Print VersionStay Informed
MINUTES/URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Wednesday, June 12, 1996 - 4:00 p.m.

Members present: Glassheim, Hanson.

1. Matter of clean-up of riverbank boat landing area.
Paul Lester reported to committee on progress of cleanup: that this morning retaining wall completed, back filled against retaining wall and filled majority of trench with clean clay; everything from upper part of the property disposed of, including sign; that on Thursday, 6" of black dirt would be put down and seeded and will replace trees that were destroyed last fall (8 apple trees and 6 evergreen green - smaller than those destroyed); should be done with upper part in the next 2 to 3 days; that the lower part which is still pretty wet from the flood, he has moved about half the track and RR ties, still about 60 ft. of track to remove from the river plus 40 ft rail car laying at the bottom of the river, but can't get heavy equipment in there, should have out by next Monday or Tuesday; and should be done with his obligation. He reported he will also clean up area where cut made to store boat.

Curt Siewert addressed matter of size of trees and watering of grass, and asked what point do they cut this off. There was some discussion relative to size of trees; no problem with the apple trees. Committee suggested planting of larger spruce trees than 6-8' which Mr. Lester was proposing to plant, and suggested 12-14' trees. Mr. Lester stated that once he has grass seeded and trees planted, he considers his obligation finished. Committee questioned cost re. watering of trees and grass, etc. and staff stated they could come up with cost. Mr. Lester stated he would not be in town at next meeting (June 26). Held in committee until 7:00 p.m. on July 1.

2. Matter of beautification funds (Park District).
Mr. Siewert reported that at the last meeting the committee approved request from CVB for $2,000 to do plantings at their new facility which they took from the Adopt-an-Area Program; that he talked to John Staley, Park Dist., and he did not have as much money left in account as he first thought; and requested taking $2,000 ($1,000 out of Contingencies and $1,000 out of DeMers Avenue Original Marketplace program) and transfer to the Adopt-an-Area Program to bring back up to original allocation of $4,000. Moved by Hanson and Glassheim to transfer $1,000 out of Beauti- fication Contingencies and $1,000 out of DeMers Overpass "Original Marketplace" Green Space to the Adopt-An-Area program.
Motion carried.

Mr. Siewert reported that they had received communication from UND who had received grant for $5,000 for installation of paving stones and pre-cast concrete planters on University Avenue in median, that they cannot get size planters they want and are concerned about ability to move during winter, and are requesting to change application to build planters (same number as

MINUTES/URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
June 12, 1996 - Page 2

originally requested); no change in budget. Curt stated UND sends invoices to Urban Development; costs are reimbursable. Moved by Hanson and Glassheim to approve change in application and to cover cost of materials. Motion carried. (comm. only)

3. Matter of proposal to establish committee to review grant
applications prior to funding.
Mr. O'Leary reported that back in February they had received letter from Henry Valder discussing some issues he had with Mountain Brooke (formerly known as Friendship Place), and copies of the letter were again distributed to the committee.

Mr. Valder stated what he had asked for was different way to review grants because of what he concedes to be fraud by deception (re. determination of number of members) and Prairie Harvest just received large grant and not providing services as stated in the grant application. He stated he was here for suggestions, no checking on grants. He stated he will be meeting with Jay from Options. He thanked committee for listening.

Mr. O'Leary stated he would visit with Jay from Options and with Holly Jeannote re. this matter. He stated they monitor programs administrated by CDBG but do not spend lot of time monitoring projects that are funded through the City because don't have resources to do that, but hope that comments re. effectiveness of program are stated in public hearing process. Mr. O'Leary stated that Mr. Valder's comments directed more at whether resources going to right places, and are they delivering services promised. He also stated that some sub-recipients of funds determine number of recipients of service rather than number of individuals served, that they have asked those recipients to keep track of in other ways - through case number, etc. so know services provided and how many individuals receive services.

Mr. O'Leary stated that re. Mr. Valder's comments that he is homeless, that there isn't much of waiting period if Mr. Valder wanted to apply for housing; and also questioned why he didn't go to Mission, that there are resources to provide services. It was noted that Holly Jeanotte knows where to contact Mr. Valder.

Mr. O'Leary also stated that there was need for single room occupancy (SRO) housing in town (alternative for those who wouldn't fit into Mission); but no money in it, requires lot of supervision and maintenance. He stated they are working on this, looking to see if funding. It was also noted that Prairie Harvest deals with people who are seriously mentally ill (on site care). No action taken.

2. John Staley apologized to committee for giving wrong info. to CVB. re. amount of funding left in the Adopt-an-Area budget, and thanked staff for working problem out.

MINUTES/URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
June 12, 1996 - Page 3

4. Matter of Ishim Park- Information.
Mr. O'Leary reported that last week Keith Danks, Jr. came into office and indicated that he would like his portion of Ishim Park cleared of all improvements; so will have to relocate bench from Cream of Wheat, will have to cut off water because part of park sprinkled; that Mr. Danks indicated that he would like clay he perceived to be on that site before started with Park returned to that site (Community Development hauled in clay to create knolls) and there wasn't any pile of clay. He stated they would remove knolls, remove trees and replant in another area; and relocate electrical service for pumps, lighting, clock, est. cost $1,000. He also stated they should contact Ishim people that Park being reduced in size. He reported that Mr. Danks had indicated that he doesn't have any immediate plans for the site but would like all improvements cleared off, and he will put up sign indicating it's for sale (parking lot, etc.) He also stated that Mr. Danks was asking $80,000, which he thought was high for vacant piece of property in the CBD; lot is 100x150'. Info. only.

Moved by Hanson and Glassheim to adjourn; meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.

Alice Fontaine
City Clerk

Dated: 6/13/96.