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

Members present: Beach, Glassheim, Hanson.

1. Request for fence from John Buegel.
John Buegel, 509 South 3rd Street, presented map showing location of proposed fencing behind his property, that he has had lot of problems with spectators for the July 4th celebration, and presented request for funding in the amount of $6,886.00. Mr. Buegel read a statement, and asked that it be entered and preserved in its entirety as part of the officials minutes and records of this committee meeting. (Attachment)

Mr. O'Leary reported that there is no grant money available for this type of project.

There was some discussion re. City's liability if fence installed, Sertoma Club's responsibility, etc.

Mr. Buegel stated he is not asking for fence to keep snowmobilers out; his request is primarily because of fireworks display and duck race, but expressed concern about safety of snowmobilers if fence installed at crown of the dike.

The committee stated there is always concern about setting precedence. Mr. Glassheim stated there has been some discussion re. moving of the fireworks in the future, concern about investing in permanent structure for one day per year. It was noted that the fireworks display was at Lincoln Park, and prior to that was UND stadium for many years, moved because of concern re. fireworks damaging artificial turf. Mr. Buegel stated he has that concern for his roof. He also stated that if River Forks Commission takes off, more events sponsored along riverbank. Mr. Grotte, asst. dir. of public works, stated they don't normally allow construction on dike, need to get in and maintain. Mr. Buegel stated he allows for maintenance of dike now (mowing, etc.) and no problem with that.

After further discussion the committee stated they would like to see if fence (snowfence) will work this year, and if really need permanent fencing, and if so would like to see three-party participation.

Moved by Glassheim and Hanson to receive and file. Motion carried.

2. Matter of demolition of house at 317 Minnesota Avenue.
Mr. O'Leary reported that the City in the process of acquiring houses between 3rd and 4th Streets adjacent to the water plant for possible expansion. He stated that the Housing Auth. agreed to manage the units for the City, with the understanding that the bare minimum would be put into houses until such time as City sells or demolishes, etc. , however,

MINUTES/URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
April 10, 1996 - Page 2

after the building inspector inspected this house and determined structural difficulties with the house, would need $3,000 to get certificate of occupancy for the house; not sure it's worth putting anything into the house. He also expressed concern re. relocation expenses of tenant(s). Mr. Swanson stated that if City is landlord and renting house, City would have relocation obligation to those tenants, law doesn't allow entering into agreement to waive that right.

He stated that it was the recommendation of the Housing Authority that due to the condition of this unit and cost of repair, that the City no longer consider the unit fit for occupancy. He stated that they should look at carefully before renting units. Joel Manske reported that all houses are occupied, and noted that there is tenant at 317 Minnesota who qualifies for housing assistance, that by offering housing assistance they would minimize or relieve relocation costs; that tenant is on certificate and could relocate.

Moved by Hanson and Glassheim to relocate tenant through housing assistance program, put property up for bid, and if receive acceptable bid sell the house, or if not, to demolish the building. Motion seconded by Glassheim. Motion carried.

Terry Hanson reported that the Relocation Act requires that if City buying house from landlord and there is a tenant, that as soon as City knows they are going to do something with that lot, they should inform tenant. It was noted they would need listing of properties acquired, tenants, etc. This will be handled administratively.

It was also suggested that they should write congressional delegation to look at this Relocation Act; Mr. O'Leary stated that every assn. they belong to has asked Congress to take hard look at this, but strong lobby on other side.

3. Matter of storefront budget.
Chairman Beach reported he had received notification of withdrawal of applications #9 and #10, storefront at 311 Kittson Avenue, Hoffman Building; and also received comments from staff re. applications, which were reviewed by the committee.

Kay Kjelland and Larry Hoiberg, North Valley Arts Council, were present; as was John Buegel.

The committee reviewed staff recommendations, and noted that changes could be made at later date. Hanson and Glassheim moved approval of the allocation of funds as follows:

1) 424 DeMers Avenue, Unique Impressions $ 2,000
2) 211 S. 4th Street, American Building -0-

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April 10, 1996 - Page 3

3) 231 South 3rd Street, Windmill Building 2,500
4) 415 DeMers Avenue, Empire Theatre 20,000
5) 419 DeMers Avenue, Empire Theatre 5,000
6) 124 N. 3rd Street, GF Mercantile Building 7,000
7) 114 North 3rd Street, Dacotah Arms 5,000
8) 137 South 3rd Street, Steen Building -0-
9) 311 Kittson Avenue, Hoffman Building withdrawn
10) 311 Kittson Avenue,Hoffman Building withdrawn
11) 18 North 4th Street, Creative Camera 3,500
Total $ 45,000

Motion carried.

Moved by Hanson and Glassheim to adjourn at 5:30 p.m.

Alice Fontaine
City Clerk

Dated: 04/11/96