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Grand Forks City Council Service/Safety Standby Committee
Tuesday, March 4, 2008 - 4:00 p.m.__________________________________

The city council of the city of Grand Forks sitting as the Service/Safety Standby Committee met in the council chambers in City Hall on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. Present at roll call were Council Members Kreun, chair; Bakken, McNamara.

Others present were Rick Duquette, John Schmisek, Chief Packett, Al Grasser, Pete Haga, Byron Sieber, Brad Gengler, Todd Feland, Melanie Parvey-Biby, Kim Greendahl, Mark Walker, Mark Aubol, Judy Paukert, and Jody Hodgson.

Chair Kreun called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m., there were 3 items on the agenda.

1. Greenway Environmental Projects:
a. XCEL Energy Environmental Grant - Greenway Tree Plantings
Melanie Parvey-Biby, Environmental Compliance/Greenway Manager, announced that Xcel Energy has partnered with the City of Grand Forks and the Grand Forks Park District and has awarded the City $20,500.00 for a large scale project in the greenway, there are three areas including planting of 150 trees with educational piece about benefit of the trees along the Sunbeam trail section (south of 32nd Avenue along Belmont Road - at 3777 Belmont Road Belmont Coulee pump station location); planting corridor of trees along the southend pedestrian bridge, and enhancing the overlook area at the southend pedestrian bridge with trees, shrubs and flowers. The total project cost is $30,500.00 with the Xcel Energy grant of $20,500 and City of Grand Forks $10,000.00 out of the existing stormwater utility fund. Benefits of the tree plantings are that it greens the corridor and help reduce gas emissions and improving wildlife habitat, providing shade and greening that corridor. She viewed areas where tree plantings would be located; trees are about 1" to 11/4"; they will host a community event on Saturday, May 3 beginning at 9:00 a.m. and asking employees and families of City, Xcel Energy and Park District to come to the event as well as people in the community, and those associated with Mayor's Green3 and others that have expressed an interest in helping with an event like this; people would help putting trees in place, etc. She stated they worked with Judi Paukert of Xcel Energy, Rick Duquette and Mike Fugazzi of the Park District who unable to make today's meeting. She stated they are asking to bring this information forward to the March 10 committee of the whole meeting to accept the grant from Xcel Energy and utilize the funding within our budget, and if approved by city council would also bring the information to the Park District April meeting .

Todd Feland reported that Mike Fugazzi of the Forestry Division of the Park District will purchase the trees for the City and help doing the set-up and has been good partnership in working with the Park District and also recognize Judi Paukert for her assistance in helping garner this grant, and Rick Duquette, as well as Melanie to bring people together to make this happen.

Kreun stated concern about vandalism, and community has to get behind it and report any kinds of incidents to proper authorities to keep from happening; and appreciates those that participated in this project. McNamara asked how big problem is vandalism; and it was noted that there has been some vandalism in the greenway, small percentage and more happened in EGF portion of the greenway; and that the larger the trees the harder it is to break off and destroy; and it was also noted that the trees are larger in size and in a more populated area.

Mr. Duquette also echoed Mr. Feland's comments and that the public/private partnership is a good way to do business and appreciates what Xcel has done and what Melanie has done.
McNamara commended Xcel Energy and Judi, it is a big commitment and congratulations to Judi and Xcel Energy and thank you from the community, that they look for these partnerships in a lot of different things and not easy to come by. Judy Paukert stated they enjoyed the partnership and the relationships they have with the City of Grand Forks and Park District, and are excited about this project and look forward to working with everyone on it.

Motion by McNamara and Bakken to accept the Xcel Energy Environmental grant and associated budget amendment. Motion carried.

1. b. Greenway enhancement discussion.
Feland stated that they would like to talk about Lincoln Drive and improvements made last year, a small section that was overlaid by the street department and that they need to do something in immediate term and longer term of what to do with it and asked for some consensus on that and on bikeway system within greenway and if going on the right path on these matters - Not asking for motions but concurrence.

Melanie Parvey-Biby reported on the various improvements and enhancements.

Lincoln Drive Loop Road Improvements:
Melanie stated this area in Lincoln Drive Park needs concrete panel replacement, the street department had worked with them to make sure that section was overlaid, that the park receives a lot of activity - there is a lot of interest and use of the road system as it is a scenic drive and accesses other recreational features within the park most recently the dog park. She stated they worked with the engineering department on applying for Special Roads Fund for grant offered through the NDDOT and have been unsuccessful in receiving a grant to date, and would like to look at utilizing some of these funds to help repair some of the roads damaged in this area, the road is in disrepair from the construction activity, removing the homes, used as a borrow site over the past 7-8 years, and in order to keep it viable for this year, would like to work on improving section of trail where the old Lincoln Road connects to Euclid Ave.; that area needs to be improved this year before allowing continued use of that road; and that road serves not only vehicular traffic but access to the trail. She stated they have talked about doing some panel replacement in that area and looking at a budget of about $120,000, which is a rough estimate and would like not only to improve this area of the road but also some parking enhancement to the dog park, don't know what that entails but some off-street parking that could alleviate some of the congestion. She noted there is some use of the parking lot where people are traveling along the roadway to the dog park and on popular day have 20-25 vehicles.

