city of Grand Forks, ND (located east of South 11th Street between 40th Avenue South and 47th Avenue South), with recommendation for preliminary approval of the plat.
Council Member Bjerke stated this is Park District project and sees in minutes where discussing bikepaths and bus routes, etc. and would like to know what the City is putting into this project; that if bikepaths, the Park District should pay the local share, and if adding a new bus route, need to have discussion on that because that is an increase in service, and infrastructure is not our responsibility, is their project and let them deal with it.
Council Member Gershman stated the City provides bus service to malls, hospital, industrial park because the point is to get people where they want to go, that if we have to extend our bus service because we are growing and adding an amenity to the community is good discussion to have, and that we wouldn't be changing any rules by affording the Park District the same service that we provide to the malls, etc.
It was moved by Council Member Christensen and seconded by Council Member Sande that this recommendation be approved and that an ordinance be introduced to amend the Street and Highway Plan, with public hearing to be held on September 20, 2010. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
Council Member Sande introduced 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 Homestead Grove Fourth Addition, Grand Forks, North Dakota", which was presented, read and passed on its first reading.
INTRODUCE ORDINANCE TO AMEND ZONING MAP
TO INCLUDE WITHIN HOMESTEAD GROVE PUD
(PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT), CONCEPT
DEVELOPMENT PLAN, AMENDMENT NO. 1, ALL OF
HOMESTEAD GROVE FOURTH ADDITION
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from AE2S on behalf of the Grand Forks Park District for preliminary approval of an ordinance to mend the zoning map to rezone and exclude from the Homestead Grove PUD (Planned Unit Development), Concept Development Plan, and to include within the Homestead Grove PUD, Amendment No. 1, Concept Development Plan all of the plat for Homestead Grove Fourth Addition to the city of Grand Forks, ND (located east of South 11th Street between 40th Avenue South and 47th Avenue South), with recommendation to give preliminary approval to the ordinance to amend the zoning map.
It was moved by Council Member Bjerke and seconded by Council Member Sande that this recommendation be approved, and that an ordinance be introduced to amend the zoning ordinance, with public hearing to be held on September 20, 2010. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
Council Member Sande 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 Homestead Grove PUD (Planned Unit Development), Concept Development Plan, and to include within the Homestead Grove PUD (Planned Unit Development), Concept Development Plan, Amendment No. 1, all of Homestead Grove Fourth Addition to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota", which was presented, read and passed on its first reading.
INTRODUCE ORDINANCE TO ANNEX HOMESTEAD
GROVE FOURTH ADDITION AND UNPLATTED PARTS
WEST THEREOF, KNOWN AS THE WELLNESS CENTER
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to request from AE2S on behalf of the Grand Forks Park District for approval of an ordinance to annex Homestead Grove Fourth Addition and some unplatted parts west thereof (the property known as the Wellness Center) located between 40th Avenue South and 47th Avenue South, east of South Washington Street, with recommendation for approval of an ordinance to annex the property.
It was moved by Council Member Bjerke and seconded by Council Member Sande that this recommendation be approved, and that an ordinance be introduced to annex the property, with public hearing to be held on September 20, 2010. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
Council Member Sande introduced an ordinance entitled "An ordinance to annex all lands platted as Homestead Grove Fourth Addition and unplatted parts west thereof to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, not previously annexed, together with the full width of all platted streets and public rights of way contiguous thereto", which was presented, read and passed on its first reading.
ACCEPT PETITION TO VACATE ALL OF HOMESTEAD
GROVE SECOND ADDITION, INCLUDING ALL LOTS,
BLOCKS, RIGHTS OF WAY AND EASEMENTS ON FILE
WITH THE GRAND FORKS COUNTY RECORDER AS
DOCUMENT NUMBER 653665
The staff report from the Planning and Zoning Commission relating to petition from the Grand Forks Park District for approval to vacate all of Homestead Grove Second Addition to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, including all lots, blocks, rights of way and easements on file with the Grand Forks County Recorder as Document Number 653665, lying east of South 11th Street, Grand Forks, ND with recommendation for approval of the request to vacate the utility easement and set the date of the public hearing.
It was moved by Council Member Bjerke and seconded by Council Member Sande that the 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, September 20, 2010. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
The city council attendance report for period January 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010 and the committee of the whole and committee attendance report for the same period were presented to the council for their information.
The Portfolio/Management Summary for period ending July 31, 2010 and the Statement of Changes in Cash Balances as of July 31, 2010, were presented for council's information.
APPROVE BILL LISTING AND ESTIMATE SUMMARY
Vendor Payment Listing No. 10-16, dated August 11, 2010, totaling $1,042,117.63 and the Engineer's Estimate dated August 16, 2010 in the amount of $17,297.00, were presented and read.
It was moved by Council Member Sande and seconded by Council Member Kreun 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 Bjerke, Grandstrand, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Sande, Kreun - 7; voting "nay": none. Mayor Brown declared the motion carried and the bills ordered paid.
APPROVE MINUTES AUGUST 2, 2010
Typewritten copies of the minutes of the city council held on Monday, August 2, 2010 were presented and read. Council Member Bjerke noted a correction to the minutes to include a council vote on a motion awarding bid for Project No. 6459 and approving budget amendment. It was moved by Council Member Bjerke and seconded by Council Member Christensen that the minutes be approved as corrected. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
COMMENTS BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL
1) Council Member Grandstrand thanked everybody that he has met so far, great to learn about various departments he has met with, and this past Friday stayed overnight at the Central Fire Hall and learned what firefighters do, hard work, but thanked everybody.
2) Council Member Christensen stated he would like to appoint task force with mayor's permission; Mayor Brown stated they would move that forward.
3) Council Member Gershman thanked everybody that attended Senator Dorgan's appreciation luncheon today, had 217 people represented by many businesses in town, City staff, Airport staff and County, and that Senator Dorgan has done a lot for the city, region, state and nation and was proud that we had that turnout, and if get chance to drop him a note, thank him as he has the public service gene and hopefully will hear from him in the future. Mayor Brown echoed those remarks about Senator Dorgan.
ADJOURN
It was moved by Council Member Glassheim and seconded by Council Member Bjerke that we adjourn. Carried 7 votes affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
Saroj Jerath
City Auditor
Approved:
________________________________
Michael R. Brown, Mayor