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MINUTES/URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Wednesday, January 10, 1996 - 4:00 p.m.

Members present: Beach, Hanson, Glassheim.

1. Matter of Richard's West youth center.
Curt Siewert submitted summary of project costs, and reviewed change orders for the project:
1) change order to the general contract in the amount of $700.00 for additional rebar in the floor, Anderson Construction, contractor;
2) change order to the plumbing contract in the amount of $410.00 for extended sewer and water line, floor drain and rough-ins for drinking fountains, wash sink and janitor sink, Alden Braseth, contractor; and
3) change order for electrical contract in the amount of $1,684.03 for additional lighting and to furnish and install bathroom venting, William Sullivan, contractor.
4) change order to exterior finish on building, from brick veneer to wood siding, $100.00.
He reported that the project completed with exception of bathroom fixtures and are within budget.

Moved by Hanson and Beach for approval of the change orders. Motion carried.

2. Matter of house at 705 4th Avenue South.
Mr. O'Leary reported that it was staff's recommendation to remove structure, which was recently purchased with CDBG Acq. and Demolition Program funds for the Housing Authority; would enhance value of adjacent properties; and that as soon as house is demolished, would offer for sale. He also noted that this is a non-conforming lot and in most instances only adj. property interested in the lot. Committee Members Hanson and Beach both noted that they had toured the building. Mr. Siewert reported he will be presenting the matter to the GF Historical Commission next week. Moved by Hanson and Beach to authorize staff to take bids for the demolition of the property. Motion carried.

3. Public hearing for beautification applications.
Chairman Beach opened the public hearing, stated there are 15 applications before the committee; that City appropriates the equivalent of 1 mill for beautification in and about the community, $64,350, and that they have applications totaling $147,580; and that they would allow applicants to make brief presentation. He also stated that the committee would hear applicants today, with determination of apportionment of funds and recommendation to the council to be made at their next meeting, and council to take final action on February 1.

#1) Adopt-an-Area - $7,500 - Grand Forks Park District.
John Staley thanked committee for moving hearing of applications to first part of January (which allows more time for ordering plant materials, etc.) reported they have been involved

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January 10, 1996 - Page 2

in this program for five years, has been successful program, with two new groups last year (Postal Employees, and Ham Radio Club), that they work with groups and select sites, etc.

#2) Gateway Drive West Tree Planting - $14,000 - Grand Forks Park District.
Mr. Staley stated that this is along new section of Gateway west of I-29, area has curbs, storm drains, etc. and noted that soil improves when storm drain goes in, and that they also treat soil. He stated they would plant shade trees, some ornamentals and some evergreens; and that Forestry Dept. will maintain.

#3) 32nd Avenue South/West Tree Planting - $4,800 - Grand Forks Park District.
Mr. Staley stated this is same type of program along 32nd Ave.S. west of I-29, trees planted every 100 ft., shade trees (Hackberry, which is tolerant to our soil), may want to add something else in the future.

Member Glassheim reported present.

#4) Columbia-DeMers Overpass Enhancement - $2,000 - Grand Forks Park District.
Mr. Staley reported this would be enhancement of the project started several years ago, will add annual plants and work on border to improve. He stated he would hope this is last year for funding on this project.

Member Hanson asked Mr. Staley, because of limited amount of monies, to prioritize his applications. Mr. Staley stated his first priority would be #4, to finish project before starting another, also #1; that if cut back on #2 and #3, they could cut back on number of trees planted.

#5) Railroad Footbridge Lighting - $3,500 - Central Business Dist. Assn.
Marijo Deitz Whitcomb, rep. CBD, stated funding for continu- ation of project, reported that with the $15,000 received in 1995, had opportunity to work through MPO and turned into a TE grant (federal), and encouraged MN side to do the same. Merideth Richards, MPO employee, reported that it looks as though MN ap. will be funded (deck surfacing), ND asked for lighting as well as replacing chain link fence and money for refurbishing ice shields on the piers to preserve the structure. They should hear decision on funding by end of this month.