Feland stated he talked to the city auditor about using some greenway betterment enhancement dollars that are remaining in the budget to fix that small section, get that completed and get consensus on trying to retool the grant emphasizing this roadway - not asking the State to fix a road that we should fix ourselves or part of the flood protection project - and if fix this part our new grant assessment would be emphasizing and trying to enhance a roadway system through this park and if had consensus to apply for the grant to include the entire road.

Kreun asked if reduce the amount from the City if they obtained the grant. Feland stated they would fix that portion so the impact of the road they would include in the grant application would be less; that when it was first looked at it was concrete panel replacement and some overlay and the total amount was between $400,000 and $500,000 to do the entire repair, and taking a portion of that out which they are going to say is flood protection related and fixing that ourselves. It was noted that there is approximately $1 million in betterment funds but dependent upon what happens with Riverside. He stated that Mark Aubol is working with the engineering department and looking at an estimate and scope of work, but want consensus to move forward, would see it again in the future.

Feland stated that the part that is concrete is not able to be overlaid because it is too broken up and needs to be redone. There was question if concrete removed and black top the road; Grasser stated that included as asphalt overlay in the grant, but problem with asphalt as area quite low and starts going under water at 32-33 ft. and even with light traffic asphalt doesn't hold up very well, and better off putting in concrete, that with the price of fuel the difference in concrete and asphalt has almost disappeared.

Kim Greendahl reported she had talked with NDDOT about the feasibility of resubmitting another application; that they had approached it from the flood protection standpoint and what happened to this road, the funds are actually intended for roads in or connected to tourist or recreation areas, and when the rep. was here in April all the people were at the top of the hill and didn't see much activity on that road and didn't see a need for that, that he came when we wouldn't have been using the lower area because it would have been wet and when talking about some of the activities down there and also the addition of the dog park, he suggested that we focus more on the activities that are coming down and traffic generating, and also include why the road was damaged in the beginning but focus more on recreation that this provides and focus more as a park, he recommended that if we were going to reapply, could start now, applications haven't gone out but that we start now.

Feland stated re. dog park they are looking to put in some off street diagonal parking and concrete that; and that if going to be reconstructed and perhaps add a little more to the project, widen it so that improve it while we are replacing it. Kreun suggested if we get a grant, proceed with the first part of this with our own monies and the remaining part could take 2 to 3 years - could do some spot patching, and keep the whole loop open over the years even if have to wait a few years to complete it. It was noted that if the dog park is open year round and more traffic, to keep it plowed and cleared; and there is fairly large number of people there on Saturday or Sunday. Kreun stated that the greenway is being utilized to a heavy degree and will have to continue to maintain it, add amenities and work with the people that are there and that this good start and good maintenance program. Committee's consensus was to continue. Duquette stated that the $120,000 allows the widening of that road and put in diagonal parking. Feland stated it is a rough estimate but wanted to get consensus before going out and soliciting bids and also concur that we go ahead and submit the grant and will bring that info. back to committee.

Greenway Bikeway System Improvements.
Melanie reviewed information making some improvements and enhancements to the bikeway system that constructed through the flood protection project in the greenway and stated that the maps indicate location of the bikepaths. One of the areas is 47th Avenue South and main connection to the Southend and along the Southend Drainway as well as the north end, and there is a segment missing on 47th Ave.S. that would provide a connection to the community trail along 47th Ave.S. west of Belmont Road and have looked at how we can implement these bike connections over the next few years to enhance our overall community bikeway system.

Another area they have looked at is Lincoln Drive and the bikepath that runs along the riverbank was tied into the roadway system and the main trail comes from the south along the golf course area and connects north along Reeves Drive all on the wet side of greenway section. One of the things they have heard from the community is that there would be a desire to tie the trail system together because lot of people don't realize there is a bikepath along the riverbank, offers different type of scenic view and is flooded little more frequently although they are able to maintain a concrete path, and one of things they have tried to implement this year that would enhance the system is trail connect at Lincoln Drive Park entrance, sign it and stripe it to get people down to the bikepath and that if there were improvements made because there is a safety concern of people utilizing that section of the roadway because of repair and rebar sticking out, and would like to look at the opportunity to tie this into the trail system.

Kreun asked if repairs would tie in with the long range plan and it was noted that is what their ultimate goal is to make those permanent tie ins; and that if it was their intention to make that part of the budgeting process and put into the long term CIP. Duquette stated that he and John discussed making this part of the CIP for the bikeway improvements and related that to the long range plan.

There was some discussion as to number of people utilizing those area; Melanie stated they talked about doing some trail counting and need to justify cost of the trail counts and there is an interest in getting those numbers. Kreun stated the information received from the Park District and your group is that the greenway is becoming more utilized than what anticipated to begin with and make sure we maintain it but want to make sure we get the usage from it as well; and was in favor if it fits in with the long range plan put together several years ago.

Melanie reported that the last area is off of North 3rd Street and 7th Avenue and there is a bikepath that was established prior to the flood that they were trying to connect into the greenway trail system but the way that it is connected runs down along the street and into a sidewalk and goes around a parking lot, but trail users are coming off the trail, cutting across the pump station would be to tie this in and properly sign it where the trail access is; and the last area where there is a disconnect from the city's trail system north of Gateway Drive, and doesn't know that there is any easy solution on how to make this connection with the area north of Gateway to the neighborhood trail connection that would be functional. She stated this is in the long term planning but no solution.

Melanie stated these are improvements that can really enhance the system that they would like to continue to look at feasibility and pursue funding. She stated there has also been discussion re disconnects in the system connecting not only from our community to the greenway but in neighborhoods as well and there is some overall bikeway system plan that the MPO has and continually updates but there has been a lot of discussion about wanting to prioritize and make sure that these connections are made. Kreun stated it would at some point in the future to get that information from that group as they are the ones that actually study it and have lot of technical information that people want and appreciate that input.

Kreun stated that as long as community utilizes it and want it, continue to work on it. Feland stated that was the greenway update for the summer and what they would like to work on.

2 2008 World Men's Curling Championship update.
Todd Feland reported that looking back to the World Jrs. there were two things that Public Works assisted with during that time was in putting up banners on street light poles (Welcome to Our World) and staff of REA has requested and we are intending to put those banners up in March (have approx. 160 banners), and are going to look at strategic corridors for placement of the banners.

He stated the other issue is the shuttle system - that during World Jrs. worked with REA staff and World Jr. Championship team, the City managed the hotel shuttle service and was successful service and well used system and have request to do this during World Men's Curling Championship starting on April 5. He stated they looked at total est. service hours, 106 service hours, and a cost estimate summary; that there would be two routes, eastern route which is downtown and one on the western corridor where majority of hotels are and to include the Canad Inn which is the conference/championship hotel - 106 service hours x 3 buses x $80.00/hour (est. from Dietrich) - $25,440.00; and that during World Jrs. the City charged $1.00 per ride and would get some return on the investment between $23,000 and $25,000. He reviewed figures from World Jrs. with total of $37,290 and gave 10,088 rides at $1.00/per ride - and total cost was $27,202.00 - that attendance at that event was 240,000 and this event 50,000. He stated the other request has been that they don't charge for the service and this is a City-sponsored hotel shuttle service, and asked committee whether they should charge a fee or sponsor this service. He stated he started with 3 buses and trying to get it to a 1/2 hour service which is best service. He stated other issues are as time is short has proceeded with bids so if go forward and provide the service will have bids back in March. He stated he wants to get estimates and look at different units; and wants to get the cost per hour and when that is determined, they can determine how they want to service on a hourly basis. He noted they also have to get maps to the motels and time schedules.

Kreun stated they will also have to have a list of places they plan on stopping and if motels are going to share in the cost with the City, the benefit is to the city as will get sales tax dollars, room tax, etc. and if motels sharing in responsibility. Feland stated best could do during World Jrs. was that motels would manage the tickets and handle money, they were happy the City did it but wouldn't participate with funding; and have not approached them for this event.

Duquette stated that we're a city that has some great opportunities with the REA and the Alerus and thinks this is the right thing to do, other cities do the same with events, and what he thinks we should look at is a partnership with the REA, they have had some discussions and that maybe we can get some money back once event is done; that he talked to Mr. Hodgson about the concept of cost sharing, esp. if a profit on this and get some of our money back from the shuttle situation - sharing in the profits and the losses. He stated he would like to use this as a future model and sees this as an opportunity to gain other events and if doing it right, more opportunity. That maybe we have the REA and/or Alerus and/or City visiting with these other entities and that this is the package we are putting together.

Kreun asked where the funding would come from - Duquette stated they can clear this administratively - Schmisek stated funds will come from the sales tax economic development fund 2163.