Hanson questioned use of bridge by snowmobilers; and it was noted that this is a walking bridge. Committee suggested installing posts to deter snowmobilers.

Mrs. Whitcomb stated they need additional $3500 to make the

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federal grant, and in event don't get all of the funding, did receive a $15,000 allotment from the River Forks Commission and with $15,000 already have, and additional $3500, could start the lighting project; hopefully they will get the TE grants. Mr. Hanson stated that Bikeway Committee also allocated funds to this project. Ms. Richards stated that it was her understanding that those monies would be freed up if grant didn't go through.

#7) CBD Banners - $6,400 - Central Business Dist. Assn.
Mrs. Whitcomb reported that the banners they put up for seasonal things are really getting shabby, and would like to replace those banners - 80 banners at $80/ea.; 40 banners for each design; to enhance downtown area. She stated they haven't selected design (would have two) Mr. Beach suggested US/Canadian motif.

#6) Celebrate the Season - $3,000 - Central Business Dist. Assn.
There were no reps. for this application. Curt Siewert reported project consists of lights for spruce trees along Kittson Avenue from DeMers to 5th Street.

#8) DeMers Overpass "Original Marketplace" Green Space - CBDA
Mr. Siewert reported this is strip of land between Jewel Box property on DeMers and overpass (approx. 150-200 ft. deep by 250 ft. in length); front portion is City right of way. Mr. LeClerc stated he didn't know if this parcel marketable. Mr. Siewert stated they would attempt to get lease from Trillium, and place monument sign at that location, would also landscape area complementing monument and landscaping at other end of DeMers Ave. downtown). He stated they would put in fill, that Jewel Box will be doing landscaping on their property, and would allow irrigation off their system.

#9) University Avenue Median Bricking and Planters - $15,000 - Plant Services UND
Paul Clark, asst. dir. of Plant Services, stated funding would continue project to replace wood planters with decorative concrete planters and bricks for planting of annuals - planters range in height - 12", 18" and 24".

#10) Highway 2 Mural Project - $10,000 - City Planning Office
Meridith Richards presented project - that murals would be painted on higher segments of wall, money would be for art work. She stated landscaping 95% complete - no Hwy 2 Beautification funds left. There were some suggestions re. other types of artwork (wire frame rebar sculpture) on the 3 arches; and also commented on murals that had been painted on buildings in the downtown area, and which after number of years were requested to be removed.

#11) Box Elder Tree Removal - $4,000 - City Planning Office

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Ray LeClerc, Planning Office, reported this project submitted last year but not funded; re-submitted at encouragement of one of the council persons; would be pilot project to get trees removed; that trees are on private property and are in bad shape, that Park District no longer plants Box Elder trees. He stated they would do inventory of trees visible from street, send letter to property owner, possibly require some participation from property owner - require nominal fee). He submitted pictures of some of those areas.

Member Hanson moved to suspend agenda and withdraw from the public hearing to hear added item re. demolition of building at 512 North 5th Street. Motion carried.

6. Request from St. Michael's Church for funding for demolition of house at 512 North 5th Street under CDBG Acquisition and
Demolition Program.
Robert L. Brooks, Business Mgr., St. Michael's Church, presented request for assistance with demolition of vacant house purchased by St. Michael's Church at 512 North 5th Street, that house is on a 25 ft. lot. Mr. O'Leary advised that they have program to acquire and demolish substandard structures around the central business district. Mr. Brooks stated property across from St. Michael's Youth Center and is adjacent to playground, and intent is to demolish and expand playground. Hanson stated that other schools have received funding for school equipment or upgrading; request similar to what have done in the past. Mr. Brooks stated that existing lot used for parking on weekends, but is open to the neighborhood during the week, have looked at some playground equipment (from School for the Blind), plans incomplete; and they also have lot at other end of the block. He stated they don't have time frame, main concern is demolition of the building, and have received firm bid of $1700 from local contractor.

The committee asked that they come in with firm plans; and held the matter to the next meeting.

3. Public hearing continued.
The committee returned to and re-opened the public hearing.

#12) Decorative Lighting and Landscaping of Warehouse Apts. -
$27,000 - Winter Garden Associates.
Mr. Siewert reported project is for decorative lighting around that block - Warehouse Apts, Freighthouse Apts and surrounding properties, with some screening on west side of RR tracks on 10th; that owner of that property has agreed with developers to remove building and put up rental storage units to match garages at Warehouse Apts.

Member Hanson excused.

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#13) Industrial Park Sign - $7,500 - GF Economic Development
Foundation
Mr. O'Leary reported that they allocated some money last year, some issues involving easements, and funding re-allocated to other projects; and now Planning Office willing to allow installing sign on easement; this is not ground monument sign. He stated he thinks that Industrial Park needs entry sign; funding would be for installation (sign mfg. and donated by Concrete, Inc.)

#14) Royce LaGrave Park Landscaping - $10,000 - Office of Urban Development
Mr. Siewert reported this is continuation of project started last year, and stated there are enough carry-over funds for plant life and benches. Mr. O'Leary stated project can be divided; can wait or do portion of it.

#15) First Night Greater Grand Forks Ice Sculptures - $9,000 - GF Substance Abuse & Traffic Safety Council
Sheila Bruhn, Grand Forks Substance Abuse & Traffic Safety Council, rep. First Night, presented request for funds for ice sculptures for First Night 1996. She stated that St. Paul doing First Night next year and asked for names of steering committee to discuss with them; also Light of the Night of Fargo also would like to discuss with the steering committee. She stated they would be approaching East Grand Forks for contribution for next year; and stated they are about $1500 to the good and that money will go into start-up for next year's event. She also reported they received about $17,000 from button sales - some given away to sponsors, etc. and children under 5 years of age free. She reported they received funding from Promotional funds; that Beautification funds would be specifically for ice sculpture. Other costs include travel, printing, postage, etc. There was also some discussion re. sponsorship signage, this year signage quite large, and are looking to make changes next year.

Chairman Beach declared public hearing closed.

4. Public hearing on the Grantee Performance Reports for 1993
and 1994 CDBG Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Program.
Mr. O'Leary reported that in 1993 and 1994 they received supplemental CDBG appropriations to help in dealing with the flood of 1993, those funds were obligated to the Richard's West storm sewer project, and two grants were in the amounts of $133,000 and $86,000; the Grantee Performance Reports say that the City spent the money; that two fiscal years involved, one ends the end of 1995, and other ends in June of next year, but as of June of last year and as of the end of December, the project has been substantially completed. He stated they are required to hold a public hearing to notify the public that the money has been expended on the project as required; and that they published MINUTES/URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
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notice of public hearing as required.

Chairman Beach declared the public hearing open. There were no comments and Chairman Beach closed the public hearing.

5. Matter of transfer of lots in Burdick's Addn. to Habitat for
Humanity.
Mr. O'Leary reported that the City owns 38 lots in Burdick's Addition, and that Habitat for Humanity has asked for two lots to build houses, and it is staff's recommendation to do that.

He stated that they have considered replatting the property, reducing size of lots (from approx. 75' to 50') and gain additional lots. He stated it is staff's recommendation to approach Planning and Zoning relative to replatting, bring proposal to committee to develop single-family units to sell, build houses around $80,000, including price of lot. He stated funds would go into revolving loan fund. He also stated he felt it was crucial to have garage.

After further discussion Mr. O'Leary stated they will be bringing in proposal for development, that staff will meet with Planning and Zoning and work out replat alternative, and get firm lot numbers for Habitat.

Held pending further administrative action.

Meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.

Alice Fontaine
City Clerk

Dated: 01/11/96.