Reps. from the event stated as soon as they make a decision here they will want to get that out on the website because that will help drive ticket sales - shuttle service. Hodgson stated that as an event producer in the community to come to some type of model that can be reproduced from event to event - another benefit is getting these people out into the community and would be willing to put their chips in. He stated they have had 4 meetings with the CBD which was arranged with the hotel community and largest attendance at those meetings was 4 properties and the general reaction is business is going to come and chips are in with regard to the taxes that they pay and that hotel shuttle is misnomer because it is an event shuttle system and a community shuttle community system, hotels are going to benefit but great benefactor is our community and guests that look at us as a host community.

McNamara stated that if people are going to come here and we are going to host major events, there is a public transportation component to that but question is how do we do it as efficiently as possible.

Bakken stated that if we are going to do as a City, it should be a long range budget, and if have events where we are going to figure out how to pay for bus service if that is what we intend to do, and if not whoever is sponsoring the events would have to figure out how to have a bus service.
Schmisek stated that is where we have to go, even after World Jrs. were not able to see a drastic change in sales tax because every month fluctuates drastically and if going to consistently try to fund these events, have to say within 2163 have to have this kind of money, but we have to look at the hotels and that this has to become reimbursable because otherwise those funds are going to dry up - have to see money come back in.

Duquette stated as a recommendation and are looking for a consensus from the committee that we are going to move forward with the shuttle service and that Mr. Schmisek, Mr. Feland and he will work with Mr. Hodgson to put together a memorandum of understanding of agreement as it relates to cost sharing, and try to do our best to keep close to our cost. No motion needed but only consensus.

Kreun stated that if work on template, find out how other communities fund their transportation, that he had wanted to focus in on the people that benefit. Mark Aubol stated when he has gone to events, cities have their general routes where have transportation but the host hotels - make 3 or 4 host hotels that have shuttle service and advertise to clients those are the hotels you use because they have shuttle service, and if they don't want to buy into it - That is one of the options to look at - because want to provide the service.

3. Special Event Permit update.
Chief Packett presented information relating to alcohol compliance testing for an upcoming meeting for background information on license holders.

Lt. Byron Sieber presented information relating to a special event by O'Really's Irish Pub, 10 N. 3rd Street, on March 15 re. St. Patrick's Day to allow patrons to travel between Irish and Gilly's Bar & Grill; not unusual that city has had street closures for large special events but concern re. this event is they want to close from 8:00 a.m. to midnight, 16 hours, from DeMers to 1st Ave N., that other businesses impacted as well as the new apartment complex where apartments have been rented and tenants moving into the building. He noted that they have had lot of incidents at this location, large number of assaults and also possibility of problem for access of fire or ambulance if needed and brought to committee's attention. That if approved would have to be after business hours, require security. It was noted that the parade starts at the Masonic Temple and would end at this location.

Duquette stated normally they take these permits through administrative process and approve/ disapprove but thinks have some recommendations at it relates to this permit application where council is the appellate body and thinks will get some feedback on this matter - that basically what seeing at this point thinks a more reasonable amount of time and security plan outlined to the police department.

McNamara stated the start time is significant and end time more significant and if end at midnight, is the police department going to have to enforce that at midnight, and potential for a fairly significant event in middle of the street - . Sieber stated they cannot get them off the street in the summer time. He stated they have tried different methods for this particular block to reduce our problems and problem with giving them a legal street closing for such a length of time.

Bakken stated under circumstances would be more apt to deny this and with track record and problems we have had down there and with new residents and tenants, doesn't make any sense for our community. The committee also stated impact on businesses. Chief Packett stated they have had conversation with Howard Swanson and senior staff shared his concern with their desires to have people going with open containers from business to business and would have an open beer garden for an entire block and share his concerns as well, and any approval of a permit to close the street is indicated by everybody that timeline would have to be smaller, no carrying of beverages from business to business and getting some concurrence from other businesses, and now have apartments being moved into. Chief Packett stated they would recommend denial in its current form. Bakken stated he would recommend denial in any form and if have downtown become a community, don't want to keep setting an example that it is going to be party central.

Committee unanimously denied the request. Lt. Sieber stated they would take it through the regular process and vote no and give reasons, and they would have the right to appeal.

Kreun stated that at next meeting would indicate our responsibility in licensure. This matter will be on the next agenda or following agenda with Det. Flannery who will walk you through the current process for licensing and will also have a total calls for service for each license holder. Chief Packett stated they have met with the hospitality people a lot in recent years and that was agreement with them - that they would not be penalized for the times that they called and generated calls out of their control and will discern that out - if deny access would be penalized. McNamara asked for statistics re. aggravated assaults and if could break down by city block and give base line from 2005, etc. - Chief Packett stated they have locations for each one.

Adjourn

The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.

Alice Fontaine
City Clerk